April 8 has been established as “International Romani Day“ in commemoration of the First World Congress held in London on April 8, 1971, which laid the foundation for the international community to claim rights. There, delegates from 14 countries chose the term “Roma” as the international name for the community, replacing other names used – and still used – by themselves and by third parties. It is a day dedicated to the history, culture and culture of each community and a good opportunity to reflect, to recall all the suffering that the Roma have suffered for centuries on European soil, culminating in the Holocaust and the attempt to exterminate them in concentration camps.

Social exclusion, poverty, inequalities, inequality and marginalisation – as a result of stereotypes and prejudices – did not allow social integration, nor did they give the Roma the opportunity to enjoy the opportunities that Europe offered after the end of the great wars.

In recent years, the problems have increased due to the economic and energy crisis, rising unemployment and climate change, which are exacerbating social exclusion, poverty and difficulties in accessing health, work and education, increasing marginalisation and racism. In many cases, there are settlements that lack basic goods such as running water and electricity.

SolidarityNow through its Solidarity Centres in Athens and Thessaloniki has provided free services to hundreds of Roma in need and continues to do so. Since 2021, the organization has been cooperating with Municipalities and Roma Branches all over Greece (Thessaloniki, Katerini, Xanthi, Amfissa, Karditsa etc.) as well as with schools, associations and Roma associations, implementing over the years empowerment activities, educational seminars, skill development workshops and mentoring workshops focusing on women, children and adolescents.

At the same time, these programmes ensure that Roma communities are linked to schools and support structures, while promoting outreach to the general public. In addition, SolidarityNow participates in the National Partnership of the Roma Civil Monitor 2021-2025 to monitor the National Strategy for Roma and is a member of the two largest European networks of organisations working with Roma communities.

*SolidarityNow’s most recent Roma project, completed in August 2024, was “Jaf Anglal! Empowering school participation of Roma children“, which was jointly implemented with AMKE REVMA in the framework of the BUILD (Building a robust and democratic civic space) project. The project aimed to promote the fundamental right to education. See more: https://www.solidaritynow.org/jaf-anglal/

SolidarityNow, in collaboration with the REVMA NGO, implemented the “Jaf Anglal! Empowering school participation of Roma children” project as part of the European “BUILD-Building a robust and democratic civic space”* program. The project aimed to strengthen school attendance among Roma children, promoting the right to education and fostering a more inclusive school environment.

Those who experienced it share their stories

Every project gains real value through the experiences and voices of the people who lived it. Their testimonies highlight the impact of “Jaf Anglal!” on their daily lives, their perspectives, and the opportunities that were created. Their stories prove that education, cooperation, and support can bring about meaningful change.

Triantafyllos Deliyannidis | Headmaster, 18th Primary School of Katerini

“You mentioned that Jaf Anglal was a drop. However, it was a very significant drop. You gave us a great opportunity to get closer to the children and their parents. This year, we managed to enrol all children in school meals, obtain Health Cards for them, and ensure their participation in PE and swimming lessons. All Roma children participated in the Christmas celebration of Year 1. All parents – Roma and non-Roma – applauded the children, and I must say it was a very moving moment.

Since you visited us, the school’s dynamic has changed for the better. The handbook you provided has also been a great help to our efforts. I must admit that there were many things I didn’t know, and this programme helped me see them from a different perspective.”

Valentina Haidaroglou | Student, Participant in “Jaf Anglal!”

“Jaf Anglal came to shake me up and change the way I think. Through the programme, I realised that what people say about Roma not loving school isn’t true. Even our people say, ‘Oh, come on, what will the balamos (non-Roma) teach you?’ But in reality, they teach you many important things.

“I feel caught between two worlds. I experience racism from the balamos, who will not accept me because I am a Roma girl, and from the Roma, who think I am crazy for believing that things can change. But I get angry and want to prove to them that it is possible. I want my children to study and make their dreams come true, and maybe one day, I will go to a second-chance school to make my own dream a reality because I have always wanted to finish school.”

Anastasia Koukidou | Educator, Roma Support Centre of Pavlos Melas Municipality

“It is extremely important that when an organisation implements a project, it invites the Roma community. Engaging with the community in any way is crucial because it allows one programme to naturally follow another without losing communication.

I felt that, for the first time, the real protagonists of the project were the parents. No one else spoke on their behalf – only they did. We acted as connecting links, and a meaningful, active dialogue took place. It was an experience that brought us all closer together and provided us with valuable tools for the future.”

Eleni Papadopoulou | Headmistress, 3rd Secondary School with Lyceum Classes “Kostis Palamas,” Dendropotamos, Thessaloniki

“I see this project as a pillar of support. We have already started efforts to make our school more outward-looking, more visible, and legally recognised. We are trying to create a dialogue with parents so they can trust us. Parental involvement in the educational process is crucial if we want to provide children with equal opportunities in education. Because all children have the same rights. And we must create a framework that will offer them equal educational opportunities.

