by the Athens Solidarity Center of SolidarityNow

Mrs. A.R. is a young Greek woman, a part-time worker, who lives with her partner in a rented residence in Athens. A sudden health problem of her partner – loss of vision – led them to a dire financial situation. The debts along with the constant pressures from their creditors, caused mental health problems for the couple. Under these circumstances, they turned from one day to another, from decent tenants to victims of their landlady, who did not hesitate to send them threatening messages, insult and slander them, and even enter their home, completely illegally. In fact, she tried to humiliate them by shouting in a shared area of ​​the apartment building. The reason why she did all these illegal acts was a slight delay of a few days in the payment of the monthly rent.

Therefore, A.R. visited the Athens Solidarity Center (ASC) of SolidarityNow to receive legal support and put an end to the long-term, highly offensive behavior of the landlady.

Initially, the couple was given legal advice and detailed explanations about their legal rights as tenants. Then, the mediation with the landlady and her attorney stopped her illegal behavior. After many efforts and many months of providing legal services, the beneficiary’s case was finally resolved with the smooth and extrajudicial solution of the lease.

 * Since August 2022, the Athens Solidarity Center is financed by EEA Grants, with ΣΟΛ Crowe and HumanRights360 as the fund operator.

**The Center is also supported by the Municipality of Athens.

by the Athens Solidarity Center of SolidarityNow

S.M., is a transgender woman, originally from Pakistan. She is 26 years old and lives in Greece since December 2019. She was forced to leave her country because her life was at risk, both by her family but also by the social environment.

Before Christmas 2020, S.M. visited the Athens Solidarity Center (ASC), following a referral, initially seeking support to get her legal documents. For this reason, she started meeting with the ASC professionals in Legal and Social Services, being helped by an interpreter.

Her asylum application as a vulnerable person was accepted in priority since she had also been a victim of violence during her first stay in Greece. Subsequently, the legal service assisted her during the stage of submitting her application for international protection; during the preparation stage for her interview as well as during the interview itself which took place in the examination of her application in the first instance, where the service’s lawyers represented her.

Also, the social service tried to find safe housing for the beneficiary by submitting a request to the Ministry of Migration & Asylum so that S.M. could be housed in a protected environment. The result was positive!

Finally, she got asylum status by the Asylum Service. First, her application was examined in terms of the “Safe Third Country” concept, as she had passed through Turkey, but it was considered that the link within the meaning of the provisions of Law 4939/2022 cannot be considered sufficient and therefore her application was deemed admissible. Subsequently, the service examined the merits of her case, and it was decided that, even though her country of origin, Pakistan, is included in the national list of safe countries, the applicant nonetheless has a well-founded fear of persecution in her country, because she belongs to a certain social group.

S.M.’s case is one of the many cases of LGBTQI+ people that ASC deals with every day and an excellent example of the efficient collaboration among the different services which function complementary within the Centre.

S.M. thanked the whole team: “I feel that I love you, you helped me like no one else, I am very happy”.

 * Since August 2022, the Athens Solidarity Center is financed by EEA Grants, with ΣΟΛ Crowe and HumanRights360 as the fund operator.

**The Center is also supported by the Municipality of Athens.

by the Social Service of the Athens Solidarity Center by SolidarityNow

The Greek society, without having fully recovered from the ten-year economic crisis found itself once again confronted with the consequences of a crisis i.e., the one caused by Covid-19 pandemic as well as the broader international adverse conditions. As a result, a large share of the population continues to experience conditions of work and financial uncertainty, which fatally lead to situations of poverty and social exclusion. The Athens Solidarity Center (ASC) by SolidarityNow with the services it offers, is an enduring hub of solidarity and support for individuals and families who live below the poverty line and find it difficult to cover even their most basic, daily needs.

Such a case is the one of the 58-year-old E.X., who has been a beneficiary of the Athens Solidarity Center for more than 4 years. The first time she visited the ASC, Ms. E. was overwhelmed physically and mainly psychologically, due to the very serious financial problems she was facing. Being long-term unemployed, without any income, family or other supportive environment, the privately owned residence in which she lived was her only asset and at the same time her only protection against exposure to conditions of absolute poverty or even homelessness.

From the very beginning, the ASC experts along with Ms. E., tried to implement an integrated plan to lessen the great difficulties she was facing, so that she would once again be in a position to claim her active social reintegration.

For her empowerment, she continues to this day to have sessions with a psychologist from the ASC Psychological support Service, as her very poor living conditions burdened even more her already vulnerable psychological state. This kind of support helped her to trust herself and abilities again and actively seek work, with the constant assistance by the ASC Employability Service.

