Meet Your Sicily Team Leader: Giovanni Parrino

Born and raised in the picturesque town of Castelvetrano, Sicily, Giovanni Parrino, Global Volunteers’ Manager of International Operations and Italy Country Manager, has always been driven by a deep passion for serving others and contributing to the well-being of his community. From his academic achievements in Economics and Finance at the University of Palermo to his extensive global experiences in volunteering and project management, his journey has been one of learning, giving, and growth. This path has taken Giovanni from the heart of Sicily to the far corners of the world, yet his enduring love for his homeland has consistently drawn him back, inspiring him to apply his skills and experiences to uplift the people and places he holds most dear.

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By Giovanni Parrino

I was born and raised in Castelvetrano, a vibrant community in Sicily. I graduated in Economics and Finance from the University of Palermo and later obtained a Master’s degree in European Project Management. From a young age, I have felt a profound desire to serve others and assist the most vulnerable. Volunteering has been a cornerstone of my life, and immediately after graduation, I embarked on a three-month volunteer mission to Burundi, Africa, where I dedicated myself to helping children in need.

Following my time in Burundi, I joined an International Civil Service project, engaging in another impactful volunteer experience at a Center for Orphans and Street Children in Djibouti, a small nation in the Horn of Africa. This experience led me to serve as a Project Manager for Caritas Djibouti and subsequently for Caritas Somalia, managing Cooperation and Development projects in the Republic of Djibouti for about four years.

Upon returning to Italy, I worked for a year with the international NGO PERIGEO, based in the Marche Region and Milan, serving as a Project Manager and Project Coordinator. However, the call of the wider world was strong, and I pursued various work and volunteer experiences in South America, spending several months in Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and recently Argentina.

Despite my global ventures, my deep love for Sicily—its scents, flavors, and profound sense of home—drew me back to serve my community. In 2019, during the municipal elections, a mayoral candidate selected me as his designated Councilor for Social Policies. In this role, I met Phyllis Parrinello Thompson, then a Volunteer Team Leader in Italy for Global Volunteers. Our meeting was a turning point. I quickly realized the potential of collaborating with Global Volunteers to address the challenges in Castelvetrano, a city facing significant issues, including high unemployment, a lack of sports infrastructure, and insufficient spaces for youth, who are often at risk of falling into petty crime and drug use.

The pandemic delayed the project’s initiation. In July 2020, I resigned from my position as Councilor for Social Policies. When the situation improved in 2021, I was honored to receive a proposal from the CEO of Global Volunteers. I enthusiastically accepted and, since February 2022, have served as Italy Country Manager and Manager for International Operations for Global Volunteers.

I deeply love my job because the mission, values, and philosophy of Global Volunteers resonate perfectly with my personal aspirations. The aspect I cherish most is meeting and working alongside incredible individuals who share similar ideals and a love for volunteering. These encounters enrich my life and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of our community.

Sicily, and Castelvetrano in particular, has so much to offer our volunteers. Our land has been shaped by the conquests of many civilizations throughout history, each leaving its mark. The richness of our region spans from its wonderful climate and breathtaking landscapes to its extraordinary historical, architectural, and cultural heritage. Just a few miles from Castelvetrano lies the Archaeological Park of Selinunte, the largest archaeological park in Europe. Local residents are warm and welcoming, and Sicilian cuisine is renowned for its rich, delicious flavors.

Our volunteers typically enjoy engaging with our students and the local community. These interactions often lead to meaningful connections and friendships. Through their service, volunteers help improve English language proficiency among students and community members, enhancing their employability in an increasingly globalized job market.

In my personal life, I enjoy traveling, walking in nature, playing sports, and watching good movies. Above all, my greatest love is my family. My wife, Giorgina, is an environmental educator who moved from the Marche Region to Sicily and quickly fell in love with our land. Together, we have two wonderful children: Flora, who is 3 and a half years old, and Libero, who is 1 year old. They are my greatest joy, and their smiles and happiness mean everything to me.

Giovanni warmly invites volunteers to Sicily, where they can immerse themselves in the rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant community of Castelvetrano while making a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and the community.

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