We opened the school to the local community, starting with the celebration of the International Day of the Romani Language. With the teachers, we organise monthly meetings with parents, informing them about their children’s attendance and offering educational activities. Our goal is to support those who wish to attend the Second Chance School. We want Jaf Anglal to continue because you are a support to us.”

Eleni Haidaroglou | Student, Participant in “Jaf Anglal!”

“Jaf Anglal gave me new thoughts, a new mindset, new ideas. It gave me hope and strength to keep going. I would love for it to continue because I feel that we still have much to learn and change. Every day, I discover new ways to grow, to see things from a different perspective, and to become the best version of myself. This experience is not just knowledge; it is a true transformation that will stay with me every step of the way.”

“Jaf Anglal!” was not just a project but a dynamic movement towards change. A small drop that created waves, bringing education and hope to communities that needed it.

Because every child deserves the opportunity to move forward! 

---

The “Jaf Anglal” project is implemented under the BUILD program, implemented by SolidarityNow and in partnership with REVMA NPO.

*The program ‘Building a robust and democratic civic space’ (BUILD) aims to protect, promote and raise awareness of EU fundamental rights & values by supporting civil society organizations (CSOs) in Greece & Cyprus and by increasing their capacity and sustainability. BUILD is co-funded by the European Union (90% of the grant), through the Citizens, Equality, Rights, and Values (CERV*) program, and by the Bodossaki Foundation and NGO Support Centre (10% of the grant), with a total grant amounting to €2.9 million.

The project aims to reach 300 individuals, through upskilling for the digital age 

Odyssea and SolidarityNow are proud to announce that they have been selected by the Centre for Public Impact to receive funding from the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund: Europe, and training to equip underserved workers with the AI knowledge and tools they need for long-term professional success. Through the Centre for Public Impact’s program, Odyssea and SolidarityNow will receive support to deliver impactful, localised AI training to vulnerable Greeks and people of migrant/refugee background.

Both organizations support vulnerable members of Greek society, including Greek citizens and migrants/refugees that are at risk of poverty and social exclusion. Through their regular programming, Odyssea and SolidarityNow offer employability support, empowering beneficiaries to (re)enter the job market through counselling, support with administrative procedures, and jobs matching services made possible through a wide pool of employers. This project, funded by CPI as part of the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund, will offer AI training in the cities of Athens and Thessaloniki to enable the two organizations’ beneficiaries to develop their digital skill sets, gaining a competitive advantage in the labour market; interpretation and child care during training will be provided, ensuring that all beneficiaries are able to actively engage in the course. The project aims to support at least 300 individuals, ultimately giving them access to better job opportunities.

“AI is revolutionizing the job market, and the digital skills gap threatens to leave vulnerable populations behind. This collaboration empowers our students with the skills to navigate this new reality. We’re turning this challenge into an opportunity for them to thrive in the AI-powered future.” – Loukas Oikonomakis, Co-Founder and CTO of Odyssea.

“We are committed to enabling our beneficiaries to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the labour market. Through this project, we hope to take a small step towards bridging the digital skills gap that disproportionately affects the most vulnerable members of society”. – Marilyn Polena, General Manager, SolidarityNow.

With support from the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund: Europe, the Centre for Public Impact is offering a comprehensive package of support, including bespoke AI training developed by Google and external partners, tailored support, and a total of €15 million in funding. Odyssea and SolidarityNow are among a number of organizations selected to participate in this initiative to empower vulnerable communities, close the AI skills gap, and ensure everyone can benefit from AI’s potential.

“AI can help people across industries get more done, build deeper knowledge, and focus on the things that matter most to them, but it’s crucial that no one is left behind,” said Matt Brittin, President of Google EMEA. “The inspiring organizations receiving support from the AI Opportunity Fund for Europe will help 20,000 people from underserved communities across 24 different countries receive the support they need to take advantage of AI’s potential in new and innovative ways.”

“At the Centre for Public Impact, we’re committed to empowering underserved communities with the AI skills and tools they need to thrive in today’s digital economy,” said Helen Stevenson, Senior Manager at the Centre for Public Impact and AI Opportunity Fund Lead. “With support from the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund, we’re delighted to be working with forward-thinking organizations like Odyssea and SolidarityNow to close digital skills gaps and unlock opportunities for all. Together, we’re building a more inclusive and resilient future.” 

Visit the program website to find out more about the Google.org AI Opportunity Fund: Europe and the CPI website to explore all the organizations that have been selected.

On Friday 14 February 2025, SolidarityNow and Generation 2.0 for Rights, Equality and Diversity presented the report “Revealing the Unseen Migrant Workers” at an event attended by representatives of public administration, migrant communities, lawyers and academics.

The discussion highlighted the findings of the research, shedding light on the labor trends and violations faced by migrants and refugees in Greece. Of the 228 respondents in Athens and Thessaloniki, 3 out of 5 report at least one case of labor exploitation despite the fact that more than half of them are employed in formal employment. Single mothers, undocumented migrants and asylum seekers are particularly disadvantaged.

