PALERMO VIA ROCCO PIRRI

“Here people are not just numbers”

Beyond the sliding doors there is the smile of a receptionist waiting to guide you to the right bilingual desk. Welcome to ‘Palermo 3’, one of the oldest branches in the Sicilian capital which is now almost completely incorporated into the Central Train Station, although the main entrance is still on Via Rocco Pirri. This central and historic area of Palermo was one of the first to be inhabited by foreign communities due to its affordable rents and public transport links. Today, the principal ethnicities are Asian and African.

The influx of foreign customers has pushed for the central management to establish a new multicultural office. “If we talk numbers, I’d say a good 50% of our clients today are foreigners,” says the branch manager, Giuseppe Sannino. Amina Sayad, 26, second-generation Moroccan, is a point of reference for the many Arabic-speakers of the area: “Especially for those who have just arrived and who have been directed here via word of mouth. They come here to enquire about our services and they leave here with detailed information. They are more free to ask me about our services.” In addition to queries, they also seek advice on where to go shopping or sites to see.

According to Leandra Brancaleone, another employee who speaks English and French, “the service provided by Poste Italiane offers an opportunity for immigrants to learn about the many services available to them. Customers are more open when they realise that someone speaks their language and is able talk about cultural differences.” According to the manager, Sannino, “the most popular services are mobile SIM cards and money transfers for family members back home. However, it’s not all about numbers. Working in this office is fun and exciting because it is constantly evolving and fulfilling because we always do our best to carry out our mission.”

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