At the same time, with coordinated actions of the Social and Accounting services, Ms. E. managed, due to the health problems she is facing, to become the beneficiary of a monthly allowance (Guaranteed Minimum Income). Finally, during all this time, lots of actions have been carried out both by the ASC volunteers as well as through collaboration with other organizations, which aimed to improve the living conditions of Ms. E., encourage her, and meet her basic needs.

Ms. E.’s case is one among many that the Athens Solidarity Center’s services have called upon to manage in latest years. A great number of our fellow human beings, regardless of nationality, are already living in or directly threatened by conditions of poverty and social exclusion, while the constant appreciation of even basic goods is particularly burdensome for almost all households.

Solidarity, combined with specialized actions, can and must be in the forefront during this particularly turbulent period.

 * Since August 2022, the Athens Solidarity Center is financed by EEA Grants, with ΣΟΛ Crowe and HumanRights360 as the fund operator.

The Center is also supported by the Municipality of Athens.

by the Athens Solidarity Center of SolidarityNow

The case of the 57-year-old Greek woman who sought support by the Social service of the Athens Solidarity Center (ASC) was one of the most difficult and important ones. E.C. (her initials) informed the service’s specialized personnel that she has been a victim of systematic abuse by her close relatives, almost for all her life.

Ms. E.C. was forced to remain mostly at home, she was not given the chance to study at the University and was not allowed to work, not even when she became an adult. After decades of restrictions and isolation, she found the strength to visit the Athens Solidarity Center, in an attempt to win her life back, walking on a path into the light and facing the economic, social and psychological ‘suffocations’ she had suffered.

In the Athens Solidarity Center, after a thorough assessment of her needs by the Social service, she was referred to the Center’s Psychological service in order to be supported and empowered to build her self-esteem and perform small but crucial steps toward becoming a socially active individual.

In a very short time, E.C made remarkable progress which enabled ASC’s Employability service to intervene and support her effort to look for a job. Finally, with the coordinated efforts of the Social and Accounting services, E.C. managed to arrange financial and property issues and become a beneficiary of KEA (minimum guaranteed income).

Unfortunately, the recent decision by the Greek Ministry of Finance which raised the objective (estimated) property values in the city of Athens, resulted in E.C’s exclusion from the KEA program, along with thousands of other beneficiaries.

On this matter, SolidarityNow through its Advocacy Department published a press release, bringing this “injustice” to the spotlight. After the issue was raised, an independent Member of the Greek Parliament informed the organization that she has submitted a related question to the Minister of Finance seeking a solution so that the most vulnerable members of society can continue to benefit from the KEA, regardless of the recent changes in tax policy.

*Since August 2022, the Athens Solidarity Center is financed by EEA Grants, with ΣΟΛ Crowe and HumanRights360 as the fund operator.

**The Center is also supported by the Municipality of Athens.

The 12-year-old Iliana from Syria is a student of Louisa in the “Homework and Creative Activities Center” (HCAC) operating in the Blue Refugee Center of SolidarityNow in Thessaloniki. Through their answers, they share with us the positive imprint of educational procedures in their lives.

Iliana, Syria (Kurdish origin)

What have you learned so far at the HCAC?
I learned to speak Greek and English. Also, I learned that boys and girls are equally capable. The Center is like my home, I feel that I am at home.

What’s your favourite thing about going to the HCAC?
My favourite thing is when I am hugging my teachers. Also, I love doing my homework and learn new things with them.

Louisa Rousomani, Greek

What are the Centers doing for refugee children that wasn’t being done before?

ACE program promotes formal education in accordance with the Convention of children’s rights, since through the program we support and ensure the enrollment in formal education for unenrolled children. Furthermore, we provide psychosocial support and make referrals to other organizations in order to offer integrated support and balance to the children struggling multiple changes. In addition, we establish communication and cooperation among the Refugee Education Coordinators (REC), which is our basis and guide to continue supporting our students efficiently.

Do you have an example of a child who has responded well to the teaching at the HCAC?

It is worthy to mention Iliana! She is 12 years old and she now finishes the Greek primary public school. She also participates in the recreational activities organized based on students’ interests in the Blue Refugee Center’s HCAC almost every day, despite the fact that she lives with her family quite far from the Center. With our support, Iliana not only has improved her school performance, but she has also empowered her identity and boosted her self-esteem. She excels at school as one of the best students of her class and she has acquired strong social skills that support her integration. We are very proud of her and her family that stands by her side!

*The Blue Refugee Center’s operation is supported by UNICEF Greece.

*The project “All Children in Education” (ACE) is implemented by SolidarityNow with support and funding from UNICEF.

#internationalfriendshipday

International Friendship Day, July 30^th: “Friendships have no borders”

On the occasion of today’s World Friendship Day, SolidarityNow starts unfolding a digital short storytelling and photographic tribute to the people who became friends under difficult living conditions, entitled: “Friendships have no borders” via the organization’s social media pages!

