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Description
Odyssea has developed a holistic process that provides free training and employability services to vulnerable target groups. This process has been gradually structured since 2016, closely following the developments in Greek society and based on funding from foreign foundations without any state support. The goal of acquiring and operating the necessary advanced facilities has been achieved and we are now able to intensify our efforts towards empowering vulnerable groups through the educational aspect of our services and the immediate connection with the labor market in the context of the organization''s mission to help socially and economically integrate unemployed youth (Youth inclusion), eliminating exclusions due to income, gender or nationality (Human rights).
The experience gained and the insight provided by the followed data driven approach - www.platform.odyssea.com) highlight 2022 as a year of qualitative transformation and have led to the conception of a concrete Strategic Plan (SP ‘22 - ’24) which includes:
1. Increasing of the objectives by 45% and 47% per Strategic Priority, "Empowerment" and "Employability" respectively, on average for the three years of implementation of the SA, a percentage that significantly exceeds the average budget increase for the same period (29%)
2. Upgrading of the training programs with emphasis on certification and adaptation to the needs of partner companies (tailor made programs)
3. Increasing the effectiveness of employability services with the launch of the interactive Employability Platform (EP)
To implement the SP ‘22 - ‘24 and to ensure sustainability, we need to:
1. Redesign Media - intensify communication initiatives
2. Conclude the EP development
3. Reinforce the educational staff
4. Expand the network of collaborating companies and supporters
5. Reinforce the regular staff
6. Increase financial inflow
Summary of project results
The project aimed to address several significant issues and challenges affecting socially and economically vulnerable youth in Greece, particularly those served by Odyssea. These challenges included:
Lack of Personal Development and Empowerment
High Unemployment Rates Among Vulnerable Youth
Organizational Weakness: For Odyssea to effectively support its target population, it needed to strengthen its own organizational capabilities. This included developing a sustainable and well-coordinated structure that could effectively deliver programs and services to its beneficiaries.
Inaccessibility to Education and Training
Diverse and Complex Needs of Target Population: The project addressed the specific challenges faced by a diverse group of individuals, including migrants, refugees, asylum seekers etc. Each of these groups has unique barriers to accessing education and employment opportunities, which the project aimed to navigate.
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The Organisational Grants focused on supporting the strategic development and capacity building of civil society organizations (CSOs) rather than requiring traditional activities, deliverables, or outputs. The call emphasised the internal growth and sustainability of CSOs by investing in their core operational functions, leadership, and long-term vision.
The project was very successful, exceeding the established goals! The grant supported the strategic plan of Odyssey and, as a result, its operations and overall activities. It provided the opportunity to utilize the grant in a way that best suited the population being served, as well as the organisation’s core strategic objectives.
Strategic Goal 1 (Actual/Target):
- 1,530/1,375 beneficiaries were supported through one of the services (111%).
- 279/275 received vocational training (101%).
- 497/367 youth were empowered with building their self-confidence and self-awareness (136%).
Strategic Goal 2 (Actual/Target):
- 854/798 beneficiaries received employability services (107%).
- 480/455 were directly connected to the job market (106%).
- 239/229 beneficiaries found employment (104%).
Strategic Goal 3 (Qualitative):
- The support of the overall strategic plan provided the opportunity to invest in long-term initiatives that strengthen operational needs and the sustainability of organizational activities, such as opening a branch in Thessaloniki.
- The project offered the opportunity to develop capacity-building activities and flexibility in learning initiatives and impact evaluation of programs.
- The simple and improved reporting supported the activities, saving time and effort, which was then dedicated to other operational activities.
- It provided greater flexibility to allocate resources where they were most needed, responding to emerging needs and adapting to changing conditions.
The project supported over 1,500 individuals in a short timeframe—from July 1, 2023, to February 29, 2024—addressing the needs of a generally underserved population and enabling them to fully utilize their potential!