Skip to Content
Apply Donate

SSIH Partner Il Nodo Onlus

Il Nodo Onlus

With headquarters in both Milan, Italy and Phnom Penh Cambodia, the NGO Il Nodo Onlus has harnessed the design expertise of Milan to directly impact individuals determined to transform their lives, in Cambodia.  Il Nodo Onlus stands as a source of hope and empowerment in the heart of Cambodia, expertly entwining the delicate threads of local artistry with robust reskilling projects, not merely producing exceptional artisan products but also sustainable futures that flourish with possibility.

Women working with fabric

This unique NGO, rooted in expertise from Milanese design professionals, operates on a principle of cooperation, not mere charity. Its foundational approach – social design – encapsulates a spectrum of skills imparted to the youth and children of Cambodia, from metals and jewelry design to textiles, and essential aptitudes like accounting, English language capabilities, and social skills.

Within the rich tapestry of Cambodia’s history – its enchanting art, breathtaking landscapes, and the alluring blend of timelessness and fragility – Il Nodo Onlus weaves a promise of renewal.

Over 3000 families benefit from the tangible expressions of this promise – clean water, schooling, and hygiene supplies. Beyond that, a pathway to a self-sustaining livelihood opens up to the children and youth through robust professional training.

Tomorrow’s artisans and business leaders are being forged today in the workshops of Il Nodo Onlus, as they embody the impact statement that drives every action and initiative – to create a better future for Cambodia’s youth and children. Through its dual presence in Milan and Cambodia, the NGO exemplifies the power of cross-cultural collaboration and shows that from seasoned experience can grow new seeds of innovation and hope.

The History of Il Nodo

At the heart of the Italian-Cambodian non-governmental organization Il Nodo Onlus lies a story of global citizenship, empathy, and Design’s role in driving social change. The narrative starts with Italian Architect Alberto Cannetta, who served as Scientific Counsellor at the Italian Embassy, initially in New Delhi, India, then in Beijing, China, along with his wife, Luciana Damiani Cannetta and accompanied by their children. Their collaborative efforts in international contexts enriched their family with a profound global perspective that transcended their Italian heritage. Martina Cannetta, their daughter, drawn by her research into the socio-economic challenges women face in Asia, earned a psychology degree. Her thesis focused on the societal roles of women in Asian cultures, particularly specifically within India and China. Fueled by a desire to create change, Martina’s path led her to work within the United Nations (the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute) and then on to Cambodia, where the idea of the NGO was conceived.

In Cambodia, still healing from the scars inflicted by the Khmer Rouge regime, the visionaries behind Il Nodo recognized the powerful role of Design in empowering social change. They envisioned a Social Design School that would uplift and empower marginalized youth, offering a new path forward through the fusion of Italy’s renowned design expertise and Cambodia’s rich artistic heritage. Starting from the ground up, without funding or educational background, Il Nodo’s first lessons were held in a church through an Italian missionary’s generosity. Launching a two-year course in metalworking and jewelry design, they sought support from within their vast network of designers. This request received an overwhelming response, with around 100 designers, not only from Italy, but also Japan, Brazil, Austria, and Holland contributing to the initiative.

Il Nodo Onlus’ ongoing commitment bore fruit in 2015, as the Social Design School gained official recognition from the Ministry. This acknowledged and formalized the students’ capabilities throughout the ASEAN region. Design faculty of the school include Alessandro Mendini, Giancarlo Iliprandi, Monica Castiglioni, Kengiro Azuma, Paola Lenti and many more. Il Nodo Onlus illustrates the belief that Design surpasses simple artistic creation. It emerges as a collaborative tool for social innovation, bridging cultures, and creating a legacy filled with hope, resilience, and sustainable progress. Alberto Cannetta passed away in 2018, but Luciana Damiani Cannetta and her daughters Martina Cannetta and Josephine Cannetta continue to lead Il Nodo,  (the Knot, in Italian), along with their international team, and continue to transform the lives of thousands.

Student Project Options

1. Preparing to commercialize the outputs of the Bottega Dell’Arte

Dive into the vibrant intersection of art and business, tasked with the task of transforming how the Bottega Dell’Arte’s artisanal creations reach the market. This role transcends the confines of conventional market research; it’s an invitation to apply your creativity in shaping a powerful digital presence for the Bottega Dell’Arte. Your challenge involves blending artistic excellence with ecological responsibility, advocating for a future where each transaction promotes the global Sustainable Development Goals. Envision the blend of digital marketing expertise and commitment to social impact!

2. Awareness Campaign for the Children Behind Bars Program

Embark on a mission to shape an awareness campaign that pierces through societal indifference, illuminating the pressing realities faced by young children behind bars. This venture calls for a blend of creativity and strategic thinking, utilizing restricted media to forge powerful narratives that captivate and motivate public action. Your goal is to create a suite of creative campaigns that not only highlight the plight of these young individuals but also galvanize support toward meaningful reform aligned with Sustainable Development Goals.

3. Artificial Intelligence for Social Innovation

Guide Il Nodo through the process of selecting and implementing AI technologies that align with their organizational goals and budget constraints. This initiative entails a deep dive into AI tools that can automate tasks, enhance marketing strategies and tactics, and bolster fundraising activities. By developing customized proof of concepts and establishing standardized operating procedures, you will pave the way for long-term, scalable solutions that empower Il Nodo to achieve its mission more effectively.

This site uses cookies to offer you a better browsing experience. Find out more on how we use cookies and how you can change your settings.