<\/span><\/div>Eleni: \u201cI come to METAdrasi and always leave happier, feeling more fulfilled\u201d<\/h2><\/div>
Eleni: \u201cI come to METAdrasi and always leave happier, feeling more fulfilled\u201d<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Eleni has been volunteering with METAdrasi since late 2024. She started by teaching Greek to children aged 6 to 12 and, more recently, has also begun taking part in the escorting of unaccompanied children, working alongside METAdrasi\u2019s team to accompany them to accommodation facilities.\r\n\r\nShe studied Social Policy at the University of the Peloponnese and is about to begin a Master\u2019s degree in Migration Policy and Human Rights. Her first contact with METAdrasi was while she was still a university student, when she was looking for an organisation where she could complete her internship.\r\n\r\n\u201cAt first, I wanted to do my internship here, but in the end it didn\u2019t work out. I stayed in touch with the people at METAdrasi, though, and at some point they asked me, \u2018Would you like to volunteer with us?\u2019 I thought, \u2018Why not?\u2019 \u2014 and that\u2019s how I got started.\u201d\r\nAn unexpected start in education\r\nEleni had no previous experience in education and, as she admits, the prospect of being in a classroom with children made her quite anxious at first.\r\n\r\n\u201cI had no background in education at all, and I was really nervous about it. I kept wondering what it would be like and felt quite anxious. In the end, though, it turned out to be a truly wonderful experience.\u201d\r\n\r\nBefore long, her interaction with the children became one of the most meaningful parts of her volunteering experience.\r\n\r\n\u201cBeing with the children gives you so much. It refreshes and energises you. Every time I come here, I see or experience something new. Even if I\u2019ve had a bad day, when I arrive here, everything changes. I leave feeling very happy. Fulfilled.\u201d\r\n\r\nThrough the Greek lessons, the relationship goes far beyond language learning. Over time, trust develops, and the children begin to share moments and stories from their lives: about their families, their first days in Greece, and the difficulties they may have faced.\r\n\r\n\u201cAs we get to know each other better, they tell us stories about when they were younger, about how they came here, and about their families. Some may have parents who are far away, while others hardly get to see them because they work long hours. Little by little, they begin to trust us with their stories.\u201d\r\n\u201cYou can see the children\u2019s dreams\u201d\r\nOne of the moments that has stayed with Eleni was a lesson about professions and what the children would like to become when they grow up.\r\n\r\n\u201cWe made cards, and each child drew what they wanted to be when they grew up. They really loved it, and at the end they took their drawings home to show their parents. You could see their dreams there. Some want to become scientists, others doctors\u2026\u201d\r\n\r\nFor Eleni, moments like these are particularly powerful. Despite the language barriers, the children find ways to express what they hope to achieve.\r\n\r\n\u201cIt is very moving to see that, even though some of them still cannot communicate easily in Greek, they know what they want and they tell you, \u2018I want to stay here and do this.\u2019 Another thing I really like is that the older children, who are more familiar with Greek, spontaneously help the younger ones.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the same time, Eleni has also experienced how difficult it can be to say goodbye. After METAdrasi\u2019s educational centre moved from Kallithea to Ano Patissia, she no longer sees the children with whom she had built a bond over the course of an entire year.\r\n\r\n\u201cI used to see them every week. We would catch up, joke around and have fun together. The transition was difficult because now I don\u2019t know where they are or what they are doing. When you become used to that kind of connection, having to part ways affects you.\u201d\r\nFrom the classroom to escorting unaccompanied children\r\nMore recently, Eleni decided to expand her volunteering by also taking part in the escorting of unaccompanied children. Here too, she encounters deeply human and emotional moments.\r\n\r\nShe vividly remembers a group of teenagers, around 16 or 17 years old, whom she recently accompanied to different accommodation facilities.\r\n\r\n\u201cThey were trying to act grown-up and strong. But when the time came to say goodbye to their friends, they burst into tears. It was very moving.\u201d\r\n\r\nDuring the journeys and conversations along the way, the children often share where they come from and what they have been through, but also the small joys of everyday life.\r\n\r\n\u201cA child might tell you excitedly, \u2018I had ice cream today!\u2019 And you can see the joy on their face. Something that might seem so simple to us can, for them, mean the whole world in that moment.\u201d\r\nThe value of volunteering\r\nFor Eleni, volunteering is above all a way of being there for people wherever support is needed.\r\n\r\n\u201cI like being able to help wherever and however I can. Volunteering really helps you develop empathy. You learn to see people and their experiences differently.\u201d\r\n\r\nHer experience at METAdrasi has even changed the way she thinks about what she would like to do in the future. What began almost by chance gradually developed into something that now feels very close to her.\r\n\r\n\u201cFor me, METAdrasi is the \u2018unexpected\u2019. I entered a field I had no connection with at all, and in the end I found myself saying, \u2018This is what I want to do.\u2019 It changes everything you thought you knew.\u201d\r\n\r\nAnd perhaps this is, for Eleni, the most important part of the volunteering experience: the fact that giving works both ways.\r\n\r\n\u201cI might come here after a difficult day when everything has gone wrong. But once I\u2019m here, something changes. Every time, I leave happier. More fulfilled.\u201d<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Sometimes, a journey is more than simply getting from one place to another<\/h2><\/div><\/div>During a recent accompaniment mission carried out by the METAdrasi team, a young boy spent almost the entire ten-hour journey trying to learn as many Greek words as possible. After just one month in a reception center near the border, he had already learned to count to one hundred and use basic everyday phrases in Greek.\r\n\r\nHis greatest concerns, however, were not about the journey itself, but about his future: When would he be able to go to school? Would he have the chance to continue pursuing his dream of becoming a professional footballer?\r\n\r\nAs we watched a football match on the ferry\u2019s television, with the sun setting before us, he smiled and said:\r\n\u201cI want to make Greece my home and, one day, I hope to proudly wear the national team\u2019s jersey!\u201d\r\n\r\nFor the METAdrasi team, every accompaniment is more than a safe transfer. It is the beginning of a new journey\u2014one where safety, education and hope can finally find the space they deserve.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Chahd Ben-Ali: Taekwondo and New Friendships through \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nJournalist: Apostolos Staikos\r\nOperator\/Editor: Giannis Dolas\r\n\r\n\u201cI can\u2019t wait to come to training\u2014and it\u2019s not just me; all the children feel the same way. We love Taekwondo, we exercise, and we have a wonderful time,\u201d says Chahd Ben Ali.\r\n\r\nThe 14-year-old from Tunisia participates in \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d. The programme is open to children aged 7 to 17 and young people aged 18 to 21. Its aim is to help refugee children and young adults engage with sport and culture through activities in which they participate alongside their peers from local communities.\r\n\r\n\u201cI have been involved in sports since I was very young and have tried many different activities. But Taekwondo has always been especially close to my heart. When my family and I arrived in Greece, I did not know whether I could join a team or where to ask for information. One day, while attending an English lesson at METAdrasi\u2019s educational centre, I saw a poster for \u2018Together in Sport\u2019. I spoke to the staff, learned more about the programme, and now I am part of the team,\u201d Chahd explains.\r\n\r\nThe first phase of \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d was implemented in 2021 and 2022, bringing together more than 9,000 refugee children and children from local communities in various regions across Greece. Its success led to the continuation of the initiative through \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d. Over the past five years, the programme has given more than 24,000 refugee children and children from local communities the opportunity to participate equally in sporting and cultural activities.\r\n\r\n\u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d is implemented by METAdrasi (project coordinator), the Hellenic Olympic Committee, and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). The German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) supports with coordination and co-funding. The project is also co-funded by the AMIF (2021-2027).\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cSport helps children open up and gain confidence. They learn the meaning of teamwork and collective effort, as well as the importance of hard work and discipline in achieving their goals. That is why, in my view, \u2018Together in Sport\u2019 is so important. It supports children as they rebuild their lives and become part of Greek society. It helps them socialise and, ultimately, contributes to shaping the active citizens of tomorrow,\u201d says Taekwondo coach Panagiotis Tsoulis.