NAPLES PIAZZA MATTEOTTI
An individualised product for each individual
Naples has always been a multicultural city. Many civilisations have come and gone: the Greeks, Romans, Austrians, French, Spanish and just 70 years ago, the Americans. Naples has never turned its back on migrant communities in search for assistance and possibilities. And to prove it, the city opened its first multicultural Post Office a year and a half ago – ‘Napoli 83’ - in Piazza Matteotti, a stone’s throw away from via Toledo and the Court of Law, in the heart of the city.
Naples has been one of the principal destinations for Sri-Lankan immigrants whose families and young people make up the majority of the Post Office’s client base, such as 20-year-olds Sanjukan and Kasun, who have been living in Naples for two months and six months respectively. Kasun already has his permanent residency permit, is familiar with Italian and has accompanied his friend to apply for his permit too. According to Kasun, Sanjukan “has been here for two months and already has a job as a kitchen porter. I am here with my family.” According to English-Spanish and French- speaking Post Office employee Rosanna, “Sri-Lankans and Indians generally come in for registrations, permanent residency permits and mobile SIM cards to call home. Spanish and French speaking customers top up their Postepay and buy postal money orders. There are also many Canadian university professors.” Interestingly, according to Rosanna “Francophone customers often buy stamps for their stamp collections.”
Demands for different services vary significantly, for example, MoneyGram is more popular among Eastern Europeans than any other ‘new Italian’ community. According to Irina, from Ukraine, “Poste SIM Mobile is a very sought-after service. There are at least 10-15 people a day who come from ex-Soviet countries for more affordable SIM cards.” “The secret to running a place like this is to establish and maintain relationships and trust between customers and employees,” explains Polish-speaking employee Iwona. “People come here and feel at home when they can communicate in their native language. At the end of the day, this is part of our job.” For the Polish and Romanian communities that make up 7% of Naples’ immigrant community, not having to apply for permanent residency makes things a lot easier. “They come here for regular mail service and to open and manage their accounts or registrations.”
