by the Athens Solidarity Center

Klaudi came from Albania to Greece six months ago and was hosted by her relatives. Shortly after her arrival in the country, at the age of 41, she was diagnosed with cancer, which led to her immediate hospitalization in the hospital of the South Aegean Island where she lived.

In the meantime, the date for her interview with the asylum service for her residence permit was approaching.

The role of the Athens Solidarity Centre

The social service of the hospital contacted our Center and we immediately undertook the support of Klaudi. Her health condition required the postponement of the interview. Immediately, we informed the asylum service to ensure that the woman would have access to the necessary medical care and after a few days, we managed to issue the necessary legal documents and social security number.

The date of her interview was moved, giving Klaudi the time she needed to focus on her health.

However, a re-contact from the hospital’s social services department informed us of her serious health relapse. The decision to return to Albania to be close to her family was a one-way street and was facilitated by the Centre’s services.

We hope that Klaudi’s health adventure will have a happy ending and that she will regain her strength and optimism to pursue her dreams.

Klaudi’s story is another example of our ongoing efforts to stand by the side of people in need and ensure that they receive the care and support they need.

Our dedication to this cause is non-negotiable.

*Since August 1st, 2023, the operation of the Athens Solidarity Center by SolidarityNow is supported by the Swiss-Greek Cooperation Programme/Embassy of Switzerland in Greece to reducing economic and social disparities in the EU and by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

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

A., a 45-year-old artist from Greece approached the Athens Solidarity Center’s services in the beginning of 2024, seeking for a more stable job with reliable salary payments. He started his sessions with the employment counselor, prepared his CV, and successfully participated in the Job Fair organized by SolidarityNow and Odyssea, where on-site interviews took place.

A few weeks later, he revisited ASC seeking an urgent appointment with the employability counselor. Visibly disturbed and nearly in shock, he reported a legal issue that had suddenly arisen, plunging him into despair.

The circle of solidarity for A.

During the session, he was referred to the psychological team in order to be empowered as well as to the legal team to proceed with the necessary legal actions. The lawyer described the next steps he needed to follow, and simultaneously, he started collaborating with the psychologist.

His CV was distributed by the employability counselors to the network of private sector partner companies, increasing his chances of being called for an interview. One month after the initial meeting, we contacted A. and he informed us that he got permanent employment at a hotel complex!

*Since August 1st, 2023, the operation of the Athens Solidarity Center by SolidarityNow is supported by the Swiss-Greek Cooperation Programme/Embassy of Switzerland in Greece to reducing economic and social disparities in the EU and by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

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

The journey to adulthood is often filled with obstacles and challenges. At the Psychological Support Service of the Athens Solidarity Center by SolidarityNow, our specialized psychologists directly engage with the difficulties of this transitional phase, particularly as many of our beneficiaries fall within the age range of 18 to 23 years old.

Within our service, we support a diverse range of individuals, each grappling with their own unique life circumstances, experiences, and challenges. From refugees to survivors of forced marriage, from single-parent households to individuals struggling with identity issues and problematic relationships, our beneficiaries face a multitude of adversities. Often, they present with serious symptoms of anxiety, depression or withdrawal, alongside psychosomatic manifestations, all while navigating a process of self-discovery and self-definition.

In this context, we firmly believe that providing psychological support is paramount for effectively aiding young people during this critical juncture in their lives. However, our commitment extends beyond mere psychological assistance. The Athens Solidarity Center adopts a holistic approach, offering a comprehensive package of services designed to address the multifaceted needs of our beneficiaries.

Whether it’s addressing mental health challenges, tackling financial difficulties, fulfilling family obligations, or pursuing educational aspirations, our goal remains constant: to provide steadfast support and guidance for empowering young individuals as they traverse the intricate path of adulthood.

For us, the journey to adulthood is not merely a transition—it’s a transformation—a journey toward self-awareness and growth. With unwavering dedication, we walk alongside our young beneficiaries, offering solace, encouragement, and steadfast support.

*Since August 1st, 2023, the operation of the Athens Solidarity Center by SolidarityNow is supported by the Swiss-Greek Cooperation Programme/Embassy of Switzerland in Greece to reducing economic and social disparities in the EU and by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

**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.

As we reflect on International Women’s Day, it is important to celebrate the achievements, resilience, and invaluable contributions of women. This year, we are excited to share three inspiring videos that embody the spirit of empowerment, inclusion, and solidarity.

[Video 1]

In the first video, the spotlight shines on the remarkable statement of Nese, who is originally from Turkey and trained as a hairdresser, who came to Greece 15 years ago. Today she is a volunteer interpreter in French and Turkish. She shares with us her thoughts on the social status of women who do not wish to have children and the ageist racism that women experience as they grow up, a testament that defies stereotypes and challenges barriers.

[Video 2]

The second video celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of women from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Jacqueline had migrated to Greece from Sudan in 1987 and studied chemistry. Today she works as an interpreter. She remembers her first job in a supermarket and the conditions she faced there.
We also have the testament of Mira, who came to Greece 7 years ago to study Communication and Media at the University of Athens, already had a bachelor’s degree and a doctorate in Accounting and Finance from the University of Ukraine. “Greece’s legal framework for migrant women makes things difficult”, she says. Through their stories of resilience, we are reminded of the strength that lies within every woman, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.