\r\n\r\nEvery Tuesday and Friday, Chahd goes with her best friend to Neo Faliro, where the training sessions take place. For young athletes living in refugee accommodation facilities, Taekwondo offers more than an opportunity to exercise. It is also a chance to leave the camp environment, meet people their own age, and form new friendships.\r\n\r\n\u201cI met girls and boys from many different countries here, and now we spend time together. I remember that some of them were quite shy at first. But after two or three training sessions, they began to open up, talk to the person next to them, and, of course, fall in love with the sport. It is also very important that we train and play with children from Greece. It gives us the opportunity to grow closer and become friends,\u201d says the 14-year-old athlete.\r\n\r\nTaekwondo is one of the most popular activities offered through \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d. Participants can also choose from a wide range of sporting and cultural activities, including kickboxing, volleyball, football, acrobatics, dance, drama workshops, visual arts, and many more. Particular emphasis is placed on the inclusion of children and young people with physical or intellectual disabilities, while participation in all activities is free of charge.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPanagiotis Tsoulis did not hesitate when he was invited to coach a group of refugee children. He understands that, for some of them, sport can provide a valuable escape from a challenging daily life. At the same time, he recognises that the work comes with its own difficulties.\r\n\r\nFor some children, it is their first experience of Taekwondo, while others initially find it difficult to follow instructions and respect the rules. Gradually, however, they become familiar with the training environment and learn to trust both their coach and their teammates. Tsoulis greatly values the effort they make.\r\n\r\n\u201cIt all begins with a smile, perhaps accompanied by a little awkwardness. During the first few sessions, some children are hesitant. I can see them observing both me and their teammates as they try to familiarise themselves with the environment and understand how the group works. But this usually lasts no more than two or three sessions. Then come the laughter, the joy, and the feeling of belonging. From that point on, everything begins to fall into place. As I watch the children develop, I see that they have become more outgoing. They enjoy the training and continue to improve their performance,\u201d the Taekwondo coach says.\r\n\r\nLanguage can also present a challenge. The young athletes may understand and respond to commands such as \u201cShijak\u201d for \u201cStart\u201d, \u201cSho\u201d for \u201cRelax\u201d, \u201cKalyo\u201d for \u201cBreak\u201d, and \u201cJoonbi\u201d for \u201cReady\u201d, but they speak different languages. This does not, however, prevent them from communicating.\r\n\r\n\u201cThe members of the team come from many different countries, yet they always find a way to understand one another. Hassan might ask Mahdi, for example, \u2018Did you understand what the coach said?\u2019 I see them helping one another through gestures, signs, and the few words they share. No one in our group is left alone. We support one another and move forward together. I have also noticed that several of the children are genuinely talented. They have the potential to progress and develop further,\u201d Tsoulis says.\r\n\r\nChahd is one of the athletes who has stood out. Her consistency, dedication, and strong performance have opened the door to the next stage of her sporting journey. Spyros Zacharopoulos, who coached the \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d team the previous year, noticed her progress and invited her to join the \u201cATHLOS \u2013 Egaleo\u201d Taekwondo Sports Club.\r\n\r\nSince the beginning of 2026, Chahd has divided her time between training with the club and participating in \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d. She continues to develop her talent without losing sight of what she values most about the team: the joy of sport, communication, and friendship.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>At the Common Grounds Festival, communication became an experience<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nWhat happens when you need help\u2026 but there\u2019s no common language?\r\n\r\nAt this year\u2019s Common Grounds Festival, METAdrasi joined forces with Ben & Jerry\u2019s, giving visitors the opportunity to better understand a reality faced every day by people who have been forced to leave their country: the need to communicate in an unfamiliar environment where no one speaks their language.\r\n\r\nThrough an interactive activity, participants were asked to seek help and communicate using only cards written in Farsi, Arabic, Urdu and French.\r\nThis experience helped them gain a deeper understanding of how difficult it is to express a need when the language you speak is not understood.\r\n\r\nInterpretation is not merely an essential service. It is a vital bridge of communication that ensures people can access essential services, support and protection.\r\nAt METAdrasi, our interpreters work every day to bridge communication gaps for those who need it most.\r\n\r\n\ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffd We warmly thank Ben & Jerry\u2019s for its invaluable support and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center for creating a space for multicultural coexistence, dialogue and celebration through the Common Grounds Festival.\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>The 8th cycle of the \u201cReady4Business\u201d entrepreneurship programme begins<\/h2><\/div><\/div>METAdrasi invites refugees and migrants who have a business idea but need guidance to turn it into reality to apply for participation in the Ready4Business programme.\r\n\r\nAfter submitting their application, those who meet the participation requirements will have an individual meeting with the programme team to present and discuss their business idea.\r\n\r\nFollowing this, 15 participants will be selected to receive personalised support in developing their business plan.\r\n\r\nThe programme offers FREE training seminars, one-to-one meetings, legal and tax guidance, and mentoring.\r\n\r\n\ud83d\udcc5 Application deadline: Monday, 31 August 2026\r\n\ud83d\udd17 Fill in the application form, here.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMETAdrasi\u2019s Ready4Business programme is funded through the organisation\u2019s own resources.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Children at the heart of the \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d closing event<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\r\nPress Release\r\n14\/07\/2026\r\nChildren at the heart of the \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d closing event\r\nChildren, partners and friends of the programme celebrated the journey of \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d at a warm and joyful event held at the Marathon Run Museum on Thursday, 9 July 2026.\r\n\r\nOver a five-year period, \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d gave more than 24,000 refugee children and children from local communities the opportunity to participate on an equal basis in 200 sports activities. They were introduced to Olympic sports, learned about cultural values and took part in cultural events.\r\n\r\nFor refugee children in particular, who accounted for half of the programme\u2019s participants and live in camps and accommodation facilities, the anticipation of leaving the facilities to take part in \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d activities was especially intense and moving. At the same time, activities were also organised within camps.\r\n\r\nBeyond the numbers, \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d leaves behind something far more meaningful, which is almost impossible to capture in tables and indicators: moments of joy, trust and effort. Children who tried a sport for the first time; young people who joined teams; coaches, Olympians, interpreters and volunteers who supported them; and communities that embraced the initiative. Above all, refugee children and children from local communities participated on equal terms, demonstrating that there is no discrimination in sport and culture.\r\n\r\nA distinctive feature of \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d was the special emphasis placed on creating infrastructure that would be freely available to everyone: two beach volleyball courts recently inaugurated in Mytilene, an outdoor fully equipped gym park in Ioannina, a renovated basketball court in Kavala, and an outdoor gym in Piraeus, which is expected to be completed in September.\r\n\r\nThe event was welcomed through a message from the Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum, Sevi Voloudaki. The Secretary General for Vulnerable Persons and Institutional Protection, Heracles Moskoff, highlighted the importance of sport as a means of inclusion, referring to the timely example of the World Cup, where many players are second- and third-generation descendants of migrants and refugees who now proudly represent the national teams of their host countries.\r\n\r\nWelcoming remarks were also delivered by Lora Pappa, President of METAdrasi, the organisation coordinating the programme; Voula Kozompoli, representing the Hellenic Olympic Committee; Agi Kasoumi, representing the General Secretariat of Sports; Karin Patok from the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees; and Antoni Tobias, representing the German Olympic Sports Confederation.