Sportellino: a multilingual chatbot for migrants in ItalyCEFR A1
24 Apr 2026
Adapted from Marisa Petricca, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Martina Picciau, Unsplash
- Sportellino helps migrants in Italy to find public services.
- It speaks many languages to support users.
- The chatbot gives clear step-by-step information and guidance.
- People use it on mobile phones and messaging apps.
- The service is free, anonymous and available day and night.
- No registration or sensitive personal data is required.
- Answers come from official sources and trusted professionals.
- It helps with health, school and work questions.
- The tool works together with local human helpers.
- Sportellino aims to make access to services easier.
Difficult words
- migrant — A person who moves to another country to livemigrants
- public service — Service provided by the government for peoplepublic services
- chatbot — A computer program that talks with people online
- guidance — Advice or help about what to do next
- anonymous — Without name or personal identity shown
- sensitive — Related to private personal information that must be protected
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would you use this service on your phone?
- Which help would you want: health, school, or work?
- Do you like services that are anonymous?
Related articles
New ultrasound method improves diagnosis of breast masses
Researchers developed a new ultrasound signal-processing method that distinguishes fluid cysts from solid breast masses. In initial patient tests doctors identified masses correctly far more often than with conventional ultrasound, which could reduce biopsies and follow-ups.
EU AI rules do not cover exports to West Asia and North Africa
Research by 7amleh finds that European AI rules and funding often leave the EU without binding safeguards. Money, technology and products reach governments and militaries across West Asia and North Africa with limited human rights accountability.
Social media can give early warning of displacement
Researchers find that analysing social media posts can give early warning of population movements and help humanitarian agencies respond faster. The study in EPJ Data Science tested methods across three case studies using nearly 2 million posts on X.