Smooth integration and coexistence between refugees and local communities are the main goals of the HELIOS project recently launched in Greece, as the country in recent years has been receiving thousands of migrants and refugees with a peak during 2015-2016.

The HELIOS project is implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in cooperation with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum and the funding of the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs of the European Commission (DG Home).

The main pillars of the project include accommodation support, Greek language courses and employability support as the inclusion of refugees to the Greek society are for the benefit of both sides. In close collaboration with national authorities and experienced Partners the HELIOS project supports the integration of beneficiaries of international protection currently residing in temporary accommodation schemes into the Greek society, through the following components:

• Integration Courses: Conduction of Integration Courses within Integration Learning Centres set-up across Greece consisting of modules on Greek language learning, cultural orientation, job readiness and life skills.
• Accommodation support: Supporting beneficiaries towards independent accommodation in apartments rented on their name.
• Employability support: Provision of individual employability and job readiness support, including through job counseling, access to job-related certifications and networking with private employers.
• Integration monitoring: Regular assessment of the integration progress of the beneficiaries to ensure that they will be in a position to confidently navigate through Greek public service providers once they will exit from the HELIOS project and start living independently in Greece.

Photo: IOM FB page 

The objective of the project is to increase beneficiaries’ prospects towards self-reliance supporting them in becoming active members of the Greek society, while establishing an integration mechanism for beneficiaries of international protection.

According to IOM data from July 2019 up today, 18,947 recognized refugees have enrolled in the HELIOS project, while 6,115 of them have signed new lease agreements for apartments rented in their own name. It is worth to highlight that from June 2020 - after the decision for the exit of recognized refugees from the accommodation facilities - until 9 October, 4,428 beneficiaries of the project have been registered with new rental contracts.

The project also includes a program of sensitization of the host community through the organization of workshops, activities and events, the production of a nationwide media campaign to create exchange occasions between the hosting and the hosted communities, while highlighting the value of the integration of migrants into the Greek society.

Integration efforts through education and training are essential not only for refugee’s inclusion in Greek society but also in every EU country where they could be relocated, in the future. Effective management of migration and asylum policies in the EU also depends on the effective social inclusion of refugees and migrants through the osmosis with the European societies participating and contributing to the well-being of the communities ensuring thus the social cohesion.

The new EU pact on Migration and Asylum

A new pact on Migration and Asylum was proposed on the 23rd of September by the European Commission requiring approval by the European Parliament and member states at the European Council. The proposal sets out improved and faster procedures throughout the asylum and migration system and makes efforts to set in balance the principles of fair sharing of responsibility and solidarity. Through improving cooperation between the countries of origin and transit, ensuring effective procedures as well as successful integration of refugees and return of those with no right to stay, European Commission’s proposal is trying to introduce a comprehensive European approach to migration.

Greece during negotiations on Commission’s proposal -as a frontline country like Italy or Spain still bearing the brunt of migrant/refugee’s arrivals- will support its fundamental positions asking for mandatory relocations and solidarity insisting on fair sharing of the burden between all the member states that will balance the responsibility borne by the first host countries.

Read more on GNA

Refugees in Greece: Integration efforts, remaining challenges
“Face forward... into my home” | Portraits and stories of refugees in Athens
EU-UNHCR Launch Housing Scheme for Refugees in Greece

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Refugee and migrant arrivals on the Eastern Mediterranean countries have considerably increased since the beginning of 2019 and a further expansion is expected as a result of the recent turmoil in the broader region of Syria. According to UNHCR data published in October 2019, during the first nine months of the current year, some 47,300 individuals arrived in Greece and Cyprus, two countries that are part of the Eastern Mediterranean migration route along with Bulgaria, while 23,200 reached the shores of Spain (Western Mediterranean route) and 10,300 arrived in Italy and Malta through the Central Mediterranean route.

It should be noted that Greece has received the majority of arrivals (46,100) across the Mediterranean region this year – more than Spain, Italy, Malta and Cyprus combined. Because of its geographical position Greece is the external border of the EU being at the same time a transit country for the migratory flows. It is more than obvious that Greece cannot face alone this enormous challenge and for that reason the EU has taken a number of measures concerning the management of migratory flows, the registration and accommodation of refugees and their relocation to other EU member states.