\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, in the outdoor area of the Marathon Run Museum, the joyful voices and laughter of 120 refugee children from nearby accommodation facilities and children from local communities could be heard as they explored five sports through specially designed activities, with the support of coaches from the Hellenic Olympic Committee. At the end, children and adults came together in an atmosphere of celebration and joy, and every child received a medal, which they wore with pride.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d is implemented by METAdrasi (project coordinator), the Hellenic Olympic Committee, and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). The German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) supports with coordination and co-funding. The project is also co-funded by the AMIF (2021-2027).\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Invisible Barriers \/ Visible Rights<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Every child has the right to be seen, heard and recognised.\r\n\r\nTo mark Refugee Week, METAdrasi organised a creative awareness-raising initiative entitled \u201cInvisible Barriers \/ Visible Rights\u201d, highlighting the challenges faced by refugee children\u2014particularly unaccompanied children\u2014in accessing identification documents and official recognition.\r\n\r\nThe initiative was carried out as part of METAdrasi\u2019s participation in Family for Every Child\u2019s #ChildrenOnTheMove campaign, with the aim of raising awareness of every child\u2019s right to an identity.\r\n\r\nThrough drawings, messages and visual materials, children, adult learners and educators reminded us that these barriers can affect a child\u2019s access to education, healthcare, protection, family life and a sense of belonging.\r\n\r\nEvery child matters. Every child has rights. Every child deserves an identity.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Blog on Guardianship for Unaccompanied Minors: Having Someone in Your Corner<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Every unaccompanied child arriving in a new country needs more than procedures: they need someone to stand by them, listen to them, protect them, and ensure that their rights become a reality.\r\nIn the first part of Family for Every Child\u2019s \u201cSeen, Counted and Protected\u201d series, METAdrasi\u2019s experience from the Guardianship Programme for Unaccompanied Minors is presented \u2014 a programme introduced by the Organization for the first time in Greece in 2014.\r\n\r\nThe blog highlights how crucial the presence of a Guardian is in the life of an unaccompanied child \u2014 especially when issues such as age, documentation, access to education, health care, and legal protection directly affect their future.\r\n\r\nBecause systems see data.\r\nGuardians see children.\r\n\r\nRead the blog here.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 1, 2023, the activity of Guardianship for Unaccompanied Minors in Greece, is being implemented with METAdrasi as the coordinating partner and Praksis as a partner, within the framework of the \"National Guardianship System\" with funding from the \u201cProgramme Greece \u2013 Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2021-2027\u201d, co-financed by the European Union.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Every sunrise marks a new beginning<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Each week, through METAdrasi\u2019s escorting missions, unaccompanied children are transferred from refugee camps on the Aegean islands to accommodation facilities on the mainland.METAdrasi\u2019s escorts remain by the children\u2019s side at every stage of the journey, helping ensure that the transfer takes place with dignity, safety, and respect for each child\u2019s individual needs.For every child who arrives in the country alone, this journey can mark the beginning of a new chapter \u2014 one with greater care, protection, and hope.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>METAdrasi starts providing Intercultural Mediation Services in the Healthcare Sector for the South Aegean Region<\/h2><\/div><\/div>PRESS RELEASE\nAthens, 16 June 2026\nMETAdrasi starts providing Intercultural Mediation Services in the Healthcare Sector for the South Aegean Region\nDrawing on more than 15 years of expertise in the provision of interpretation services, METAdrasi has begun covering interpretation and intercultural mediation needs in the healthcare sector in the South Aegean Region.\n\nThis is the first organized and systematic intercultural mediation intervention in the healthcare sector in this specific Region. The three-year activity substantially strengthens equal access to healthcare services. \n\n\u201cWe are particularly pleased that, after many years of efforts to highlight the enormous gap created by the lack of interpretation and intercultural mediation in hospitals, the State has finally taken measures to address this vital need,\u201d stated METAdrasi\u2019s President, Lora Pappa.\n\nEffective communication in healthcare is a constant and long-standing need. Anticipating this need, since its establishment in 2010, METAdrasi has responded to interpretation requests from hospitals, mainly on a voluntary basis using its own resources, alongside support from the European Commission and international organizations. \n\nLaunched in early February, through the activity \u201cProvision of Intercultural Mediation Services in Health Services in the South Aegean Region,\u201d METAdrasi has been making a substantial contribution in ensuring equal healthcare access for refugees and migrants in the South Aegean Region. By facilitating communication, the initiative bridges the gap between healthcare staff\u2014including doctors, nurses, and administrators\u2014and the patients, improving the quality of care provided.\n\nDuring the first quarter of the activity, more than 235 intervention sessions have been carried out, a number that is expected to increase significantly in the coming period. The intercultural mediators specialize in Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Georgian, Russian, Urdu, Pashto, French, Sorani, Kurmanji and Somali, as well as other languages depending on emerging needs. The activity mainly covers the General Hospital of Leros, the General Hospital of Kos, the General Hospital of Rhodes and the General Hospital of Thira, as well as other healthcare centers in the region. \n\n \n\nThe project \u201cProvision of Intercultural Mediation Services in Health Services in the South Aegean Region\u201d is implemented within the framework of the \u201cSouth Aegean 2021\u20132027\u201d Programme and the Priority \u201cHuman Resources and Social Inclusion,\u201d co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).\n\n\n\nStories from the activity\n\nTwenty-nine-year-old Nour* from Syria arrived at the General Hospital of Kos holding her son by the hand. He had a high fever and severe abdominal pain. \u201cI didn\u2019t know how to explain to the doctors what had happened, and I was afraid they wouldn\u2019t understand. I was very worried,\u201d she says. As soon as METAdrasi\u2019s intercultural mediator arrived, Nour was able to describe her child\u2019s symptoms accurately, answer the doctors\u2019 questions and understand the instructions for his medication. \u201cWhen I heard in my own language what I had to do, I felt that I was not alone. I was able to take proper care of my child.\u201d \n\nForty-one-year-old Farhad* from Afghanistan had to go to the General Hospital of Leros for tests after experiencing severe chest pain. He was extremely anxious, as he could not communicate in Greek and did not understand the procedure he had to follow. METAdrasi\u2019s Dari-speaking intercultural mediator stood by his side from the moment he arrived at reception, helping not only Farhad but also the medical staff to communicate with one another, accurately conveying the doctors\u2019 questions and instructions. \u201cI was very scared, but when someone spoke to me in my own language, I calmed down. I understood what was happening to me and what I needed to do. This makes a huge difference when you are in a foreign country, have health problems and need help.\u201d \n\n*Names have been changed for protection purposes.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Refugee Stories Through Painting<\/h2><\/div><\/div>On the occasion of World Refugee Day, residents of the Kofinou and Pournara centers \u2014 students of METAdrasi Cyprus \u2014 expressed themselves through painting, creating works that capture their thoughts, experiences, memories and dreams.\nFrom images of Cyprus, homes, doves and sea journeys to more personal and symbolic creations, each artwork tells a unique story. Together, these paintings form a vibrant mosaic of hope, resilience and human expression.\nThe exhibition invites us to look beyond the images: to listen to the voices, memories and aspirations of the people who created them.CourageFamily, Peace, FreedomJourney from Home<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>One more accompaniment towards protection<\/h2><\/div><\/div>METAdrasi\u2019s team accompanied six children from a refugee camp, originally from Somalia, Sudan and Egypt, to accommodation facilities in Ioannina and Igoumenitsa.\r\n\r\nWith care, responsibility and respect for each child\u2019s needs, we ensure that their transfer takes place safely and with dignity.\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, 1,500 unaccompanied children have been supported through METAdrasi\u2019s activity of \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d.\r\n\r\nFor every unaccompanied child, safe escorting is another step towards a more stable and protected environment.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article><\/div>- 4<\/span> <\/a><\/li>
