More information
Description
The project aims at the integration of unaccompanied children in Greece. Their feature is the lack of knowledge of the Greek language and Western culture, elements necessary for their inclusion. The project aims at:
1. Integration of unaccompanied minor refugees into Greek society through education and theatrical act.
2. Education and protection care: Through educational workshops and theatrical activities, the project aims to raise awareness of unaccompanied minors on issues of diversity, stereotypes, discrimination and sensitive issues, along with their education in the Greek language and Western culture.
3. Sensitization and training of the employees of the Municipality of Rafina - Pikermi to deal with sensitivity and without prejudice with unaccompanied minor refugees.
4. Involvement of the local community: Through intercultural theatrical performance, the act promotes participation and interaction between unaccompanied minor refugees and the local community.
Summary of project results
The "Acting for Diversity" project was initiated to address key societal challenges related to diversity, inclusion, and social integration. The ongoing influx of individuals seeking international protection remains substantial, leading to a consistently high number of unaccompanied minors in our country.
From the outset, the need to confront deep-seated issues such as discrimination, social exclusion, and the underrepresentation of diverse groups in cultural and public life was identified. These challenges often result in unequal access to opportunities, limited civic participation, and persistent social divides.
Challenges:
The project aimed to tackle several specific problems:
1. Cultural Exclusion: Marginalized communities often lack visibility and representation in the arts, media, and public discourse, which limits their ability to express their identity and share their narratives.
2. Social Isolation: Minorities, particularly immigrant communities, often face isolation due to a lack of integration opportunities. This is further compounded by prejudices and systemic barriers.
3. Inequality of Opportunity: The lack of opportunities for marginalized groups to participate in societal processes, from policy-making to employment, hampers their social mobility.
4. Limited Awareness of Diversity Issues: There was a widespread lack of understanding and awareness of the benefits of diversity, both in educational systems and public institutions, which contributed to ongoing exclusion.
Rationale:
The need for the project emerged from the growing recognition that a more inclusive society benefits everyone. The exclusion of diverse groups not only affects these communities but also hinders overall social cohesion, innovation, and economic growth. By addressing these challenges, the "Acting for Diversity" project intended to:
1. Promote Social Inclusion: Through cultural activities, advocacy, and awareness campaigns, the project sought to integrate marginalized groups into the mainstream, allowing them to fully participate in cultural and civic life.
2. Empower Diverse Voices: The project aimed to give voice to underrepresented communities, encouraging their active participation in shaping society.
3. Raise Awareness: By promoting education and public dialogue on diversity, the project hoped to challenge stereotypes and reduce discrimination.
4. Build Capacity: Strengthening the capacity of both public institutions and civil society to support diversity would create long-term systemic change.
The project, focused on promoting diversity and inclusion for unaccompanied minors and public officials in Rafina-Pikermi, was structured into several key activities aimed at achieving its objectives of awareness, sensitivity, and cultural integration.
Activity List:
1. Creation of Educational Materials:
- Educational Material for Unaccompanied Minors: Successfully created and distributed, focusing on stereotypes, beliefs, discrimination, gender equality, sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and abuse of power.
- Educational Material for Public Sector Employees: Completed and utilized in workshops to increase awareness and understanding of diversity issues.
2. One-Day Educational Workshops:
- Workshop for Unaccompanied Minors: Held with 27 participants, exceeding the target, providing a comprehensive understanding of sensitive issues and promoting a supportive environment for refugees.
- Workshop for Public Officials: Conducted with 16 officials, aimed at fostering empathy, cultural sensitivity, and addressing biases. Although slightly below the target, feedback indicated high engagement and learning.
3. Theatrical Workshop “Acting for Diversity”:
- Creation of Handbook : A guide developed to assist other centers in establishing similar theatrical groups, ensuring the sustainability of the initiative.
- Theatrical Performance: Collaborative performance involving unaccompanied minors and local officials, showcasing the cultural narratives and enhancing community engagement.
4. Documentary Production:
- Documentary: Successfully completed, featuring testimonials from participants and showcasing the theatrical performance, aimed at educating the broader community.
- Making-of Documentary: Produced to provide insights into the project’s execution, screened during the final event to highlight the collaborative efforts involved.
5. Publicity and Information Dissemination:
- Visual Identity: A logo designed to enhance project visibility.
- Website: Launched to serve as a central hub for project information and updates.
- Social Media Engagement: Created accounts on Facebook and Instagram, with consistent posts (minimum two per month) to keep the community informed.
- Informational Material: Produced leaflets, banners, and posters to disseminate key messages about the project.
- Podcasts and Informational Videos: Developed six podcasts and three informational videos to further share insights and experiences from the project.
- Final Event: Organized a closing event in Athens –at ‘Theatro Kato Apo ti Gefira’, open to the public, which successfully disseminated the project''s findings and fostered relationships established throughout the initiative.
The activities implemented throughout the project not only met the set objectives but also produced significant tangible outputs that contribute to the ongoing dialogue about diversity and inclusion within the community. These efforts aimed to create a more supportive environment for unaccompanied minors and enhance public officials'' understanding, ultimately strengthening social cohesion in Rafina-Pikermi.
The significance of the "Acting for Diversity" project lies in its holistic approach to addressing the challenges faced by unaccompanied minors and promoting awareness among public officials. By bridging cultural divides, the project not only provided immediate support to its beneficiaries but also initiated a dialogue about inclusivity and empathy within the community.
The long-term impact of this project is substantial:
• Sustained Educational Impact: The materials developed will continue to serve as educational resources, enabling ongoing training for new public officials and volunteers working with unaccompanied minors.
• Community Integration: The theatrical performances have set a precedent for future collaborations between local officials and vulnerable populations, fostering a sense of community ownership and engagement.
• Increased Awareness: The documentaries and social media presence will ensure that discussions around diversity remain in the public eye, encouraging continued advocacy and support for refugees.