It is of the utmost importance that during these tough times our world is facing- war, poverty, violence, human rights abuses, etc.- to confront those crises by creating strong bonds. A united world can be built by making real friendships that have the power to cross borders.

The portrayed people talked to us about the importance of having a true friend by your side and accepting your friends without judging them.

The eight (8) friendship stories that will be presented from today and during the next eight (8) days, are among beneficiaries of the organization’s “All Children in Education” *, “Female Friendly Spaces” (HARP**), and “HELIOS”*** programs from five (5) different open accommodation structures (Andravida, Diavata, Nea Kavala, Thiva, Vagiochori) and Ioannina.

Let’s read what friends shared with us! Follow us social media!

 *The “All Children in Education” program is implemented by SolidarityNow with the support and funding from UNICEF Greece.

**The program “Friendly Spaces for Women” is implemented by SolidarityNow with the support of International Organization for Migration (IOM Greece) in the framework of the HARP program.

***SolidarityNow is a key implementing partner of the International Organization for Migration (IOM Greece), in the framework of the HELIOS project which is funded by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

by the Athens Solidarity Center of SolidarityNow

One of the most interesting and challenging cases with which the social service team at the Athens Solidarity Center (ASC) had to deal with recently, was the one of a 68-year-old beneficiary from Greece with severe health problems.

Mr. S used to work in various sectors to support his family. His life changed dramatically twelve years ago when he was diagnosed with a critical lung problem that gradually worsened. Therefore, he is respiratory supported by a portable breathing apparatus, which allows him to stay outside his home for a very limited time and only with its support. All these years, his family’s only income was from his wife’s part-time job.

When Mr. S firstly asked help from the Athens Solidarity Center’s social service, he believed that social benefits were inaccessible because procedures are too complex.

Mr. S was immediately informed by the social service’s team about the four different support programs: invalidity allowance, pensions/welfare benefits for elderly persons who are uninsured, social household electricity and water tariff. Then, the social service’s team scheduled appointments at municipal offices, where the beneficiary could submit the necessary applications.

Moreover, due to Mr. S’ s health condition, which didn’t allow him to attend the appointments in person, the team contacted the nearest police station, and his wife got the authorization and represented him.

After many dedicated efforts of the ASC’s social service team, Mr. S received the benefits he was entitled to, a fact that created a new reality for him, empowering him financially and psychologically.

*From 1/8/2021 till 31/7/2022, the Athens Solidarity Center’s operation is supported through a grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation in the framework of its global COVID-19 Relief Initiative.

**From 1/7/2021 till 30/6/2022, Kahane Foundation supports the Psychosocial service of the Athens Solidarity Center.

***The Athens Solidarity Center by SolidarityNow is also supported by the Municipality of Athens.

by the Employability Service of the Athens Solidarity Center, SolidarityNow

A 56-year-old art teacher, painter and sculptor from Greece, living in Athens, sought support from the Athens Solidarity Center’s employability service.

Mr. A. has studied graphic arts and worked for many years as a private sector employee, an art teacher, and a freelance painter and sculptor.

However, after a long period of unemployment it was tough for him to find a job due to his age. The first step taken along with his job counsellor was to discuss and find out his strengths, weaknesses but also his needs and aspirations. Then, Mr. A. was supported to make his curriculum vitae and identify job opportunities that matched his profile.

The most important of all was to get the appropriate support that would help him to make the most of his potential and create a stable plan of action. Due to his age, Mr. A. carried on his shoulders the burden of many disappointments and frustrations. Consequently, he had lost faith on himself, so empowerment was the primary goal set by the employability service’s team. Mr. A. started making gradual steps; he created a list of potential employers and through the guidance of his job counsellor, he began to communicate with them.

The first obvious result of his effort came shortly after and was his part-time job as an art teacher. That was a life-changing step for Mr. A!

And there were more to come! After contacting many art centers, which he found with the help of the job counsellor, he managed to find the one with which he collaborated organizing an art exhibition of his work! The exhibition was very successful, and he achieved to expand his network and receive more job offers!

Today, Mr. A. is a confident man who believes in himself, and he is optimistic about the future!

*From 1/8/2021 till 31/7/2022, the Athens Solidarity Center’s operation is supported through a grant from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation in the framework of its global COVID-19 Relief Initiative.

**From 1/7/2021 till 30/6/2022, Kahane Foundation supports the Psychosocial service of the Athens Solidarity Center.

***The Athens Solidarity Center by SolidarityNow is also supported by the Municipality of Athens.

She is 42 years old, mother of a 13-year-old daughter, a businesswoman and a student. Parvin from Iran came to Greece 20 months ago and lives in Thessaloniki. A dynamic woman, with dreams and strong desires, who was forced to leave her country. “In Greece I love the weather, the gentle people and the calm of Thessaloniki. This place is more beautiful than anywhere else”, said Parvin while smiling. She felt that Greece embraced her, and so did her city, Thessaloniki, as she names it, that’s why she stayed!