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Eleni has been volunteering with METAdrasi since late 2024. She started by teaching Greek to children aged 6 to 12 and, more recently, has also begun taking part in the escorting of unaccompanied children, working alongside METAdrasi\u2019s team to accompany them to accommodation facilities.\r\n\r\nShe studied Social Policy at the University of the Peloponnese and is about to begin a Master\u2019s degree in Migration Policy and Human Rights. Her first contact with METAdrasi was while she was still a university student, when she was looking for an organisation where she could complete her internship.\r\n\r\n\u201cAt first, I wanted to do my internship here, but in the end it didn\u2019t work out. I stayed in touch with the people at METAdrasi, though, and at some point they asked me, \u2018Would you like to volunteer with us?\u2019 I thought, \u2018Why not?\u2019 \u2014 and that\u2019s how I got started.\u201d\r\nAn unexpected start in education\r\nEleni had no previous experience in education and, as she admits, the prospect of being in a classroom with children made her quite anxious at first.\r\n\r\n\u201cI had no background in education at all, and I was really nervous about it. I kept wondering what it would be like and felt quite anxious. In the end, though, it turned out to be a truly wonderful experience.\u201d\r\n\r\nBefore long, her interaction with the children became one of the most meaningful parts of her volunteering experience.\r\n\r\n\u201cBeing with the children gives you so much. It refreshes and energises you. Every time I come here, I see or experience something new. Even if I\u2019ve had a bad day, when I arrive here, everything changes. I leave feeling very happy. Fulfilled.\u201d\r\n\r\nThrough the Greek lessons, the relationship goes far beyond language learning. Over time, trust develops, and the children begin to share moments and stories from their lives: about their families, their first days in Greece, and the difficulties they may have faced.\r\n\r\n\u201cAs we get to know each other better, they tell us stories about when they were younger, about how they came here, and about their families. Some may have parents who are far away, while others hardly get to see them because they work long hours. Little by little, they begin to trust us with their stories.\u201d\r\n\u201cYou can see the children\u2019s dreams\u201d\r\nOne of the moments that has stayed with Eleni was a lesson about professions and what the children would like to become when they grow up.\r\n\r\n\u201cWe made cards, and each child drew what they wanted to be when they grew up. They really loved it, and at the end they took their drawings home to show their parents. You could see their dreams there. Some want to become scientists, others doctors\u2026\u201d\r\n\r\nFor Eleni, moments like these are particularly powerful. Despite the language barriers, the children find ways to express what they hope to achieve.\r\n\r\n\u201cIt is very moving to see that, even though some of them still cannot communicate easily in Greek, they know what they want and they tell you, \u2018I want to stay here and do this.\u2019 Another thing I really like is that the older children, who are more familiar with Greek, spontaneously help the younger ones.\u201d\r\n\r\nAt the same time, Eleni has also experienced how difficult it can be to say goodbye. After METAdrasi\u2019s educational centre moved from Kallithea to Ano Patissia, she no longer sees the children with whom she had built a bond over the course of an entire year.\r\n\r\n\u201cI used to see them every week. We would catch up, joke around and have fun together. The transition was difficult because now I don\u2019t know where they are or what they are doing. When you become used to that kind of connection, having to part ways affects you.\u201d\r\nFrom the classroom to escorting unaccompanied children\r\nMore recently, Eleni decided to expand her volunteering by also taking part in the escorting of unaccompanied children. Here too, she encounters deeply human and emotional moments.\r\n\r\nShe vividly remembers a group of teenagers, around 16 or 17 years old, whom she recently accompanied to different accommodation facilities.\r\n\r\n\u201cThey were trying to act grown-up and strong. But when the time came to say goodbye to their friends, they burst into tears. It was very moving.\u201d\r\n\r\nDuring the journeys and conversations along the way, the children often share where they come from and what they have been through, but also the small joys of everyday life.\r\n\r\n\u201cA child might tell you excitedly, \u2018I had ice cream today!\u2019 And you can see the joy on their face. Something that might seem so simple to us can, for them, mean the whole world in that moment.\u201d\r\nThe value of volunteering\r\nFor Eleni, volunteering is above all a way of being there for people wherever support is needed.\r\n\r\n\u201cI like being able to help wherever and however I can. Volunteering really helps you develop empathy. You learn to see people and their experiences differently.\u201d\r\n\r\nHer experience at METAdrasi has even changed the way she thinks about what she would like to do in the future. What began almost by chance gradually developed into something that now feels very close to her.\r\n\r\n\u201cFor me, METAdrasi is the \u2018unexpected\u2019. I entered a field I had no connection with at all, and in the end I found myself saying, \u2018This is what I want to do.\u2019 It changes everything you thought you knew.\u201d\r\n\r\nAnd perhaps this is, for Eleni, the most important part of the volunteering experience: the fact that giving works both ways.\r\n\r\n\u201cI might come here after a difficult day when everything has gone wrong. But once I\u2019m here, something changes. Every time, I leave happier. More fulfilled.\u201d<\/div><\/article>
<\/span><\/div>Sometimes, a journey is more than simply getting from one place to another<\/h2><\/div>
Sometimes, a journey is more than simply getting from one place to another<\/h2><\/div><\/div>During a recent accompaniment mission carried out by the METAdrasi team, a young boy spent almost the entire ten-hour journey trying to learn as many Greek words as possible. After just one month in a reception center near the border, he had already learned to count to one hundred and use basic everyday phrases in Greek.\r\n\r\nHis greatest concerns, however, were not about the journey itself, but about his future: When would he be able to go to school? Would he have the chance to continue pursuing his dream of becoming a professional footballer?\r\n\r\nAs we watched a football match on the ferry\u2019s television, with the sun setting before us, he smiled and said:\r\n\u201cI want to make Greece my home and, one day, I hope to proudly wear the national team\u2019s jersey!\u201d\r\n\r\nFor the METAdrasi team, every accompaniment is more than a safe transfer. It is the beginning of a new journey\u2014one where safety, education and hope can finally find the space they deserve.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Chahd Ben-Ali: Taekwondo and New Friendships through \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nJournalist: Apostolos Staikos\r\nOperator\/Editor: Giannis Dolas\r\n\r\n\u201cI can\u2019t wait to come to training\u2014and it\u2019s not just me; all the children feel the same way. We love Taekwondo, we exercise, and we have a wonderful time,\u201d says Chahd Ben Ali.\r\n\r\nThe 14-year-old from Tunisia participates in \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d. The programme is open to children aged 7 to 17 and young people aged 18 to 21. Its aim is to help refugee children and young adults engage with sport and culture through activities in which they participate alongside their peers from local communities.\r\n\r\n\u201cI have been involved in sports since I was very young and have tried many different activities. But Taekwondo has always been especially close to my heart. When my family and I arrived in Greece, I did not know whether I could join a team or where to ask for information. One day, while attending an English lesson at METAdrasi\u2019s educational centre, I saw a poster for \u2018Together in Sport\u2019. I spoke to the staff, learned more about the programme, and now I am part of the team,\u201d Chahd explains.\r\n\r\nThe first phase of \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d was implemented in 2021 and 2022, bringing together more than 9,000 refugee children and children from local communities in various regions across Greece. Its success led to the continuation of the initiative through \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d. Over the past five years, the programme has given more than 24,000 refugee children and children from local communities the opportunity to participate equally in sporting and cultural activities.\r\n\r\n\u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d is implemented by METAdrasi (project coordinator), the Hellenic Olympic Committee, and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). The German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) supports with coordination and co-funding. The project is also co-funded by the AMIF (2021-2027).\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cSport helps children open up and gain confidence. They learn the meaning of teamwork and collective effort, as well as the importance of hard work and discipline in achieving their goals. That is why, in my view, \u2018Together in Sport\u2019 is so important. It supports children as they rebuild their lives and become part of Greek society. It helps them socialise and, ultimately, contributes to shaping the active citizens of tomorrow,\u201d says Taekwondo coach Panagiotis Tsoulis.