SolidarityNow’s two new innovative training programs meeting today’s needs
for specialization are Open to All
SolidarityNow makes the next step; the one towards refugees’ and migrants’ social inclusion into Greek society and the other by creating opportunities and conditions for strengthening the skills required of all vulnerable population groups -Greeks and all nationalities- by providing them free access to specialized knowledge.
In the framework of the lifelong learning program entitled “Education Matters”, implemented by SolidarityNow since December 2017, the organization adapts actions that respond to the participants’ everyday needs and enhance their skills set as one of its objectives, access to labour market. Already, during 2017, more than 2,200 people in Athens and Thessaloniki participated at the SolidarityNow programs, mainly to learn the Greek and English languages; numbers have been increasing gradually in 2018.
The two new programs are implemented at the Intercultural Center “Diadromes”, which is situated in Athens city center, in collaboration with Almasar and the support of the Development Forum. The Center “Diadromes” is a meeting point for people from different countries but with common goals and needs.
“Our society will not benefit by considering young people as travelers who have missed the train and remain in a noisy waiting room facing a blank announcement board. In fact, the provision of educational services is not connected to where these young people will be in a few years“, says Antigone Lyberaki, SolidarityNow General Director and points out: “What they need, whether they stay or leave Greece, are skills, self-confidence, dreams and goals. Education will support their way towards a smooth social inclusion in their new society and reality, but also will strengthen them in their attempt to claim a decent job and the way of life they have dreamt; either in Greece or elsewhere”.
Two new educational programs
- IT Essentials | Computer & Network Technician
SolidarityNow, a certified CISCO Networking Academy, gives to anyone interested the opportunity to study and prepare for Computer Engineering positions with the skills required in the market now!
The Cisco IT Essentials program: PC Hardware and Software, is implemented in partnership with Cisco, the largest networking company and the support of the Hellenic American Union. This program enables the participants to be one step ahead of the market and acquire the essential skills to work as computer and network technicians in environments such as companies, public services, educational institutions, or as freelancers in the field of technical support for computers.
- By(e)plastic | Precious Plastic machines’ Operators
SolidarityNow, in collaboration with Electra Energy Cooperative and Precious Plastic Greece will train a group of people about plastic recycling/upcycling, by building and using Precious Plastic machines. The Precious Plastic machines can be built and operated anywhere in the world, allowing its user to melt and reshape recycled plastic into new, marketable products.
The project’s participants will obtain the necessary ideas, skills and tools, create a follow-up project, such as a social cooperative around the innovative concept of plastic recycling or use the skills acquired in order to build new machines and undertake relevant initiatives via the use of the machines. Through this empowering process, creativity and skills development of participants will be reinforced, as well as inclusivity and sustainability.
* All programs that are part of the lifelong learning program “Education Matters” are addressed to everyone and are free of charge.
** The Intercultural Center “Diadromes” is located at 26 Boukouvala str., Ampelokipoi–Gyzi.
Contact us at education@solidaritynow.org and learn more about the organization’s current and future programs.