Given however, the great extent of this phenomenon, more action by the EU and its member states has to be taken and in this direction Greece along with Cyprus and Bulgaria have recently announced the launch of the Eastern Mediterranean Migration Route Initiative (EMMI). The EMMI initiative that was presented in the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council on October 8th in Luxembourg, aims to contribute to the forthcoming reform of the EU migration policy by indicating that more attention has to be given to the vulnerable and affected Eastern Mediterranean region.

The persisting and increasing trend of arrivals in the region necessitates a greater burden sharing among EU member states through an effective mechanism for the relocation of persons arriving to front-line member states to the rest of the EU. EMMI initiative also aims for an effective return policy for those that do not have the right of asylum in the EU. The three countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Migration Route facing a disproportionate burden concerning migratory flows are also encouraging the EU and the other EU member-states to agree on increased migration funds in view of the 2021-2026 EU budget negotiations.

Photos: © ANAmpa

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The Greek government has launched a special newsletter aimed at keeping citizens and media properly informed on all issues related to the refugee and migrant situation in the country. The newsletter will be issued periodically; this first edition (May 2018) presents the latest* data and statistics provided by the competent Greek authorities and international organizations, with a special focus on the actions developed in the sensitive sector of Health. According to Foteini Pantiora, head of the Special Secretariat for Crisis Management Communication, "our aim is to activate and maintain open communication channels on the issue and to give Greek and international media the big picture of what is going on."

In his introductory message, minister for Migration Policy Dimitris Vitsas, stresses that "one of our central priorities for the immediate future is the implementation of major infrastructure projects in the islands, in cooperation with the local government. [...] The Ministry for Migration Policy will continue to defend strongly the values of humanity and solidarity, while supporting asylum seekers as well as local communities that have made significant efforts at this time to manage the situation."

Read the newsletter.

*updated data until 28 February 2018

 Read more on the refugee/migrant situation in Greece:

• Teaching refugees in Greece how to code
• Greek Asylum Service in 2017: A year in review
• Refugees in Greece: Integration efforts, remaining challenges
• University of the Aegean: Observatory of the Refugee and Migration Crisis

I.L.

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Since the summer of 2015, Greece has been experiencing a huge migratory wave. Every day, hundreds of migrants, including refugees, cross the Greek borders in hopes of reachïng Western Europe. In order to tackle this crisis, Greece has ushered a new legal framework, always taking into account the international and European law, especially with respect to human rights protection, establishing in hosting facilities for refugees, enhancing the Asylum Service in order to examine asylum applications on an individual basis and in accordance with international human rights law, and implements programs for refugee health care and medical treatment, ensuring the right of education for all refugee children – access to education for all.

As Prime Minster Alexis Tsipras pointed out, in his speech a the 71st UN General Assembly (23.9.2016): “Together with the European and Turkish authorities, we are implementing the difficult but necessary EU-Turkey agreement. An agreement that has led to a drastic decrease in flows and – most importantly – in the number of deaths in the Aegean, having replaced the dangerous Aegean route with a legal one to Europe”.

According to Migration Policy Minister, Ioannis Mouzalas, “In Greece we are hosting about 60,000 refugees and migrants, 12,000 of which are on the islands. From now on, we aim to improve living conditions for the people who remain in our country. But to ensure this, the number of newcomers must remain low, as it is today thanks to the EU-Turkey Statement. We would like to remind all those who tend to forget it, that it is the EU-Turkey Statement that has reduced the flows from 5-7,000 a day to a mere 93. Greece as an EU member is doing its part towards the Statement’s fulfillment; the other stakeholders must also fulfill their commitments."

The Secretary General of Communication on Greek Migration Policy, George Florentis, talked to Greek News Agenda about his role, Greece’s effort to guarantee the safety and good living conditions of refugees living here and the priority given to health care and children’s education.

What are the main components of Greece’s migration policy in the context of the EU-Turkey deal? 

Due to the refugee/migrant crisis, the delicate balance between solidarity and security in Europe is at stake right now. However, since the beginning of this crisis, Greece did not stop fighting to guarantee the safety of refugees entering Europe in order to escape deadly war zones, while at the same time trying to control the migratory flows towards European Union. In this framework, Greece’s main task is the secure hosting of the refugees in Greece providing to them the best possible living conditions. Among our highest priorities are the refugees’ health care and their children’s education.

How is Greece’s handling of the refugee crisis presented in international media? What is needed to better communicate Greece’s migration policy?

Whenever there is a human tragedy there is no room for promotion or media exploitation. It is evident that, despite the financial circumstances, Greek society deals successfully with the refugee crisis through solidarity and humanitarian values.