\r\n\r\nEvery Tuesday and Friday, Chahd goes with her best friend to Neo Faliro, where the training sessions take place. For young athletes living in refugee accommodation facilities, Taekwondo offers more than an opportunity to exercise. It is also a chance to leave the camp environment, meet people their own age, and form new friendships.\r\n\r\n\u201cI met girls and boys from many different countries here, and now we spend time together. I remember that some of them were quite shy at first. But after two or three training sessions, they began to open up, talk to the person next to them, and, of course, fall in love with the sport. It is also very important that we train and play with children from Greece. It gives us the opportunity to grow closer and become friends,\u201d says the 14-year-old athlete.\r\n\r\nTaekwondo is one of the most popular activities offered through \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d. Participants can also choose from a wide range of sporting and cultural activities, including kickboxing, volleyball, football, acrobatics, dance, drama workshops, visual arts, and many more. Particular emphasis is placed on the inclusion of children and young people with physical or intellectual disabilities, while participation in all activities is free of charge.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPanagiotis Tsoulis did not hesitate when he was invited to coach a group of refugee children. He understands that, for some of them, sport can provide a valuable escape from a challenging daily life. At the same time, he recognises that the work comes with its own difficulties.\r\n\r\nFor some children, it is their first experience of Taekwondo, while others initially find it difficult to follow instructions and respect the rules. Gradually, however, they become familiar with the training environment and learn to trust both their coach and their teammates. Tsoulis greatly values the effort they make.\r\n\r\n\u201cIt all begins with a smile, perhaps accompanied by a little awkwardness. During the first few sessions, some children are hesitant. I can see them observing both me and their teammates as they try to familiarise themselves with the environment and understand how the group works. But this usually lasts no more than two or three sessions. Then come the laughter, the joy, and the feeling of belonging. From that point on, everything begins to fall into place. As I watch the children develop, I see that they have become more outgoing. They enjoy the training and continue to improve their performance,\u201d the Taekwondo coach says.\r\n\r\nLanguage can also present a challenge. The young athletes may understand and respond to commands such as \u201cShijak\u201d for \u201cStart\u201d, \u201cSho\u201d for \u201cRelax\u201d, \u201cKalyo\u201d for \u201cBreak\u201d, and \u201cJoonbi\u201d for \u201cReady\u201d, but they speak different languages. This does not, however, prevent them from communicating.\r\n\r\n\u201cThe members of the team come from many different countries, yet they always find a way to understand one another. Hassan might ask Mahdi, for example, \u2018Did you understand what the coach said?\u2019 I see them helping one another through gestures, signs, and the few words they share. No one in our group is left alone. We support one another and move forward together. I have also noticed that several of the children are genuinely talented. They have the potential to progress and develop further,\u201d Tsoulis says.\r\n\r\nChahd is one of the athletes who has stood out. Her consistency, dedication, and strong performance have opened the door to the next stage of her sporting journey. Spyros Zacharopoulos, who coached the \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d team the previous year, noticed her progress and invited her to join the \u201cATHLOS \u2013 Egaleo\u201d Taekwondo Sports Club.\r\n\r\nSince the beginning of 2026, Chahd has divided her time between training with the club and participating in \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d. She continues to develop her talent without losing sight of what she values most about the team: the joy of sport, communication, and friendship.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>At the Common Grounds Festival, communication became an experience<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nWhat happens when you need help\u2026 but there\u2019s no common language?\r\n\r\nAt this year\u2019s Common Grounds Festival, METAdrasi joined forces with Ben & Jerry\u2019s, giving visitors the opportunity to better understand a reality faced every day by people who have been forced to leave their country: the need to communicate in an unfamiliar environment where no one speaks their language.\r\n\r\nThrough an interactive activity, participants were asked to seek help and communicate using only cards written in Farsi, Arabic, Urdu and French.\r\nThis experience helped them gain a deeper understanding of how difficult it is to express a need when the language you speak is not understood.\r\n\r\nInterpretation is not merely an essential service. It is a vital bridge of communication that ensures people can access essential services, support and protection.\r\nAt METAdrasi, our interpreters work every day to bridge communication gaps for those who need it most.\r\n\r\n\ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffd We warmly thank Ben & Jerry\u2019s for its invaluable support and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center for creating a space for multicultural coexistence, dialogue and celebration through the Common Grounds Festival.\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>The 8th cycle of the \u201cReady4Business\u201d entrepreneurship programme begins<\/h2><\/div><\/div>METAdrasi invites refugees and migrants who have a business idea but need guidance to turn it into reality to apply for participation in the Ready4Business programme.\r\n\r\nAfter submitting their application, those who meet the participation requirements will have an individual meeting with the programme team to present and discuss their business idea.\r\n\r\nFollowing this, 15 participants will be selected to receive personalised support in developing their business plan.\r\n\r\nThe programme offers FREE training seminars, one-to-one meetings, legal and tax guidance, and mentoring.\r\n\r\n\ud83d\udcc5 Application deadline: Monday, 31 August 2026\r\n\ud83d\udd17 Fill in the application form, here.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMETAdrasi\u2019s Ready4Business programme is funded through the organisation\u2019s own resources.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Children at the heart of the \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d closing event<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\r\nPress Release\r\n14\/07\/2026\r\nChildren at the heart of the \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d closing event\r\nChildren, partners and friends of the programme celebrated the journey of \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d at a warm and joyful event held at the Marathon Run Museum on Thursday, 9 July 2026.\r\n\r\nOver a five-year period, \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d gave more than 24,000 refugee children and children from local communities the opportunity to participate on an equal basis in 200 sports activities. They were introduced to Olympic sports, learned about cultural values and took part in cultural events.\r\n\r\nFor refugee children in particular, who accounted for half of the programme\u2019s participants and live in camps and accommodation facilities, the anticipation of leaving the facilities to take part in \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d activities was especially intense and moving. At the same time, activities were also organised within camps.\r\n\r\nBeyond the numbers, \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d leaves behind something far more meaningful, which is almost impossible to capture in tables and indicators: moments of joy, trust and effort. Children who tried a sport for the first time; young people who joined teams; coaches, Olympians, interpreters and volunteers who supported them; and communities that embraced the initiative. Above all, refugee children and children from local communities participated on equal terms, demonstrating that there is no discrimination in sport and culture.\r\n\r\nA distinctive feature of \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d was the special emphasis placed on creating infrastructure that would be freely available to everyone: two beach volleyball courts recently inaugurated in Mytilene, an outdoor fully equipped gym park in Ioannina, a renovated basketball court in Kavala, and an outdoor gym in Piraeus, which is expected to be completed in September.\r\n\r\nThe event was welcomed through a message from the Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum, Sevi Voloudaki. The Secretary General for Vulnerable Persons and Institutional Protection, Heracles Moskoff, highlighted the importance of sport as a means of inclusion, referring to the timely example of the World Cup, where many players are second- and third-generation descendants of migrants and refugees who now proudly represent the national teams of their host countries.