Description
The project will develop a Pedagogical Center for Creative Occupation for socially vulnerable children. It is comprised of two phases, with the first being a 107 hour training for the prevention and empowerment of children will be conducted to 15 young unemployed social workers, psychologists, and teachers. During the second phase 2 trainees will be employed part time in order to conduct daily sessions of groups and workshops for children (8-16 years old), individual and family consultation for the socio-psychological support οf children, facilitation and sending of children to services and the “tank”- network and cooperation with the volunteer animators of PROTASI for the implementation of activities with the children by using new technologies and art (production of audiovisual spots, post cards, posters, graffiti etc). In parallel a network of volunteers will be used in order to provide free services (medical, private lessons, law consultation etc) to children.
Summary of project results
In the city of Patras, especially the last 3 years of socioeconomic crisis in Greece, revealed that there are many children who face: 1) poverty and isolation problems due to unemployment of their parents, 2) impairment of psychosocial support in problems such as domestic violence and loss of parent, 3) psychosocial integration problems in special cases such as autism, mild depression etc., 4) problems of school violence, drug use and problematic use of Internet, and 5) lack of opportunities for creative activities in a safe, educational context. The project “PLOUTOS” aiming at the prevention of contemporary threats (insecurity, isolation, passivity, violence, addictions, racism, poverty) which undermine the future of young people, focused on the development of an exemplary Pedagogic Centre for Creative Occupation of kids 8-16 years in a safe and pedagogical frame. There is not any other Youth Center existing in Patras, offering free of charge services. The project has provided in a substantial way, psycho-social support and social inclusion for kids with special disorders (autism, learning difficulties, ADHD). In parallel the project has supported the family environment of kids through training and consultation procedures in individual and group work level. At the same time it facilitates the vulnerable kids and their families by sending them to professionals (doctors, lawyers, teachers, pharmacists) who offer for free their services through a TANK, which was created by PROTASI in the frame of the project. Finally with the support and cooperation of the volunteers of PROTASI, the project realizes a number of cultural events with and for the kids. The project has surpassed its ambitions. 1185 kids, parents, teachers have accessed the Centre and used the various available services. Specifically, 345 kids have participated to the groups and workshops of the project, 206 kids, parents, teachers have accepted consultation and training support in individual and group sessions, 614 kids and parents have been informed and sent to the TANK, and also 20 unemployed young professionals have been trained for free for 107 hours on subjects about prevention and encouragement of youth. 1420 have participated to presentations and workshops concerning the project, in Greece (Ioannina, Olympia) and Europe (Finland, Lithuania, Germany, Romania) and 230 offer volunteer support to the project (Tank, volunteers of PROTASI).
Summary of bilateral results