Panelists noted the timeliness of the study, as it not only highlights labor rights violations, but also the vulnerabilities associated with the precariousness of the legal status of migrants and refugees, as well as systemic barriers that deter formal employment. The research includes a series of reform proposals to the relevant institutions to combat exploitation, reduce barriers to employment and ensure the rights of migrants and refugees in the Greek labor market.

The full text of the survey is available here.

//

A few words about the program and the research

The program “Revealing the Unseen Migrant Workers”* is being implemented by SolidarityNow and Generation 2.0 for Rights, Equality & Diversity. It started in December 2023 with the aim of highlighting precarious working conditions, undeclared work, labor exploitation, as well as the inequalities and discrimination faced by migrant workers in Greece.

*The “Revealing the Unseen Migrant Workers” program will run until September 2025 and is funded by PICUM and the labor rights and migrant workers program of the Robert Bosch Stiftung.

 

The ComeHoME research project examines access to decent and affordable housing for people with a migrant background in Thessaloniki, Turin, and Malta.

Based on 800 questionnaires, 12 focus groups, and 30 interviews, the study highlights the channels through which migrants seek housing, the barriers they face, and the resilience strategies they adopt. SolidarityNow participated in the research by carrying out data collection.

Findings for Thessaloniki

• 75% of respondents reported experiencing discrimination when searching for housing – the highest percentage among the three cities (Turin: 54%, Malta: 39%).
• Main reason for discrimination: ethnic origin (95% of those facing discrimination cited migration status, nationality, language, and skin color as key factors).
• African migrants were the most affected (86%), followed by Asians (77%) and Europeans (62%).
• Financial barriers posed challenges for 63% of respondents, while 41% reported language barriers.
• Private landlords were the main source of discrimination, whereas the role of real estate agencies was more complex. Most migrants relied on informal social networks (within migrant communities and personal contacts) to find housing, as awareness of legal rights and rental subsidies was low (only 21% were aware of available legal remedies).
• Mediated housing programs had a positive impact, but their temporary nature limited their long-term effectiveness.

Conclusions and Recommendations

• Discrimination and financial difficulties make securing housing particularly challenging for migrants in Thessaloniki.
• The state does not provide sufficient support, leaving civil society organizations to fill the gap with limited resources.
• Stronger policies are needed to improve housing access, including:

– Addressing discrimination through stricter legislation and enforcement mechanisms.

– Raising awareness among migrants about their rights.

– Expanding public and social housing programs for long-term solutions.

SolidarityNow organized the Career Day titled “Opportunity Now” on February 15th at its Athens Solidarity Center. The event, which was held with the support of Eurobank, featured parallel initiatives and workshops on employment issues, implemented throughout the week from February 10 to 14.

In the six workshops held on various themes related to employment, workplace inclusion, skills development, and the preparation for entering the labor market for former unaccompanied minors who have reached adulthood, more than 80 people from various demographic groups participated. The workshops were specifically designed to address the needs of these social groups in relation to their employment integration.

The “Opportunity Now” aim was to promote inclusion in the workplace and to provide equal opportunities for everyone to access employment—a fundamental human right.

“Opportunity Now” in numbers:

• Over 400 beneficiaries

• A total of 18 companies participated, representing various sectors such as tourism/hospitality, supply chain, construction, facilities management, and service provision

• Over 200 available job positions

• 865 on-site interviews were conducted

• 170 job offers

“At SolidarityNow, we believe that providing equal opportunities for everyone to access the labour market benefits all parties—employees, employers, and society as a whole. Through acceptance and inclusion, dynamic workplaces are created that harness the unique qualities of each individual. Change does not happen on its own; we create it together, through every opportunity given, every person who finds their way again. Solidarity is action, and on this Career Day we witnessed what can be achieved when it becomes a reality”, Marilyn Polena, General Manager of SolidarityNow.

“Talent knows no borders, age, gender, or origin. Today, we did not focus on paper qualifications—after all, the best employee is not necessarily the one with the most impressive résumé, but the one who possesses the greatest determination. And today, we met many such individuals”, a representative of a major multinational company.

One woman from Greece, who had been out of the labor market for a while, said emotionally: “The interview felt meaningful, not just a process.It was a conversation where, for the first time, someone asked me not only what I have done, but who I am and what I aspire to become. I don’t know if I will get the job, but I know that today I took the first step.”

Visit by the Deputy Minister for Migration and Asylum, Responsible for Inclusion, Ms. Sofia Voultsepsi

The Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum, Ms. Sofia Voultepsi, honored the Career Day with her presence and engaged in discussions with company representatives about the needs of the labor market, as well as with beneficiaries regarding their challenges in accessing employment in Greece.

Participating Companies:

Hellas Job

Job Trust

Manifest

Manpower

McDonald’s

Newrest

Santikos Collection

Mandynamic

Circet

Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

Mitsis

Costa Navarino

Sidenor

Poseidon Hotel

Hyatt

STiQ

Adeco

Sani