\r\n\r\nWelcoming remarks were also delivered by Lora Pappa, President of METAdrasi, the organisation coordinating the programme; Voula Kozompoli, representing the Hellenic Olympic Committee; Agi Kasoumi, representing the General Secretariat of Sports; Karin Patok from the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees; and Antoni Tobias, representing the German Olympic Sports Confederation.\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, in the outdoor area of the Marathon Run Museum, the joyful voices and laughter of 120 refugee children from nearby accommodation facilities and children from local communities could be heard as they explored five sports through specially designed activities, with the support of coaches from the Hellenic Olympic Committee. At the end, children and adults came together in an atmosphere of celebration and joy, and every child received a medal, which they wore with pride.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d is implemented by METAdrasi (project coordinator), the Hellenic Olympic Committee, and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). The German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) supports with coordination and co-funding. The project is also co-funded by the AMIF (2021-2027).\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Invisible Barriers \/ Visible Rights<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Every child has the right to be seen, heard and recognised.\r\n\r\nTo mark Refugee Week, METAdrasi organised a creative awareness-raising initiative entitled \u201cInvisible Barriers \/ Visible Rights\u201d, highlighting the challenges faced by refugee children\u2014particularly unaccompanied children\u2014in accessing identification documents and official recognition.\r\n\r\nThe initiative was carried out as part of METAdrasi\u2019s participation in Family for Every Child\u2019s #ChildrenOnTheMove campaign, with the aim of raising awareness of every child\u2019s right to an identity.\r\n\r\nThrough drawings, messages and visual materials, children, adult learners and educators reminded us that these barriers can affect a child\u2019s access to education, healthcare, protection, family life and a sense of belonging.\r\n\r\nEvery child matters. Every child has rights. Every child deserves an identity.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Blog on Guardianship for Unaccompanied Minors: Having Someone in Your Corner<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Every unaccompanied child arriving in a new country needs more than procedures: they need someone to stand by them, listen to them, protect them, and ensure that their rights become a reality.\r\nIn the first part of Family for Every Child\u2019s \u201cSeen, Counted and Protected\u201d series, METAdrasi\u2019s experience from the Guardianship Programme for Unaccompanied Minors is presented \u2014 a programme introduced by the Organization for the first time in Greece in 2014.\r\n\r\nThe blog highlights how crucial the presence of a Guardian is in the life of an unaccompanied child \u2014 especially when issues such as age, documentation, access to education, health care, and legal protection directly affect their future.\r\n\r\nBecause systems see data.\r\nGuardians see children.\r\n\r\nRead the blog here.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 1, 2023, the activity of Guardianship for Unaccompanied Minors in Greece, is being implemented with METAdrasi as the coordinating partner and Praksis as a partner, within the framework of the \"National Guardianship System\" with funding from the \u201cProgramme Greece \u2013 Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2021-2027\u201d, co-financed by the European Union.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Every sunrise marks a new beginning<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Each week, through METAdrasi\u2019s escorting missions, unaccompanied children are transferred from refugee camps on the Aegean islands to accommodation facilities on the mainland.METAdrasi\u2019s escorts remain by the children\u2019s side at every stage of the journey, helping ensure that the transfer takes place with dignity, safety, and respect for each child\u2019s individual needs.For every child who arrives in the country alone, this journey can mark the beginning of a new chapter \u2014 one with greater care, protection, and hope.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>METAdrasi starts providing Intercultural Mediation Services in the Healthcare Sector for the South Aegean Region<\/h2><\/div><\/div>PRESS RELEASE\nAthens, 16 June 2026\nMETAdrasi starts providing Intercultural Mediation Services in the Healthcare Sector for the South Aegean Region\nDrawing on more than 15 years of expertise in the provision of interpretation services, METAdrasi has begun covering interpretation and intercultural mediation needs in the healthcare sector in the South Aegean Region.\n\nThis is the first organized and systematic intercultural mediation intervention in the healthcare sector in this specific Region. The three-year activity substantially strengthens equal access to healthcare services. \n\n\u201cWe are particularly pleased that, after many years of efforts to highlight the enormous gap created by the lack of interpretation and intercultural mediation in hospitals, the State has finally taken measures to address this vital need,\u201d stated METAdrasi\u2019s President, Lora Pappa.\n\nEffective communication in healthcare is a constant and long-standing need. Anticipating this need, since its establishment in 2010, METAdrasi has responded to interpretation requests from hospitals, mainly on a voluntary basis using its own resources, alongside support from the European Commission and international organizations. \n\nLaunched in early February, through the activity \u201cProvision of Intercultural Mediation Services in Health Services in the South Aegean Region,\u201d METAdrasi has been making a substantial contribution in ensuring equal healthcare access for refugees and migrants in the South Aegean Region. By facilitating communication, the initiative bridges the gap between healthcare staff\u2014including doctors, nurses, and administrators\u2014and the patients, improving the quality of care provided.\n\nDuring the first quarter of the activity, more than 235 intervention sessions have been carried out, a number that is expected to increase significantly in the coming period. The intercultural mediators specialize in Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Georgian, Russian, Urdu, Pashto, French, Sorani, Kurmanji and Somali, as well as other languages depending on emerging needs. The activity mainly covers the General Hospital of Leros, the General Hospital of Kos, the General Hospital of Rhodes and the General Hospital of Thira, as well as other healthcare centers in the region. \n\n \n\nThe project \u201cProvision of Intercultural Mediation Services in Health Services in the South Aegean Region\u201d is implemented within the framework of the \u201cSouth Aegean 2021\u20132027\u201d Programme and the Priority \u201cHuman Resources and Social Inclusion,\u201d co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).\n\n\n\nStories from the activity\n\nTwenty-nine-year-old Nour* from Syria arrived at the General Hospital of Kos holding her son by the hand. He had a high fever and severe abdominal pain. \u201cI didn\u2019t know how to explain to the doctors what had happened, and I was afraid they wouldn\u2019t understand. I was very worried,\u201d she says. As soon as METAdrasi\u2019s intercultural mediator arrived, Nour was able to describe her child\u2019s symptoms accurately, answer the doctors\u2019 questions and understand the instructions for his medication. \u201cWhen I heard in my own language what I had to do, I felt that I was not alone. I was able to take proper care of my child.\u201d \n\nForty-one-year-old Farhad* from Afghanistan had to go to the General Hospital of Leros for tests after experiencing severe chest pain. He was extremely anxious, as he could not communicate in Greek and did not understand the procedure he had to follow. METAdrasi\u2019s Dari-speaking intercultural mediator stood by his side from the moment he arrived at reception, helping not only Farhad but also the medical staff to communicate with one another, accurately conveying the doctors\u2019 questions and instructions. \u201cI was very scared, but when someone spoke to me in my own language, I calmed down. I understood what was happening to me and what I needed to do. This makes a huge difference when you are in a foreign country, have health problems and need help.\u201d \n\n*Names have been changed for protection purposes.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Refugee Stories Through Painting<\/h2><\/div><\/div>On the occasion of World Refugee Day, residents of the Kofinou and Pournara centers \u2014 students of METAdrasi Cyprus \u2014 expressed themselves through painting, creating works that capture their thoughts, experiences, memories and dreams.\nFrom images of Cyprus, homes, doves and sea journeys to more personal and symbolic creations, each artwork tells a unique story. Together, these paintings form a vibrant mosaic of hope, resilience and human expression.\nThe exhibition invites us to look beyond the images: to listen to the voices, memories and aspirations of the people who created them.CourageFamily, Peace, FreedomJourney from Home<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>One more accompaniment towards protection<\/h2><\/div><\/div>METAdrasi\u2019s team accompanied six children from a refugee camp, originally from Somalia, Sudan and Egypt, to accommodation facilities in Ioannina and Igoumenitsa.\r\n\r\nWith care, responsibility and respect for each child\u2019s needs, we ensure that their transfer takes place safely and with dignity.\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, 1,500 unaccompanied children have been supported through METAdrasi\u2019s activity of \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d.\r\n\r\nFor every unaccompanied child, safe escorting is another step towards a more stable and protected environment.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article><\/div>- 4<\/span> <\/a><\/li>