How did decongesting of the Greek islands take place?

Since the refugee crisis started, Greece put all its effort to improve the living standards of the refugees that remain in the country. Responding to the crisis under very short deadlines, Greek authorities replaced the refugees from ad hoc camps to well operated hot spots. Today, under the “Housing Programme” that Greek authorities realize in cooperation with UNHCR, asylum seekers’ hospitality includes hotels, apartments and hosting families as well. Continuing the decongesting of the islands, additional hospitality facilities and hot spots are under construction for their convenience.

What are the provisions of the Greek state in terms of education and integration of refugee children?

Today, 2.614 refugee children are studying in the Greek elementary and middle schools. Our goal remains always to guarantee the right to education for every child in Greece; no matter if they are a refugee or not. Furthermore, we aim to provide refugee children with the necessary psychosocial support and preparatory education so that they can be gradually integrated into either the Greek educational system, or the system of the EU country they are going to be relocated to. We shall always keep in mind that one of the most important European values is the right of the people to education.

Read more:

• Fact Sheet: The Refugee / Migration Crisis and Greece
• La crise migratoire vue par George Florentis, Secrétaire Général de la communication de la politique migratoire grecque
• Greece: off the boat and into chaos (Valia Kamaiki, Le Monde Diplomatique)

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The Euro-Mediterranean Summit of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions that took place on 24 and 25 October in Vravrona, near Athens, gathered together Economic and Social Councils, representatives of employers' organizations, trade unions and NGOs from more than 30 countries to discuss their role in addressing the specific challenges facing the Euro-Mediterranean region.

The Summit was organized by European Economic and Social Committee and the Greek Economic and Social Council with the aim to promote a greater understanding of the main issues affecting organized civil society in the Euro-Mediterranean region and to enhance interregional dialogue. This year, the Summit focused on the following topics: Promotion of legal migration; women participation in labour force and women's entrepreneurship; organized civil society and climate change in the view of the COP22 and the coordination of social protection systems.

"In order not to treat only the symptoms of the problems, it is essential for the cooperation between the EU and the southern Mediterranean countries to be based on a true collaboration, one of equals, which include organised civil society effectively" said Georges Dassis, EESC President in his introductory statement.

 "The role of social partners and councils in promoting the acquis communautaire is of paramount importance", declared Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on opening the conference. The Prime Minister also underlined that Europe's cohesion will be judged by its ability to face with solidarity and effectiveness the three parallel crises unfolding right now; the economic crisis, refugee crisis and the external and internal security crisis,  adding that "a Europe à la carte, that some of our partners unfortunately support, in reality means 'non-Europe'". 

The meeting concluded with the adoption of a common Final Declaration, which underlines Euro-Mediterranean civil society’s commitment to the promotion of legal migration, social protection, the enhancement of women entrepreneurship and the inclusion of civil society organizations in the creation and implementation of politics on climate change and in the European neighborhood policy.

Specifically on the issue of social security and coordination of social security systems, the participants underline that the global economic crisis of recent years has made more urgent the need for social protection in times of economic uncertainty, low growth and growing inequalities. Furthermore they emphasise that in view of growing labour mobility, efforts and commitments in the area of social security coordination are required in order to safeguard the entitlements of migrant workers from southern Mediterranean countries who might work for a period of time in the EU and to protect EU nationals in their work outside the EU; highlight that the promotion of social protection together with inclusion and the fight against poverty are among the areas of action and objectives to be developed by the European Union within the framework of the ILO.

Greek Economic and Social Committee - Reforms needed to re-launch Greek competitiveness

Earlier this month (03.10) a conference organized by the Greek Economic and Social Committee (OKE) with the EU2020 Steering Committee -in collaboration with the EESC- titled “Reforms needed to re-launch the Greek competitiveness” took place in Athens. The conference, an initiative of the Greek ESC President George Vernicos, focused on  reinforcing the Europe 2020 strategy and giving civil society a stronger role in said strategy. The conference, which gathered together members of the EESC and OKE, alongside representatives from the government, the social partners and the civil society, provided a unique opportunity for consultation regarding the socioeconomic reforms that Greece needs to carry out: the need for a new business environment and the social aspects of competitiveness, with a focus on employment, social security and the status of social services.

