GREECE
MAIN STRENGTHS AND KEY CHALLENGES
Local community engagement
The project sought to create opportunities to bring the beneficiaries
and the local community together through children’s outdoor activ-
ities and the active participation of children and families in events
organised by the municipality and community. By participating in
sports clubs, the children had a chance to spend time with their peers
and improve their social and language skills. Field trips to museums
helped them get to know the culture of their host country and to learn
more about their new environment. Establishing and strengthening
connections between refugees and locals was an essential element of
the project and a key factor for the refugees’ integration into the host
society.
Adjustment of project activities in consultation with
participants
Following the limited engagement and interest of children in activities
when the project first started, the educational programme was adjusted
to respond to their needs and interests. The staff encouraged children
to share their views and provide feedback on the design and the imple-
mentation of activities. As a result, a new educational framework was
developed, based on their suggestions and tailored to their interests.
The new programme increased participation in educational activities
and allowed the children to develop communication skills, increase
their confidence and gain a sense of achievement.
Partnership and cooperation
The “Mellon” project was implemented by a group of NGOs, with each
of them providing complementary services and activities. Cooperation
and effective coordination among project partners helped enhance
the quality of services and increased the impact of the implemented
activities. Moreover, support from and cooperation with public services
and state actors responsible for the reception and protection of asylum
seekers, such as the National Centre for Social Solidarity (EKKA) and
local authorities, were essential for the effective implementation of the
project.
Support for primary caregivers
Single mothers accommodated in the shelter, many of whom were
under enormous stress, received psychosocial counselling and support
aimed at strengthening their parental skills. The “baby room” service
enabled them to participate in activities of their interest, rest or attend
meetings with asylum and migration authorities whilst their babies
were taken care of by professional staff. Parental support services
and activities were targeted at young mothers in order to prevent
or respond to child neglect by strengthening parental skills and the
child-parent relationship.
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