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During a recent accompaniment mission carried out by the METAdrasi team, a young boy spent almost the entire ten-hour journey trying to learn as many Greek words as possible. After just one month in a reception center near the border, he had already learned to count to one hundred and use basic everyday phrases in Greek.\r\n\r\nHis greatest concerns, however, were not about the journey itself, but about his future: When would he be able to go to school? Would he have the chance to continue pursuing his dream of becoming a professional footballer?\r\n\r\nAs we watched a football match on the ferry\u2019s television, with the sun setting before us, he smiled and said:\r\n\u201cI want to make Greece my home and, one day, I hope to proudly wear the national team\u2019s jersey!\u201d\r\n\r\nFor the METAdrasi team, every accompaniment is more than a safe transfer. It is the beginning of a new journey\u2014one where safety, education and hope can finally find the space they deserve.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/div><\/article>
<\/span><\/div>Chahd Ben-Ali: Taekwondo and New Friendships through \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d<\/h2><\/div>
Chahd Ben-Ali: Taekwondo and New Friendships through \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nJournalist: Apostolos Staikos\r\nOperator\/Editor: Giannis Dolas\r\n\r\n\u201cI can\u2019t wait to come to training\u2014and it\u2019s not just me; all the children feel the same way. We love Taekwondo, we exercise, and we have a wonderful time,\u201d says Chahd Ben Ali.\r\n\r\nThe 14-year-old from Tunisia participates in \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d. The programme is open to children aged 7 to 17 and young people aged 18 to 21. Its aim is to help refugee children and young adults engage with sport and culture through activities in which they participate alongside their peers from local communities.\r\n\r\n\u201cI have been involved in sports since I was very young and have tried many different activities. But Taekwondo has always been especially close to my heart. When my family and I arrived in Greece, I did not know whether I could join a team or where to ask for information. One day, while attending an English lesson at METAdrasi\u2019s educational centre, I saw a poster for \u2018Together in Sport\u2019. I spoke to the staff, learned more about the programme, and now I am part of the team,\u201d Chahd explains.\r\n\r\nThe first phase of \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d was implemented in 2021 and 2022, bringing together more than 9,000 refugee children and children from local communities in various regions across Greece. Its success led to the continuation of the initiative through \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d. Over the past five years, the programme has given more than 24,000 refugee children and children from local communities the opportunity to participate equally in sporting and cultural activities.\r\n\r\n\u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d is implemented by METAdrasi (project coordinator), the Hellenic Olympic Committee, and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). The German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) supports with coordination and co-funding. The project is also co-funded by the AMIF (2021-2027).\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cSport helps children open up and gain confidence. They learn the meaning of teamwork and collective effort, as well as the importance of hard work and discipline in achieving their goals. That is why, in my view, \u2018Together in Sport\u2019 is so important. It supports children as they rebuild their lives and become part of Greek society. It helps them socialise and, ultimately, contributes to shaping the active citizens of tomorrow,\u201d says Taekwondo coach Panagiotis Tsoulis.\r\n\r\nEvery Tuesday and Friday, Chahd goes with her best friend to Neo Faliro, where the training sessions take place. For young athletes living in refugee accommodation facilities, Taekwondo offers more than an opportunity to exercise. It is also a chance to leave the camp environment, meet people their own age, and form new friendships.\r\n\r\n\u201cI met girls and boys from many different countries here, and now we spend time together. I remember that some of them were quite shy at first. But after two or three training sessions, they began to open up, talk to the person next to them, and, of course, fall in love with the sport. It is also very important that we train and play with children from Greece. It gives us the opportunity to grow closer and become friends,\u201d says the 14-year-old athlete.\r\n\r\nTaekwondo is one of the most popular activities offered through \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d. Participants can also choose from a wide range of sporting and cultural activities, including kickboxing, volleyball, football, acrobatics, dance, drama workshops, visual arts, and many more. Particular emphasis is placed on the inclusion of children and young people with physical or intellectual disabilities, while participation in all activities is free of charge.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPanagiotis Tsoulis did not hesitate when he was invited to coach a group of refugee children. He understands that, for some of them, sport can provide a valuable escape from a challenging daily life. At the same time, he recognises that the work comes with its own difficulties.\r\n\r\nFor some children, it is their first experience of Taekwondo, while others initially find it difficult to follow instructions and respect the rules. Gradually, however, they become familiar with the training environment and learn to trust both their coach and their teammates. Tsoulis greatly values the effort they make.\r\n\r\n\u201cIt all begins with a smile, perhaps accompanied by a little awkwardness. During the first few sessions, some children are hesitant. I can see them observing both me and their teammates as they try to familiarise themselves with the environment and understand how the group works. But this usually lasts no more than two or three sessions. Then come the laughter, the joy, and the feeling of belonging. From that point on, everything begins to fall into place. As I watch the children develop, I see that they have become more outgoing. They enjoy the training and continue to improve their performance,\u201d the Taekwondo coach says.\r\n\r\nLanguage can also present a challenge. The young athletes may understand and respond to commands such as \u201cShijak\u201d for \u201cStart\u201d, \u201cSho\u201d for \u201cRelax\u201d, \u201cKalyo\u201d for \u201cBreak\u201d, and \u201cJoonbi\u201d for \u201cReady\u201d, but they speak different languages. This does not, however, prevent them from communicating.\r\n\r\n\u201cThe members of the team come from many different countries, yet they always find a way to understand one another. Hassan might ask Mahdi, for example, \u2018Did you understand what the coach said?\u2019 I see them helping one another through gestures, signs, and the few words they share. No one in our group is left alone. We support one another and move forward together. I have also noticed that several of the children are genuinely talented. They have the potential to progress and develop further,\u201d Tsoulis says.\r\n\r\nChahd is one of the athletes who has stood out. Her consistency, dedication, and strong performance have opened the door to the next stage of her sporting journey. Spyros Zacharopoulos, who coached the \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d team the previous year, noticed her progress and invited her to join the \u201cATHLOS \u2013 Egaleo\u201d Taekwondo Sports Club.\r\n\r\nSince the beginning of 2026, Chahd has divided her time between training with the club and participating in \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d. She continues to develop her talent without losing sight of what she values most about the team: the joy of sport, communication, and friendship.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>At the Common Grounds Festival, communication became an experience<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nWhat happens when you need help\u2026 but there\u2019s no common language?\r\n\r\nAt this year\u2019s Common Grounds Festival, METAdrasi joined forces with Ben & Jerry\u2019s, giving visitors the opportunity to better understand a reality faced every day by people who have been forced to leave their country: the need to communicate in an unfamiliar environment where no one speaks their language.\r\n\r\nThrough an interactive activity, participants were asked to seek help and communicate using only cards written in Farsi, Arabic, Urdu and French.\r\nThis experience helped them gain a deeper understanding of how difficult it is to express a need when the language you speak is not understood.\r\n\r\nInterpretation is not merely an essential service. It is a vital bridge of communication that ensures people can access essential services, support and protection.\r\nAt METAdrasi, our interpreters work every day to bridge communication gaps for those who need it most.\r\n\r\n\ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffd We warmly thank Ben & Jerry\u2019s for its invaluable support and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center for creating a space for multicultural coexistence, dialogue and celebration through the Common Grounds Festival.