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Description
The objective of the project is to improve the social inclusion of unaccompanied minors through a multi-dimensional approach and cooperation between the non-profit and public sectors.
The following activities are included:
1. Research actions to assess the prevailing situation.
2. Networking
3. Workshops with employees in the child protection and social services sector
4. Seminars for unaccompanied minors for their professional orientation and skills learning
4. Intercultural actions to disseminate the objectives and results of the project.
Summary of project results
The Inclusion Code project aimed to facilitate the professional and social integration of unaccompanied minors, particularly refugees, through research, training, and networking activities. The Inclusion Code project aimed to facilitate the professional and social integration of unaccompanied minors, particularly refugees, through research, training, and networking activities. Enhancing the professional integration of unaccompanied minors can help mitigate social inequalities, prevent juvenile delinquency, and strengthen social cohesion, something that directly aligns with the objectives of EEA Grants programme.
A structured system of regular monitoring and management was established to ensure smooth implementation. This involved preparing progress reports via an information system, and holding monthly meetings to track the project''s progress, both physically and financially. Six such meetings were held, with minutes signed by the Project Manager. The project officially commenced with the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between KEAN (the coordinating body) and the Mayor of Heraklion, outlining the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder. KEAN conducted research to assess the current state of professional integration for unaccompanied minors. This included a review of previous studies, with findings compiled into a literature review. In addition, needs assessment questionnaires were developed for both unaccompanied minors and professionals in child protection and social services. These were distributed to 50 minors in shelters and 30 professionals. The collected data was summarized in a results manual, which also included the literature review and findings from the needs assessments. Networking efforts were a core component of the project, as KEAN connected with 15 Shelters for Unaccompanied Minors across the Attica region. The goal was to create Cooperation Networks to support the professional integration of these minors. Five advisory workshops were organized, bringing together 30 professionals from child protection and social services. These workshops facilitated the exchange of social integration practices and the introduction of new approaches to supporting unaccompanied minors. On April 23, a "Career Day" event was held at the Agricultural University of Athens. The event focused on career counseling and guidance for unaccompanied minors as they approached adulthood. Minors and university students participated, and the event aimed to help minors prepare for independent living and entry into the job market. This initiative supported the broader project goal of promoting social and professional integration for unaccompanied minors. A significant part of the project involved the creation of educational materials on ecological agriculture and coding. These materials were used in training seminars designed for unaccompanied minors. Following the ecological agriculture seminars, two agricultural units were established—one at Tritsis Park on April 19 and another in the Municipality of Heraklion on April 26. These units allowed minors to apply the skills they had learned during the seminars. Additionally, coding seminars were completed with the participation of minors from shelters in Athens.
The project also resulted in the development of a "smart application," which mapped the country’s Shelters for Unaccompanied Minors and linked them with businesses involved in ecological agriculture and agricultural entrepreneurship. This application aimed to enhance opportunities for social and professional integration. From the outset, the project featured a well-structured Publicity and Information Strategy, designed to promote its goals and outcomes among stakeholders. The strategy included the creation of a project website, visual identity, and a publicity plan involving social media, newsletters, press releases, and printed materials. The project began with a Kick-Off Event on February 5, 2024, and concluded with a Closing Event at the "Ilektra Apostolou" cultural center, both open to the public and available for hybrid participation. The project has also significantly improved the situation for unaccompanied minors by providing them with practical skills in ecological agriculture and coding, enhancing their employability.