Steps towards education and inclusion for refugee and migrant children.
Hundreds of refugee and migrant children are still out of the education system. With the aim not another year to be missed for these children, METAdrasi started in June the summer education program “Step2School”, under the “Open Schools” program of the City of Athens.
METAdrasi’s specialized educational team prepares refugee and migrant children, 6-17 years-old, who are staying in camps, facilities for unaccompanied minors, apartments and squats, for the next school year. The free of charge non-formal education program includes Greek language classes, mathematics, English, computer science, gymnastics and intercultural activities. It is based on the proposals of the Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs and the Institute for Educational Policy for the Education of Refugees and Migrants.
There is the possibility for parents/escorts of children to attend Greek and English classes. In addition, German-language courses are offered to children and parents/escorts who are preparing for relocation or family reunification, mainly to Germany.
With great joy, 200 children entered the classes, gained/acquire the first knowledge, played in the courtyard, made friends…
“It was a very moving moment to see the children’s smiles when we distributed the bags, pencils, notebooks, and when we introduced the students to their teachers,” says Konstantina Tsilomeleki, Scientific Director of METAdrasi’s Education Program.
“The enthusiasm that children and parents show, demonstrates how great their need for access to knowledge and integration is. The children’s adaptation was quick, their progress as well. It is worth mentioning that there are children who have never had the chance to go to school until now.”
“It was a very moving moment to see the children’s smiles when we distributed the bags, pencils, notebooks, and when we introduced the students to their teachers,” says Konstantina Tsilomeleki, Scientific Director of METAdrasi’s Education Program. “The enthusiasm that children and parents show, demonstrates how great their need for access to knowledge and integration is. The children’s adaptation was quick, their progress as well. It is worth mentioning that there are children who have never had the chance to go to school until now.”
The lessons and activities take place every morning in a school in the center of Athens, while the teaching hours will be extended in the afternoon as well. In September when children are expected to start school, METAdrasi will continue to support them through afternoon classes.
METAdrasi’s activity “Step2School”, initiated with the valuable contribution of its volunteers, is supported by the A. G. Leventis Foundation, while croissants and juices for children have been offered by the Greek Food Bank – Institution Against Hunger and the Non-Profit Foundation Desmos.
The activity is implemented in the framework of the summer activities “Open Schools” of the City of Athens, with exclusive donor the “Stavros Niarchos” Foundation which hosts a series of free cultural, technological, sports, entertainment and educational activities for people of all ages.
Learn about the Open Schools Program by the City of Athens: www.athensopenschools.gr
Learn about METAdrasi: www.metadrasi.org
