Description
The Project STEGI PLUS aims at the operation of Reception Centers in order to provide housing for UAM and other vulnerable asylum seekers.The areas of implementation are Athens and Patras,one shelter for 30 UAM in Athens and one shelter for 70 asylum seekers 30 UAM and 40 vulnerable groups such as single parent or large families single women.The project is expected to achieve a minimum of 300 UAM throughout the whole duration both in Athens and Patras and 150 vulnerable asylum seekers in Patras.The partner of this project is Hellenic Red Cross who has the responsibilities in the Reception Center in Athens of implementation intercultural and educational activities for UAM. In Patras Reception Center, HRC operates the reception and accommodation for vulnerable groups by providing services such as basic living needs cover psychological support and counseling legal aid nursing and hygiene care interpretation Greek learning courses.
Summary of project results
At STEGI PLUS Reception Centers through the period of 4 years of implementation 967 UAMs in Athens and Patras and 185 asylum seekers vulnerable groups in Patras Reception Center. At both STEGI PLUS (+) Accommodation Centres (in Athens and Patras) there are regular group and individual meetings as well as extra ones when it is needed. All these meetings refer to all populations and regard the Rule of Conducts, integration and inclusion issues, new entries, co-existence issues, management of cases, follow-up etc. There are also regular staff meetings and extras when needed. For instance, there are meetings to discuss tensions between the populations and to remind beneficiaries of their rights and obligations. Moreover, there are meetings to award beneficiaries for their behaviour and achievements. There are volunteers who support the activities or/and undertake certain tasks such as the buddy-system and tutoring (language lessons and tutoring for their homework). One of the challenges faced is well referred to the relationships and bonding in between the beneficiaries who come from different cultural backgrounds and countries – something which will also enhance their smooth co-existence and the relief of tensions. The lack of interpreters is a challenge taking into consideration that people who come from Afghanistan or Pakistan are not considered first priority. Children who are to be reunited with their families are reluctant regarding their participation in school activities. We notice as challenges who have to do with limited time provided to NGOs in order to prepare the paperwork needed (due to delayed information on behalf of the Asylum Service). There is a delay at the Asylum Service regarding the first registration procedure and delay in informing regarding approvals and rejections by the Dublin Unit of the Asylum Service. The minors need clothing and shoes. There has been an a new collaboration with the Port Authorities regarding the protection of unaccompanied minors who are on the move in conjunction with focused streetwork.
Summary of bilateral results