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Description
The aim of the proposed project is to support and empower the children of disadvantaged groups as well as their families for their social integration and the effective attendance of the children in the schools of Thriasio area. In Thriasio area is residing is a large population of families belonging to socially disadvantaged groups such as Roma, Muslims from Thrace, immigrants, etc. who face severe economic and social exclusion problems (discrimination based on racial, national or ethnical origin). The discrimination they experience is used as a mechanism of marginalisation. By highlighting good practices for children and families who will be supported by the project, the ultimate goal is to mobilize the local community itself to break the vicious circle of excluding and marginalising its members by continuously reproducing new generations who are socially excluded people. The actions of the project are aimed at empowering children and providing practical tools to become part of the Children Supports Center of Elefsis network, to believe in themselves, to claim their own rights and to achieve becoming active and conscious citizen in the society they live in. This includes pedagogical actions, mentoring, career guidance, as well as actions for supporting their family and their familiar environment so that children evolve together with the families who are their allies and supporters to the problems they face. The project will support a total of 60 children of disadvantaged groups who attend secondary school, 10 Roma children who attend primary school and 210 people from their home environment.
Summary of project results
The "Building Society" project was implemented from March 2020 to December 2021 in the wider area of Thriasio Pedio, with the main goal of supporting and empowering children belonging in vulnerable groups and their families, aiming at their social integration and the continuation of children’s attendance at school. During the most difficult period, when the pandemic showed its fiercest face in the region, the Children Support Center of Elefsis consistently supported 70 children and more than 200 members of their families. This support continued even during the period when the Center remained closed, with daily visits and the provision of training materials and food to the families'' homes
The following actions were carried out: Development of Learning Skills by providing remedial courses to 70 children (14 children of Primary Education and 56 children of Secondary Education), 19 of whom were Roma. Development of Social Skills by providing non-formal experiential learning activities, such as strengthening cooperation, teamwork, building of trust, developing of self-esteem, creativity and emotional intelligence, for 70 children, 19 of whom were Roma. Mentoring-Coaching to more than 70 children, through 18 meetings with empowerment and encouragement role models, aiming to get children familiar with a range of topics, such as career prospects, environment, art, fellow human beings – solidarity, vocational guidance, communication, personal happiness and global sustainability. Family Environment Support by the Center’s Social Services, for 100 parents and guardians, with at least 1 meeting per quarter for systematic support in matters such as anxiety during the incarceration period, learning difficulties, distance education, school dropout, health issues, financial problems. Vocational Guidance for 40 children of Secondary Education, with 3 meetings for each child with a specialised collaborator, for carrying out psychometric tests, vocational guidance, interpretation of results, design of a personalised action plan. Education of children about their rights, for 70 children, 19 of whom were Roma, by providing experiential education activities on equality, peace, non-violence, bullying prevention and environmental protection. Practical Assistance, with the daily provision of food and basic necessities to 223 people - 120 adults, 95 children and 9 elderly individuals. The project supported a part of the population residing in the wider area of Thriasio Pedio and belonging to socially vulnerable groups, so that people would be able to address isolating discrimination. It highlighted the supported children and families as good practices, in order to mobilise the local community and break the vicious circle of the marginalisation of new generations of socially excluded people.
The project was implemented through intervention axes that empowered children and their families by providing educational and psychosocial support, boosting self-confidence, encouragement and inspiration, career guidance counseling, engaging and supporting parents through meetings with the Social Service of the Center of Love, and offering practical assistance through meals, food, and essential items.
Roma groups and members of other disadvantaged groups facing a multitude of social and economic problems were empowered by the project to stop being victims of discrimination and neglect, which often led to their children dropping out of school prematurely. The possibility of education and professional rehabilitation creates opportunities for an alternative path away from poverty, marginalization, and delinquency. Through the project''s activities, families were strengthened and supported in facing their harsh realities, and children were exposed to alternative pathways that offered them a future opportunity to live with dignity and claim their rights.
The dissemination of the project''s results led to the children and families involved being seen as examples of good practice by the local community. The sensitization of the local community helped break the cycle of isolation and marginalization practices that continuously reproduce generations of excluded individuals. Through the project, members of disadvantaged groups experienced firsthand that opportunities exist for everyone, and especially for the younger generations, regardless of economic status, place of origin, or social status, to progress and utilize the possibilities they are entitled to and can claim.