EEA Grants Asylum and Migration programme for Greece is funding METAdrasi’s Transit Accommodation Facilities in Chios and Samos

More than 1,200 unaccompanied minors are currently trapped in the camps, the so-called hot spots located in the islands. METAdrasi, having identified this critical gap since 2015, developed in 2016, within its comprehensive safety net of activities for the protection of unaccompanied minors and with the support from Foundations and donations, two (2) Transit Accommodation Facilities, in Chios and Samos.

These are the sole accommodation facilities for unaccompanied minors in these islands that can provide a safe environment for children of both genders and all ages, that are currently living in the inadequate and dangerous conditions of the hot spots.

EEA Grants having comprehended the substantial contribution these transit accommodation facilities in the borders offer, for the immediate provision of a safe and appropriate accommodation for the children, decided to fund METAdrasi’s accommodation facilities in Chios and Samos for three years (from 1/6/2020 to 30/9/2023), through the EEA Grants Asylum and Migration programme for Greece. It is worth mentioning that METAdrasi is being funded by EEA Grants for the third time. With the valuable contribution of EEA Grants METAdrasi launched two innovative actions in Greece; in 2015 the Guardianship Network of Unaccompanied Minors and in 2016 the first Foster Care programme for unaccompanied children. Both programmes continue to this day and have supported more than 6,500 children.

METAdrasi’s Transit Accommodation Facilities have a total capacity of 40 children and constitute a safe and appropriately designed space for unaccompanied minors. Particular emphasis is placed on creating a family atmosphere and the participation of children in the daily life of their home. Trained staff provide care to children by ensuring their daily needs are met, psychological support and medical care is delivered and recreational and educational activities are offered, with particular emphasis given to the interaction with local island communities.