Spousal Life Conference : Annexe 6
Association of Foreign Service Employee Spouses (Acdmae)
A report written by the spouses of the Italian Embassy in Ottawa
Association of Foreign Service Employee Spouses (A.C.D.M.A.E.)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
La Farnesina - Rome 3rd Floor, Room 3444
Hours: 10:30 - 13:00
Tel: 3691-3909
Fax: 360.00.038
Email: acdmae@esteri.it
Since 1978 this volunteer Association has assisted the spouses and families of Foreign Service employees. Its aims are to offer support in the face of the particular demands of the lifestyle of Foreign Service employees and to work to sensitize the Administration to family issues. The Association's activity was officially recognized with a Decree issued on October 23,1997 by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lamberto Dini. We would like to tell you about our activities and take this occasion to add that suggestions and collaboration are always very welcome. By becoming a member of the Association you can contribute to the development of new ideas and help it reach increasingly useful and concrete goals.
The Signorello Law
The right (Law n. 26 of February 11, 1980) to indeterminate leave for family reasons granted to the spouse of a public servant or military personnel assigned to service abroad (...) was recently very favourably expanded, thanks to the efforts of the Association. Law n. 148 of June 27, 1997 makes it possible for employment benefits relative to a period of leave granted in accordance with the aforesaid legislation to be maintained, upon request and following the voluntary payment of the relative contributions.
Employment
May 4, 1998 saw the signature of an agreement between the Association and the Italian company Manpower S.p.A (a temporary employment agency) to offer our members - and all interested spouses - an opportunity for skilled employment. For further information, or if you are interested in temporary or part-time employment, kindly send us your membership request, together with an address at which you may be reached and the date you will be able to begin working. We sincerely hope that this agreement will mark the beginning of a "new era" for all those concerned.
Insurance
- In 1992 two health care agreements were stipulated valid both in Italy and abroad: one with an Italian insurance company and one with a foreign company. The procedures and rates vary according to the services provided.
- Several years ago, the Association concluded an insurance agreement for supplementary pension benefits, with particularly flexible characteristics, so as to meet the needs of employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It has enjoyed considerable success particularly with younger employees.
- A recent agreement on life insurance has also been concluded.
Schools
The Association has published an up-to-date academic vademecum containing important information on the equivalence of academic diplomas. It provides all the necessary information for the recognition of academic diplomas from foreign schools in Italy and abroad and for admission to schools and to Italy's national final secondary school examinations ('esame di maturity'). It also provides helpful information and addresses in Italy and abroad.
The Association has also recently published a university vademecum for young people who have obtained a foreign secondary school diploma or the equivalent and wish to attend university in Italy.
Health Care
The Association compiles and regularly updates a guide to health services in Rome entitled "S.O.S. - Health Care" containing information for emergency situations and specialized hospital services.
How and Where
Upon request, the Association makes available the How and Where guide, a compendium of practical information on foreign posts, which it regularly updates. There is also a version of How and Where - Rome for employees and families returning to Rome.
N.B. Additional information pertaining to the preceding points is available at the Association office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Bulletin and Newsletter
A yearly bulletin is published dealing with topics of general interest and providing information on the activities of the Working Groups.
Also, generally on a monthly basis, a Newsletter helps maintain contact with members, provides updates on Association activities and information on important events.
Community Relations
The Association, which promoted the first meeting of similar associations of countries of the European Community in 1985, still participates in the meetings of the EUFASA (European Foreign Affairs Spouses Association) aimed at facilitating exchanges, sharing opinions and ideas and realizing joint projects.
In 1996 the Association organized the highly successful 1 2th edition of the EUFASA Conference in Rome.
Internal Support Group
The goal of this new group is to help spouses with common interests keep in touch, and in particular to assist those spouses who have difficulty attending events independently (cultural events, theatre evenings, coffee get-togethers, etc.)
The group also helps spouses requiring administrative or general assistance.
Welcome Group
The Group organizes welcoming activities such as cultural tours, lectures and monthly get-togethers for members of the foreign Diplomatic Corps in Rome and of our members in Italy.
Youth Group, GRU, Children's Group
- The Youth Group is open to Italian and foreign youngsters between the ages of 14 and 18.
- The GRU (University Youth Group) provides information for those uncertain of what university faculty to select or assistance to students having difficulty with bureaucratic administrative procedures. The Children's Group is intended for the very young and provides young mothers with an opportunity to socialize.