The EESC president Georges Dassis stressed the importance of the social dialogue between the stakeholders, noting that it is paramount to find common ground in a number of priorities in order to further promote the ongoing reforms. Moreover, he stated that Europe 2020 is an essential tool for all the citizens but especially for the young people that needs to be re-launched and offer programs such as the vocational and professional training. Finally, president Dassis referred specifically to the initiatives taken by the EESC in response to the economic crisis, amongst them its Opinion on the mutualisation of public debt.

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The Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP) has published the results of its latest research project called LOMIGRAS : “Mainstreaming and Monitoring Immigrants Integration in Local Government in Greece”, which was carried out with the aim to investigate local government involvement in the process of migrant integration and the context in which it promotes, or conversely, hinders their integration. The project’s duration was 12 months (2015-2016) and it was funded by the "Diversity, inequalities and social inclusion" programme of the EEA Financial Mechanism 2009-2014, operated by the General Secretariat for Research and Technology of Greece. The report, which was published in July 2016, reviewed the relevant literature on the role of local government in migrant integration in Europe, examining the case of Greece. On the basis of this review, it developed an analytical framework for the study of migration policies in local government, and a framework for the assessment of the relevant measures and policies that municipalities adopt with the goal of promoting the integration of migrants.

More specifically, it underlined the severity of the issue of migrant integration for social cohesion and economic growth in host countries, a principle that was included in the policy agenda of the EU since 2000. Understanding the importance of the role and practices of local administration in the execution of any migrant integration policy is of paramount importance, the study notes, because local and municipal authorities are responsible for the execution of nationally set policies, the providers of social services in the areas of health, education, social and child care and the solidity of the social infrastructure of cities where many ethnic and migrant communities live.  But their involvement goes a step further, through their role in devising their own immigrant integration strategies and sometimes by setting examples of best practices in the field.

Nevertheless, the problem of migrant integration is posing a number of challenges to local governments and services, given the discrepancies in the demographics and special concentration of immigrants across Europe. It all comes down to the ability and potential of local governments to manage multi-ethnic diversity and promote integration, but the extent to which these efforts are effective is an issue that has not received the attention deserved in academic and policy-related research in Greece and in Europe, the report finds.

With regard to the Greek case, the report provides an overview discussing the role of municipalities in formulating and implementing policies that have been shaped at national level, which in some cases is found to be growing steadily over the past ten years.  The research group studied policies and practices implemented by the four largest municipalities of the country (Athens, Thessaloniki, Herakleion and Patras) where it is estimated that half of the legal migrant population in Greece is currently living (548.759 in total), with the largest ethnic group being Albanian, followed by Philippino, Ukrainian, Russian, Georgian, Moldovan, Chinese, Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Syrian. 

It is worth mentioning that the research focused in the integration process of migrants that have been arriving in Greece in the late ‘80s and mainly during the 90’s and has not touched upon the current refugee and migration issue. It has collected and analyzed the current legal framework, the quantitative data provided by the Ministry of the Interior and its Decentralized Administrations as well as the data from the administrative authorities of the four municipalities and has also conducted interviews with representatives of local representatives, employees, NGOs and migrant associations. Finally, within the project framework, a technological interactive tool was developed so as to facilitate the monitoring and evaluation of the inclusion of migrants at a local level, which can ultimately be adopted by local authorities, NGOs and  interested parties.

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A new project called “Study in Greece” has been launched by a group of faculty members from the Department of Informatics and Telematics, of Harokopio University, with the help of students (international and Greek) who worked on a volunteer basis, in order to bring the project to life. Their aim was to provide information, support and advice to both international students who wish to study in Greece for a higher education degree, as well as to existing international students, addressing in this way, the most important issues faced by international students while applying, registering and settling in Greece.

So the main focus of the “studyingreece” group was to gather all necessary information that would allow prospective students to not only navigate their way through existing academic programmes on offer but to also understand the conditions for foreign students living in a friendly and safe destination such as Greece. This way, students who are interested in pursuing post-graduate studies in Greece can search the catalogue of specialized study programmes taught in English or directly contact the international relations offices of the Higher Education Institutes listed in the relevant section. A very comprehensive list for beginners wanting to embark on their new life in Greece comprises many interesting sections, such as the main characteristics of the country, interesting destinations, archaeological sites, monuments and museums to visit, as well as data about Greek gastronomy, the cost of living, facts concerning international students living in Greece , health and safety issues, contacts for embassies and visa details . But the most useful tool this platform offers is without a doubt the section Education Institutes, where one can simply type a word reflecting the area of studies he/she wishes to explore and a full list in English of programmes/ universities/ departments and cities corresponding to the search word appears.

