Mr. Stephen Ogbonna
Stephen Ogbonna holds a master’s and bachelor’s degree in theology, Ministry, and Mission from Durham University, UK, as well as a Short Master’s in Immigration, Law, and Inclusion Practices from the Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Italy. He also earned a degree in Banking and Finance from the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, Nigeria. Stephen brings over a decade of experience in chaplaincy, refugee advocacy, and project management across Nigeria, Italy, and the UK. His work is grounded in a strong foundation of mental health support, trauma-informed care, and community development. In Bari, Italy, he successfully led EU-funded integration programmes for refugees and asylum seekers, focusing on training, employment, and civic inclusion. In Sheffield, UK, he continues this work through roles in mental health chaplaincy, immigration support, and multifaith community outreach.
Stephen’s professional journey is deeply rooted in his lived experience as a refugee. Having navigated the complexities of displacement, resettlement, and cultural transition, he brings profound insight into the emotional and systemic challenges faced by migrants. His work is guided by compassion, justice, and a creative spirit—using tools like theatre, music, and faith-based listening spaces to foster healing, dignity, and hope.
His career has included impactful work with UNICEF in Nigeria, where he supported individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS, as well as with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Italy. He has been instrumental in pioneering European projects that promote migrant participation in democracy and political processes. Stephen is the Director of Mama Africa Italy and an Associate of Mama Africa Sheffield, UK.
Marina Schrione is a dedicated human rights advocate and migration specialist with over 15 years of experience supporting forcibly displaced persons, particularly underage, separated children and young people. My work spans direct support, policy advocacy, and academic research focused on addressing systemic challenges in the refugee protection systems. Mama Africa is a space of hope, resistance, and renewal. We’re here to walk alongside those on the margins — refugees, migrants, seekers of justice — and together, create a future where everyone belongs. As the founder of “Mama Africa Odv” in Italy (and Sheffield) and its Creative Director, I have advocated for underage separated children, vulnerable women, and victims of human trafficking and modern slavery, helping transform them from passive recipients of services to active participants in their own journey. My approach combines practical support with strategic advocacy aimed at systemic change.
My research and professional practice focus on age assessment methodologies and their intersection with child trafficking risks in immigration contexts. I bring a unique perspective combining frontline experience, academic research, project management expertise and a multilingual, cross-cultural background (Italian, English, French, Russian). I am passionate about challenging inhumane immigration policies, promoting culturally appropriate, holistic approaches to refugee support and inclusion, and amplifying the voices of displaced persons through participatory research, creative expression, and community-led initiatives. Together, we can fight inequality to end poverty and injustice. Changing the world starts here.
Marina is passionate about dismantling barriers to care, amplifying migrant voices, and creating inclusive, culturally aware spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered.
Oronzo Franco – A Life Committed to Service
Born and raised in Bari, Oronzo Franco has dedicated his life to volunteer work. Starting in the 1980s as a trained emergency responder, he later shifted to social volunteering, supporting Caritas with food distribution and helping manage a soup kitchen for those in need. After retiring from his career as a train operator, Oronzo became active in prison volunteer work with Insieme per Ricominciare, offering library services, listening support, and assistance to inmates and their families.
He also collaborated with U.E.P.E. to aid people under house arrest and helped manage transitional housing for inmates nearing the end of their sentences. In recent years, he’s supported the Nova Vita Association, driven a food truck delivering meals to the homeless, and now plays a vital role with Mama Africa, helping restructure the association and guide its registration with Italy’s Third Sector registry (RUNTS).
Oronzo is currently a council member of CSV San Nicola in Bari and continues to serve with compassion, dedication, and humility.
Moussa Kanté is a dedicated and multilingual professional with extensive experience in social inclusion, project coordination, and intercultural mediation. With a strong academic foundation in International Relations, Development Cooperation, and Peace Studies, Moussa has built a solid career supporting vulnerable communities, particularly migrants and refugees, across Italy and beyond. Over the years, he has worked with various organizations such as ARCA di Noè, ASP Città di Bologna, CIDAS Ferrara, and Cooperativa Camelot, where he coordinated integration programs, facilitated access to services, and provided cultural-linguistic mediation in multiple languages including French, Italian, English, Arabic, Bambara, and Soninké.
His roles have involved both frontline support and administrative responsibilities, including managing training programs, organizing awareness campaigns, and collaborating with local institutions. Known for his communication skills, empathy, and ability to navigate complex multicultural environments, Moussa combines practical experience with a deep commitment to human rights, equality, and active citizenship. He brings a strategic perspective and a human touch to every project he undertakes. We are committed to providing a diverse, inclusive, equal and safe work environment for all of our employees and the communities we work with. Our culture is shaped by our values, which reinforce what we care about and how we do things, not just what we do.