[Video 3]

Lastly, we present the stories of Mamie and Xanthoula, on their working journeys. Mamie migrated to Greece from the Democratic Republic of Congo 25 years ago and studied accounting at Piraeus Technological Educational Institute. She shares with us her experience from her first job in Greece. “Women’s Day shouldn’t be just one day, we should have equal rights every day,” she says.
Xanthoula, arrived from Himarra to Samos to work, first as a sewer and then as a housekeeper in houses in Athens, until recently, when she retired. Their testaments inspire us to strive for a more inclusive and equitable world.

As we watch these videos, let us not only celebrate the achievements of women but also recognize the ongoing challenges they face and the work that remains to be done towards gender equality.
This year’s World Women’s Day is dedicated by the United Nations to the theme title “Invest in women: Accelerate progress.” It emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive society and investing in women’s empowerment.

Happy International Women’s Day!

*Since August 1st, 2023, the operation of the Athens Solidarity Center by SolidarityNow is supported by the Swiss-Greek Cooperation Programme/Embassy of Switzerland in Greece to reducing economic and social disparities in the EU and by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

**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.

In the intricate web of migration law and bureaucracy, stories of resilience and triumph often emerge from the shadows. Such is the case of a Senegalese woman who found herself dealing with the complexities of renewing her asylum status in Greece. Her journey is a testament to the power of legal advocacy in preserving the rights and dignity of those who have fled persecution and sought refuge in a foreign country.

Having been granted refugee status in Greece in 2014, this courageous woman had spent 15 years building a life. She has integrated into Greek society and has even had a child, who is now 8 years old. However, her sense of security was suddenly threatened when she received notice that her residence permit renewal was in jeopardy.

The beneficiary applied for the renewal of her residence permit when the competent service of the Directorate of Aliens informed her that Senegal, her country of origin, is included in the list of safe countries of origin for Greece. This classification raised concerns that her refugee status might not be renewed, requiring her to provide a written statement of the reasons why she continued to face a fear of persecution in Senegal. Faced with this frightening prospect, she turned to SolidarityNow’s Athens Solidarity Centre Legal Service for help.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, we swiftly took up her case, providing unwavering support and legal representation. Crafting a memorandum, we meticulously outlined the ongoing threats and dangers she faced as a Senegalese woman belonging to a vulnerable social group subjected to violence and discrimination.

Our defense paid off as we successfully secured the renewal of her residence permit and the maintenance of her refugee status. The competent authorities recognized that the reasons for her persecution in Senegal still existed, highlighting the inadequacy of state protection for vulnerable people.

This victory holds profound significance This success is of particular importance amidst a general practice of the competent authorities initiating a procedure to revoke or not renew the status of persons who have had status in our country for many years because the country from which they come is now considered by Greece as safe. It also acts as a beacon of hope for countless others facing similar uncertainties, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggle for justice and dignity.

As we celebrate this achievement, our work continues with unwavering determination. Another similar case represented by our Legal Service awaits resolution, underscoring the continued need for advocacy and steadfast support for those in need.

In the face of adversity, we remain committed to upholding the principles of justice, compassion, and human rights. Together, we stand united in our pursuit of a world where every individual, regardless of their origin or circumstances, is allowed to live free from fear and persecution.

*Since August 1st, 2023, the operation of the Athens Solidarity Center by SolidarityNow is supported by the Swiss-Greek Cooperation Programme/Embassy of Switzerland in Greece to reducing economic and social disparities in the EU and by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

**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.

In the realm of Legal Service, stories of change and hope often unfold amidst the most challenging circumstances. Such is the case of a post-adolescent citizen of Sri Lanka whose life took a remarkable turn thanks to the intervention of the legal service at the Athens Solidarity Centre by SolidarityNow.

Born in Greece but without any legal documentation in the country, the young man faced not only bureaucratic hurdles but also serious medical and psychiatric health issues. Complicating matters further, he had never received any documents from his country of origin, a place he had never visited and whose language he did not speak. For years, he lived in precarious conditions, lacking proof of his life in Greece, the only home he had ever known. Faced with these dire circumstances, our legal team embarked on an effort to secure his rights and protect him from further harm. After many sessions with him, it became clear that applying for international protection was his only viable solution. Despite the daunting challenges, we remained steadfast in defending his safety.

After the submission of his application and subsequent interview, the Asylum Service decided to grant him refugee status, due to the well-founded fear of persecution he would face in Sri Lanka due to his religion (as a Christian) and participation in a particular social group. Additionally, they considered his severe health issues and the complete lack of a support network in Sri Lanka. With official documents in hand for the first time in his life, the future of this young man transformed before his eyes. He continues his studies in a Greek school, seizing the opportunity to complete his education and build a better future. Freed from uncertainty and fear, he now looks ahead with optimism, knowing that Greece, his only homeland, is the key to realizing his dreams.

This story serves as a vivid reminder of the vital role that legal support plays in safeguarding the rights and dignity of vulnerable individuals. With unwavering dedication and a commitment to justice, we can rewrite the stories of those who have faced difficulties, offering them hope, security, and the opportunity to progress in a world full of possibilities.

*Since August 1st, 2023, the operation of the Athens Solidarity Center by SolidarityNow is supported by the Swiss-Greek Cooperation Programme/Embassy of Switzerland in Greece to reducing economic and social disparities in the EU and by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

**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.