Greek Lessons
For thousands of refugees and asylum seekers in Greece, learning the local language is an urgent need. Language is the first step towards meaningful integration and a life skill that enables self-sufficiency and independence. Learning the local language allows people to integrate socially, culturally and economically, enabling them to participate in local life.
INTERSOS Hellas, in cooperation with local organizations, in Thessaloniki and Ioannina support the development of Greek language skills for adult refugees and asylum seekers, with the objective to prepare the participants for the Greek State Language Exam.
Employability Counselling
INTERSOS Hellas, in support of the integration process of its beneficiaries, launch a pilot project in job consultation located in Thessaloniki and Ioannina. Through this project, refuges and asylum seekers receive all the information and necessary resources regarding pre-employment preparation and will familiarize with the Greek labor market to begin their professional journey in Greece being self-sufficient with a solid base to further prosper.
Through the course of the pilot project, beneficiaries will obtain all the tools and resources needed for setting specific work goals, targeting professional occupations of personal interest and matching them according to their profile. Through their personal effort they will acquire independence and self-determination to look for an ideal professional occupation.
Campaigns and Events
7th Multilingualism Festival
NTERSOS Hellas participated in the 7th Multilingualism Festival by the Municipality of Thessaloniki form 17 – 19 of May, celebrating and promoting linguistic and cultural diversity.
INTERSOS Hellas participated by presenting the Multicultural library project and a photographic project highlighting peaceful coexistence.
Word Refugee Day
INTERSOS Hellas participated in the celebration of the Word Refugee Day in Ioannina, organizing:
- the creation of a participatory sculpture made from recyclable materials. The sculpture was created under the instructions of the famous sculptor Mr Theodoros Papagiannis.
- a photo exhibition under the topic “Gender Stereotypes under Question”
- a food festival in collaboration with UNHCR and local restaurants
Job Festival 2019
INTERSOS Hellas participated in “Thessaloniki #JobFestival” organized by Skywalker.gr, at the Ioannis Vellidis Conference Center on 8th and 9th of November implementing informative and networking activities.
Awareness Day Against Substance and Abuse
INTERSOS Hellas organized a conference against substance and abuse on Monday, 09/12/2019. The conference brought together stakeholders in Epirus in order to address the needs of refugee populations and to coordinate their actions.
Among the participants were the Deputy Mayor of Education, Welfare and Migrants, Mr. Ioannis Aivatidis (Municipality of Ioannina), the Managers of the Multiplex Drug and Alcohol Abuse and Alcohol Crisis Response Center. Mr. Panagiotakopoulou, representatives of the KETHEA Epirus Center for the Treatment of Addicted Persons (Kethea Epirus), Scientific Director of the Center for the Prevention of Addiction and Prevention and representatives of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR GREECE) and local NGOs.
“Different Identities – Equal Rights: Refugee Children in a School for All”
INTERSOS Hellas supports the efforts of teachers by promoting effective collaboration, exchange of good practices and continuous specialization of stakeholders.
Within this framework, a two-day training program for teachers involved in the education of refugee children was organized under the topic:
“Different Identities – Equal Rights: Refugee Children in a School for All”.
The event was welcomed by the Regional Director of Education, the Rector of the University of Ioannina, and the Deputy Mayor for Education, Welfare and Migrants of the Municipality of Ioannina.
Greek Lessons – Graduation Day
The Graduation Day of the Greek Lessons took place on 20 and 23 of December in Ioannina and Thessaloniki accordingly. In the event participated the chancellor of the University of Ioannina,
the president of the Center for the Study of the Hellenic Language and Culture and the Vice Mayor The event was covered by local media.
All parties highlighted also the successful outcome of the project and the high participation/attendance in both locations, as well as the importance of its sustainable continuation in the future.