Whilst this is truly a remarkable project, its importance does not lie only in the support it provides to prospective international students wishing to explore their academic horizons in Greece. It mainly contributes to the international spread of Greek culture, it promotes Greece as a destination for higher studies among international students, and it even includes support to refugees and people seeking international protection by offering suggestions regarding ongoing educational programmes, updates on plans by the Greek State to provide support to the educational needs of refugees, including special courses, e-learning platforms and summer schools.

Harokopio University has been long known for its contribution to research development aiming to promote the results on scientific knowledge and public health, as well as to improve the economic and social development of the country. It is the 18th state University established in Greece, named after the national benefactor Panagis Harokopos, who envisioned an educational institution with excellent building facilities and equipment, in harmony with the natural environment, which could offer contemporary science.  Today, the University comprises three Schools (School of Environment, Geography and Applied Economics/ School of Health Science and Education/ School of Digital Technology), and four Undergraduate Departments (Department of Home Economics and Ecology / Department of Geography / Department of Nutrition and Dietetics / Department of Informatics and Telematics) as well as four postgraduate programs on Sustainable Development / Applied Nutrition and Dietetics / Applied Geography and Spatial Management and Education and Culture.

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Katerina Gregos is one of the most dynamic art curators living and working in Brussels, as artistic director of the international art fair “Art Brussels”. She has received international distinctions for her work as an art historian, independent curator and author and has curated important international exhibitions, such as the Danish participation at the 54^th Venice Biennale, Belgium’s participation at the 56^th Venice Biennale and last year’s 5^th Thessaloniki Biennale.  Distinguished for her work as a founding director and curator of the Centre of Contemporary Art Foundation Deste (1997-2002) and Artistic Director of Argos - Centre for Art and Media in Brussels (2006-2008), Gregos has curated a new exhibition opening its doors to the public tomorrow at the Art Space Pythagorion in Samos.

Entitled “A world not ours” and running from August 5 – October 15 in Samos, the exhibition focuses on the drama of the refugees from a humanitarian perspective. The location of the exhibition was not randomly selected: Samos is one of the three Greek islands (along with Mytilene and Kos) at the heart of a humanitarian tragedy taking place in the Aegean since 2015.  The artists involved in the project attempt to bring to light the very complex issue of the refugee crisis, with narrations and by challenging people’s prejudices so as to awaken public opinion and address this unresolved issue that Europe as a whole is trying to handle. Installations, performances, photo exhibitions and film screenings by artists, photographers, filmmakers and activists will be on display to highlight the issues behind one of the most pressing matters of our times, and create empathy for the problems that refugees face, like forced displacement and the experience of homelessness, perpetual insecurity, diasporic identities and existential limbo, as well as challenge standardised media representations and polarised narratives of the refugee crisis.

The title of the exhibition comes from the award-winning homonymous 2012 film by director Mahdi Fleifel, which borrowed its name from a book by the Palestinian author Ghassan Kanafani, and talks about the diaspora experience and the search of identity by people in exile, living at a refugee camp in southern Lebanon. Artists, Yannis Behrakis, Tanja Boukal, Róza El-Hassan, Ninar Esber, Mahdi Fleifel, Marina Gioti, Juice Rap News, Sallie Latch, Yorgos Moutafis and Diller Scofidio & Renfro, Mark Hansen, Laura Kurgan, and Ben Rubin, in collaboration with Robert Gerard Pietrusko and Stewart Smith based on an idea by Paul Virilio, will present their work at “Art Space Pythagorion” an events and exhibition space operated by the Schwarz Foundation in Samos. In fact, this particular art space promotes the mission of the Foundation, which advocates that awareness of an enduring historical tradition plays a vital role in understanding current problems as well as in imagining the future.

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Musicians, dancers, actors, writers and many artists from all over the world have begun gathering on the island of Lesvos to participate in a unique festival that officially kicked off yesterday and will run until August 26. The Symbiosis (from the Greek word that means Coexistence) Lesvos Arts Festival proudly welcomes people from all over the world that wish to use their art as means to express themselves in an open dialogue that will inform and promote ideas to address the pressing issues of the refugee crisis. At the same time, through its numerous events and activities, the Festival aims to attract interest to the island of Lesvos and to highlight its cultural heritage and endless beauties.

