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Description
The project aims to establish a new long term accommodation centre for 16 Unaccompanied Minors (UAMs) in the centre of Athens. SMAN suggests the establishment of an innovative type of shelter for 12 unaccompanied boys of the ages of 6 -12 years old, and 2 unaccompanied underage mothers with their children. In total 16 UAMs. By definition UAMs are in a state of particular vulnerability due to age, separation from parents and home. They have been exposed to risks and quite often have witnessed extreme violence and have been victims of exploitation. According to the latest factsheet (15.01.2020), provided by EKKA (National Centre for Social Solidarity), 15O children under the age of 14 years old are in temporary accommodation structures in camps (receptions and identification centres) and wait to be allocated in open reception centres. 123 of them are boys and 27 girls. Additionally, 90 unaccompanied girls of the age of 14-18 years old are also waiting to be transferred in improved accommodation facilities. Some of them
are under aged mothers. Therefor there is lack of space in shelters for children under the age of 14 years old and girls.
Summary of project results
To establish a new long-term accommodation center for 16 Unaccompanied Minors (UAMs) in the center of Athens. The establishment of an innovative type of shelter for 12 unaccompanied boys of the ages of 6 -12 years old, and 2 unaccompanied underage mothers with their children. In total 16 UAMs.
The project HOUSE 2, create a new home for all of the new tenants, and establish a permanent bond with the local hosting community.
The project services and activities include: social and physiological support, food, clothes and consumables provision, primary medical support, interpretation, legal aid and Greek language classes, intercultural and recreational activities.
Accommodation is provided to all children along with separate meals that are cooked and served during the day.
Psycho-social support
In weekly meetings with the social worker and the psychologist, the children try to handle the trauma or stress caused by their uprooting, as well as to build closer relations with the other people in the shelter and to better integrate themselves in the host country.
Legal services
The organizations lawyer informs children about all legal provisions that have to be followed concerning their cases and represents them in all their asylum application, family reunification or judicial procedures.
Health care services
Integrated health care includes periodic check-ups, vaccinations, dealing with chronic diseases or emergency cases. For each child a personal medical file is kept in a secure database.
Educational and recreational activities
All children attend school and/or language courses in accordance with their specific characteristics and needs. Children also participate in outdoor and indoor activities according to their interests.
Professional and Social Empowerment
In the context of the implementation of the Autonomous Citizens Lab project, the organization provides vocational guidance to unaccompanied teenagers and young refugees aged 18 to 22 as well as counseling and support services to assist their transit towards independent living.
1. HOUSE2 building is in full operation and functional as designed.
2. HOUSE2 project team is operating properly.
3. HOUSE2 has supported in total 48 UAMs
4. HOUSE2 social care, legal department and phycological counselling services are fully operative.
5. A daily routine for UAMs w s individual plan - has been established.
6. Important steps towards community bonding have been made.
7. The network of volunteers, partners and donors has been expanded.
8. Great cooperation with the local schools has been established - HOUSE2 students registered are attending school with minimum drop out.
9. HOUSE2 children are all registered in the fostering platform anynet.gr (and this applies to all new children entering HOUSE2). Regarding fostering child protection team organizes new procedures and gets trained in order to provide quality fostering services.
10. HOUSE2 has been register to the New Registry for Shelters for Unaccompanied minors.
11. HOUSE2 project concluded successfully the 3 years funding period by the EEA Grants and HOUSE2 since August 2023 is included the shelters that are funded by the Ministry of Immigration & Asylum through the activity "Granting Organizations for the Operation of Centers for the Reception of Unaccompanied Minors", which is co-financed by the European Union through the Migration and Home Affairs Funds 2021-2027.
SMAN offers services to children and young people following the “family model”. Thus, HOUSE2 inhabitants are empowered to feel the shelter as a second home that provides them safety and care.
Community engagement .Within the first few months of its establishment, HOUSE2 had managed to build ties with the neighborhood and partnerships with public and private actors. Aiming to succeed effective integration and interaction with the local community, highlighting the benefits of intercultural coexistence, SMAN has been trying to reach out to a broad audience and cooperate with volunteers and other organizations.
An important aspect of the operation of HOUSE2 is the interdisciplinary project team which supports the unaccompanied minors. Child Protection Team consists of different scientists of various faculties, welcoming new graduates who are willing to work in this specific field.
The project was successful for an accommodation modality which addresses effectively the following challenges:
It complies with the standards of a small scale reception structure.
It is in great condition, made of good quality materials.
It is in a welcoming neighbourhood where SMAN could maintain a bond with the local community.
It provides opportunities for architectural solutions relevant to the tenants needs. Girls will have access to separate sanitation facilities
The innovative “House 2 Lab,” an open living room space, served as a community interface while preserving the privacy of beneficiaries.
This lab hosted events, exchanges, and gatherings with local groups, fostering trust and mutual support.
Provides quality social services aiming for a holistic support of UAMs by acknowledging their capacities and needs.
There is an internal mechanism of support and information sharing amongst the staff members. Eg. scheduled staff
There is very personalised approach for each one of the UAMs residing in the Shelter.
Maintains substantial bonds with the local society.
It is in good proximity of public services.
Collaborating with local markets business (when is possible, applicable and according to tender legislation procedures) Using all neighbour municipal and public facilities in place Organising community events
Form personalised bonds with volunteers and neighbours
• Collaboration with NGOs, public entities, and civil society far exceeded expectations. HOUSE2 established formal and informal cooperation agreements with 15 reception centers (against the planned 8) and partnered with 25 local organizations (exceeding the planned 10).
• Prioritizing local suppliers and small businesses positively impacted the local economy, further enhancing trust and support.
• Beneficiaries learned Greek within six months, attended schools, and participated in community activities. Some were elected to student councils, reflecting their integration and empowerment.
• SMAN’s advocacy contributed to UAM inclusion in Greece’s fostering and adoption system, marking a significant policy milestone.
• SMAN’s incident reporting system was adopted as a model by the Ministry of Immigration & Asylum, showcasing the organization’s systemic impact.
The SMAN HOUSE2 project successfully met EU standards and exceeded collaboration targets with local stakeholders. It provided comprehensive and high-quality care, overcoming challenges related to location changes, staffing, and longer-than-expected stays.
HOUSE2 significantly impacted beneficiaries by fostering integration, providing educational opportunities, and supporting personal development. Its systemic influence is evident in policy advancements and the adoption of its practices by state mechanisms.