She quickly moved forward to the next steps to integrate into her new homeland. For the last seven months she has been taking Greek lessons at the “Integration Learning Center” of SolidarityNow in Thessaloniki, which operates in the context of HELIOS program, thus adding one more language to the four already spoken – Farsi, Turkish, Kurdish, English. Apart from learning Greek through the HELIOS program, Parvin has also been supported to find a home, to deal with the banks, public bodies, doctors and successfully complete bureaucratic procedures. “By interacting with the people of the Center, I am learning how to respond in every situation so I can live independently and autonomously. I really like that, and I thank them very much”.

All these skills developed by Parvin, are very beneficial for her, as they led her to become the co-owner of a hair salon in the center of Thessaloniki! The new skills and knowledge in combination with her natural and cultivated extroversion- as she has been a journalist in Iran for many years- helped her in this new professional endeavour!

“At the beginning of the collaboration with my co-owner, I’ve got a lot of help from the people of the Center. With the guidance of the job consultant, we made the necessary private agreement, I learned my rights and obligations and now I feel very confident. From that moment on, when things don’t work out perfectly -we may not have enough work and feel vulnerable- I feel fully supported by the Center. Especially my teacher stands always by my side in these crucial moments, and I am grateful for that”. For all the above reasons, Parvin doesn’t stop attending classes at the Center: “I need to become fluent in Greek because I can have better communication with my customers”.

Parvin also says that she loves the activities taking place in the context of the courses, such as participation in cultural events and visits in archeological and non-archeological sites and monuments of the city: “This is how I got to know about the city that I live and work in. I love all these activities and lessons because they become real by our teachers with the same passion as the courses! They undeniably captivate us, we learn and get excited in the end “, she says with a laugh and made the shape of a heart with her fingers.

Parvin is constantly evolving and facing the future realistically, without losing her hope: “I am worried that the hair salon may not succeed, but I won’t give up, I will do my best. My dreams? To bring my daughter in Greece! Even if I fail in the hair salon I will become a farmer – the land is fertile here and I’m sure that everyone will support me!”

In the remaining time between work and school, Parvin visits Halkidiki with her friend. 

*SolidarityNow is a key implementing partner of the International Organization for Migration (IOM Greece), under the HELIOS project implemented with the funding from the Ministry of Migration & Asylum.

The students of the “Integration Learning Center” of SolidarityNow in Thessaloniki, which operates under the HELIOS* program, “shed light” on Western art.

Nikolaos Dalampouras, teacher, writes about the initiative that turned

students into teachers.

Cultural lessons

In these lessons, the aim was for the beneficiaries to get acquainted with the Western culture and civilization. This time, we, the Center’s teachers, chose to talk to our students about painting in Western culture, but not unilaterally. We focused on the theme by inviting students to speak and present painters and/or cultural movements from their country of origin.

The preparation included introduction to the vocabulary related to painting and reference to some of the basic cultural movements. The first lesson took place with the participation of students from three classes having as its main objective co-teaching and collaborative spirit.

Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment

In order to familiarize the students with the subject, we presented them the main cultural movements from the Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment until today and we talked about important paintings and artists. Then, the students participated enthusiastically in a great discussion regarding the various artistic movements. We ended up discussing about the 9^th form of art (comics) and we circulated comics to the class, so that the beneficiaries could read some of them. In the end, the students got excited with the idea of creating a lending library in the Center.

Next goal, the exchange of roles

What we wanted was to motivate the beneficiaries and exchange roles. Thus, we became the audience for which they had to make their own presentations about art. In this direction, the beneficiaries formed groups, each of which dealt with an art form from their country (painting, music, poetry, etc.).

A few weeks later…

We all witnessed an educational process with impressive results! The three groups of students made three presentations with photos and videos talking about the art forms they chose and their representatives.

The first presentation was about the famous Iranian painter Mahmoud Farshchian, quoting from his biography and artistic influences.

The second concerned a contemporary Iranian artist (currently unknown / friend of the beneficiary) citing information from her life, but also her connection with various artistic movements that influenced her (in the end, the beneficiary donated two paintings to the Center created for the presentation’s purpose).

The third presentation was about Iranian dances, describing the various multicultural dance groups of the country.

In this way, the beneficiaries became the teachers and interacted with the audience with pride and enthusiasm. In the end, the students expressed their enthusiasm for the whole project and stated that they would like to do something similar again, on various issues that interest them. They may not realize it immediately, but such activities enhance their skills, empower them and contribute to their social integration. 

*SolidarityNow is a key implementing partner of the International Organization for Migration (IOM Greece), in the framework of the HELIOS project which is funded by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.