The idea behind this Festival was generated when 3 Greeks from Thessaloniki met a Palestinian and then a local from Lesvos.  Hussein from Palestine arrived last January in Lesvos to work as a cultural mediator for Doctors Without Borders. Struck by its beauty and its people, while working to support the refugee communities, he soon became involved with the locals and realized that they too deserve to be recognized for their amazing acts of selflessness and solidarity! Rita had a history of love for Lesvos. She had visited the island many times before deciding to move there. She quickly became an active member of the local community and started a youth acting group, mounting a number of shows with local students.  Hussein met Rita and began working on the idea of a festival. Meanwhile Lida, who was living in London, had been working on the idea of an arts festival in Lesvos for a few months. Through local volunteer groups she got in touch with Hussein and Rita, and after a while the two festivals merged activities and this is how SYMBIOSIS came about. With the contribution of Eri, who had fled Thessaloniki to move to Lesvos and actively became involved in the project, and Mersa, who knew the local art scene inside-out, they were able to bring the Festival to life.

Admission to the Festival is free of charge and the event is divided into three thematic parts taking place in the city of Mytilini and the villages Eressos and Molyvos.  Musicians from different corners of the world, including Dutch-American, alt-pop, piano-driver singer and songwriter, Laura Jansen, Egyptian Ramy Essam, Turkish Olcay Bayir, Italian Gianni Denitto and a number of Greek ​musicians will be performing. The programme also includes artistic and theatrical performances with a number of theatre groups performing classic or more experimental pieces, as well as a unique, in its character, theatre group from Sweden, the Mosaic Theatre, comprised of people with mental health or learning disabilities. A core part of Symbiosis Festival is the everyday workshops (both within and outside refugee camps), panel discussions, a food festival and a film festival. The organizers have also teamed-up with London-based organisationLon-art, who are committed to designing and delivering workshops that aim to discuss social issues and bring social change. The team of Lon-art will be delivering a mix of creative and educational workshops, both for the festival-goers and the people in the refugee camps.

The organization of the event is under the hospices of the Municipality of Lesvos with the support of local communities and agencies, as well as independent contributors. With the hope that the festival will promote all aspects of the refugee issue but also the local community of Lesvos, the organizers invite all people to contribute, by volunteering as performers, assistants or even co-organizers. People are also encouraged to donate to the crowdfunding campaign of the festival and spread the word through social and traditional media  

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 The Cube Athens, is a startup cluster and innovation space in the heart of the Greek capital, hosting the best of Athens’ innovators in technology and offering offices & meeting rooms, seminars & workshops, events etc. Bolstered by its core management team, its partnerships with technology training institutes, an investment fund, technology user groups and the maker movement, The Cube stands out as a hub of innovation and ‘the place’ to be or hang out for the doers of the Greek capital.  

Located in a seven floor building equipped with offices, meeting and seminar rooms, it already provides space to project teams and startups but also to individuals and teams throughout the open plan areas, bringing together people who are open to new ideas, love innovation and seek change through applicable initiatives.

Last fall, the founders of The Cube, entrepreneur couple Maria Calafatis and Stavros Messinis, visited Lesvos as volunteers to help refugees, and a little later began visiting the Piraeus port premises where thousands of refugees were waiting to be relocated. In their quest for alternative ways to help the refugees, they originally explored the idea of creating a mobile app or a platform that would help them in their daily activities. Soon, however, they realized that the refugees were more in need of clothing and food supplies as well as education. By researching the programmes related to educational activities, they discovered the SOLE program (Self-Organized Learning Program), a system where children can work in groups, access the internet and other software, follow up on a class activity or project or go where their interests lead them. So Maria and Stavros decided to operate the Greek edition of this schooling program at The Cube Athens, offering classes to war-torn refugee children stranded in Greece.  

The programme started with 13 youngsters, aged between 7 and 17, from Syria and Iraq, temporarily living in Athens with their parents while waiting for asylum approval, with a mission to help them get back into some kind of classroom, having been deprived of schooling for more than a year. Since the aim of the SOLE program is to encourage children work in teams and enhance their creative skills, instead of using traditional methods of teaching, children are asked to develop solutions on broad questions such as “what makes you and people happy?” and present their arguments to the rest of class.  At this stage, The Cube is paying for the basics such as venue and electricity, but having in mind the need for expansion, the team will fundraise to accomplish this.  The programme has been received with enthusiasm and today there are 30 children already participating, while the aim of its founders is to expand to areas where refugees are temporarily settled.

Watch: The First Refugee School in Athens

See also from Greek news Agenda: Schooling Plans for Refugee Children in Greece

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