“When I came to Greece I was lucky to find people who reached out to me and helped me in my new beginning. Now that some time has passed and I feel stronger, I believe it is my duty to give back this help to people who need it. This opportunity I was given is very important to me”, said N. at the first lesson of the “Personal Assistants for People with Disabilities” training.

N. is one of the 12 participants of the training for refugees and migrants who yesterday, Tuesday the 11th of April, received their certification as “Personal Assistants for Persons with Disabilities”.

The participants, refugees and migrants from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Egypt, Egypt, Togo, Ukraine, Georgia and Albania, started attending the programme in December 2022. Their training included 100 hours of lessons in theory and in practice at a training centre for personal assistants for people with disabilities, four months of intensive Greek language courses at METAdrasi’s educational centre, and seminars on child protection and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.

Through this programme, implemented by METAdrasi in cooperation with UNHCR GREECE, the participants acquired an additional skill that will significantly help them in their efforts to find equal access to the labour market.

METAdrasi’s team has already undertaken to connect the beneficiaries with institutions and organizations seeking personnel in this field of work, and will ensure their registration in the “Personal Assistants” platform of the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

The second cycle of free training for refugees and migrants with employment prospects as personal assistants for persons with disabilities will start at the end of April.