More information
Description
The AUTONOMOUS CITIZENS LAB proposes actions for the financial and social empowerment of unaccompanied minors before and after they reach adulthood, aiming at their autonomy in conditions of respectable living.
The project is addressed to unaccompanied minors aged 16 to 18 and to young people with a refugee background aged 18 to 22 (single men) who do not possess a family support network in Greece (mostly former unaccompanied minors).
The professional empowerment of the target group of the project will be accomplished through the provision of personalised work counselling and professional orientation services as well as their participation in actions for educational and vocational training. In this context the Society for the Care of Minors and Youth will organise a seminar for the training of carers who wish to work in shelter environments. For the professional rehabilitation of adult beneficiaries a Network of Partner Companies who are interested in hiring the beneficiaries of this specific group will be created. The goal of these actions is that a minimum 20% of participants will have direct results in their efforts for professional training or employment in specific areas of the labour market.
The social empowerment of the target group will be strengthened through the provision of counselling and practical support in matters such as the search and preservation of autonomous housing, with participation in a radio workshop that will foster intercultural dialogue as well as participation in volunteer activities which will aim at providing training on issues that affect civil society. A decisive role in the social empowerment of the beneficiaries will be played, lastly, by the establishment of a representative body for themselves and their communities, which will seek to create opportunities for inclusion and equal active participation in Greek society.
Summary of project results
The AUTONOMOUS CITIZENS LAB project implemented activities towards the financial and social empowerment of unaccompanied minors before and after they reach adulthood, aiming at their autonomy in conditions of respectable living.
Autonomous Citizens Lab managed to support 112 people, who met those criteria. Monthly reports, attendance lists, work orientation questionnaires, meeting minutes and CVs are the relevant deliverables. Autonomous Citizens Lab acted as a “bridge” for unaccompanied minors, who reached adulthood and had to leave the shelters. The minors lacked guidance and support in the independently way of living. Under the frame of that the beneficiaries received support by the team of Autonomous Citizens Lab and got referred to the relevant services in order to issue the required documents. They also received support in finding accommodation, while at the same time they received job offers in tourism industry and NGOs. Many beneficiaries referred to health and mental health services especially during the quarantine and many accompaniments to public services took place in order the beneficiaries to issue the documents that will ensure the access to health services and labor market. Educational opportunities were offered to beneficiaries that wished to improve their skills and receive certificates, which would help them to apply for jobs requiring specific skills. The beneficiaries participated in Job Fairs and Events that were not offered only for people with migrant background, which gave them the chance to socialize with many people and share their thoughts and concerns about finding a job and living in Greece.
Autonomous Citizens Lab also acted as a “bridge” between real estate offices and beneficiaries, who were looking for houses in reasonable prices.
Collaborations with other partners and NGOs (such as Caritas Hellas and Odyssea) were also established in order beneficiaries to have access in more opportunities in trainings and jobs.
Through the project 112 minors were supported and 20 new jobs were created.