\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>The 8th cycle of the \u201cReady4Business\u201d entrepreneurship programme begins<\/h2><\/div><\/div>METAdrasi invites refugees and migrants who have a business idea but need guidance to turn it into reality to apply for participation in the Ready4Business programme.\r\n\r\nAfter submitting their application, those who meet the participation requirements will have an individual meeting with the programme team to present and discuss their business idea.\r\n\r\nFollowing this, 15 participants will be selected to receive personalised support in developing their business plan.\r\n\r\nThe programme offers FREE training seminars, one-to-one meetings, legal and tax guidance, and mentoring.\r\n\r\n\ud83d\udcc5 Application deadline: Monday, 31 August 2026\r\n\ud83d\udd17 Fill in the application form, here.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMETAdrasi\u2019s Ready4Business programme is funded through the organisation\u2019s own resources.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Children at the heart of the \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d closing event<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\r\nPress Release\r\n14\/07\/2026\r\nChildren at the heart of the \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d closing event\r\nChildren, partners and friends of the programme celebrated the journey of \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d at a warm and joyful event held at the Marathon Run Museum on Thursday, 9 July 2026.\r\n\r\nOver a five-year period, \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d gave more than 24,000 refugee children and children from local communities the opportunity to participate on an equal basis in 200 sports activities. They were introduced to Olympic sports, learned about cultural values and took part in cultural events.\r\n\r\nFor refugee children in particular, who accounted for half of the programme\u2019s participants and live in camps and accommodation facilities, the anticipation of leaving the facilities to take part in \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d activities was especially intense and moving. At the same time, activities were also organised within camps.\r\n\r\nBeyond the numbers, \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d leaves behind something far more meaningful, which is almost impossible to capture in tables and indicators: moments of joy, trust and effort. Children who tried a sport for the first time; young people who joined teams; coaches, Olympians, interpreters and volunteers who supported them; and communities that embraced the initiative. Above all, refugee children and children from local communities participated on equal terms, demonstrating that there is no discrimination in sport and culture.\r\n\r\nA distinctive feature of \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d was the special emphasis placed on creating infrastructure that would be freely available to everyone: two beach volleyball courts recently inaugurated in Mytilene, an outdoor fully equipped gym park in Ioannina, a renovated basketball court in Kavala, and an outdoor gym in Piraeus, which is expected to be completed in September.\r\n\r\nThe event was welcomed through a message from the Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum, Sevi Voloudaki. The Secretary General for Vulnerable Persons and Institutional Protection, Heracles Moskoff, highlighted the importance of sport as a means of inclusion, referring to the timely example of the World Cup, where many players are second- and third-generation descendants of migrants and refugees who now proudly represent the national teams of their host countries.\r\n\r\nWelcoming remarks were also delivered by Lora Pappa, President of METAdrasi, the organisation coordinating the programme; Voula Kozompoli, representing the Hellenic Olympic Committee; Agi Kasoumi, representing the General Secretariat of Sports; Karin Patok from the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees; and Antoni Tobias, representing the German Olympic Sports Confederation.\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, in the outdoor area of the Marathon Run Museum, the joyful voices and laughter of 120 refugee children from nearby accommodation facilities and children from local communities could be heard as they explored five sports through specially designed activities, with the support of coaches from the Hellenic Olympic Committee. At the end, children and adults came together in an atmosphere of celebration and joy, and every child received a medal, which they wore with pride.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d is implemented by METAdrasi (project coordinator), the Hellenic Olympic Committee, and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). The German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) supports with coordination and co-funding. The project is also co-funded by the AMIF (2021-2027).\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Invisible Barriers \/ Visible Rights<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Every child has the right to be seen, heard and recognised.\r\n\r\nTo mark Refugee Week, METAdrasi organised a creative awareness-raising initiative entitled \u201cInvisible Barriers \/ Visible Rights\u201d, highlighting the challenges faced by refugee children\u2014particularly unaccompanied children\u2014in accessing identification documents and official recognition.\r\n\r\nThe initiative was carried out as part of METAdrasi\u2019s participation in Family for Every Child\u2019s #ChildrenOnTheMove campaign, with the aim of raising awareness of every child\u2019s right to an identity.\r\n\r\nThrough drawings, messages and visual materials, children, adult learners and educators reminded us that these barriers can affect a child\u2019s access to education, healthcare, protection, family life and a sense of belonging.\r\n\r\nEvery child matters. Every child has rights. Every child deserves an identity.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Blog on Guardianship for Unaccompanied Minors: Having Someone in Your Corner<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Every unaccompanied child arriving in a new country needs more than procedures: they need someone to stand by them, listen to them, protect them, and ensure that their rights become a reality.\r\nIn the first part of Family for Every Child\u2019s \u201cSeen, Counted and Protected\u201d series, METAdrasi\u2019s experience from the Guardianship Programme for Unaccompanied Minors is presented \u2014 a programme introduced by the Organization for the first time in Greece in 2014.\r\n\r\nThe blog highlights how crucial the presence of a Guardian is in the life of an unaccompanied child \u2014 especially when issues such as age, documentation, access to education, health care, and legal protection directly affect their future.\r\n\r\nBecause systems see data.\r\nGuardians see children.\r\n\r\nRead the blog here.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 1, 2023, the activity of Guardianship for Unaccompanied Minors in Greece, is being implemented with METAdrasi as the coordinating partner and Praksis as a partner, within the framework of the \"National Guardianship System\" with funding from the \u201cProgramme Greece \u2013 Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2021-2027\u201d, co-financed by the European Union.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Every sunrise marks a new beginning<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Each week, through METAdrasi\u2019s escorting missions, unaccompanied children are transferred from refugee camps on the Aegean islands to accommodation facilities on the mainland.METAdrasi\u2019s escorts remain by the children\u2019s side at every stage of the journey, helping ensure that the transfer takes place with dignity, safety, and respect for each child\u2019s individual needs.For every child who arrives in the country alone, this journey can mark the beginning of a new chapter \u2014 one with greater care, protection, and hope.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>METAdrasi starts providing Intercultural Mediation Services in the Healthcare Sector for the South Aegean Region<\/h2><\/div><\/div>PRESS RELEASE\nAthens, 16 June 2026\nMETAdrasi starts providing Intercultural Mediation Services in the Healthcare Sector for the South Aegean Region\nDrawing on more than 15 years of expertise in the provision of interpretation services, METAdrasi has begun covering interpretation and intercultural mediation needs in the healthcare sector in the South Aegean Region.\n\nThis is the first organized and systematic intercultural mediation intervention in the healthcare sector in this specific Region. The three-year activity substantially strengthens equal access to healthcare services. \n\n\u201cWe are particularly pleased that, after many years of efforts to highlight the enormous gap created by the lack of interpretation and intercultural mediation in hospitals, the State has finally taken measures to address this vital need,\u201d stated METAdrasi\u2019s President, Lora Pappa.\n\nEffective communication in healthcare is a constant and long-standing need. Anticipating this need, since its establishment in 2010, METAdrasi has responded to interpretation requests from hospitals, mainly on a voluntary basis using its own resources, alongside support from the European Commission and international organizations. \n\nLaunched in early February, through the activity \u201cProvision of Intercultural Mediation Services in Health Services in the South Aegean Region,\u201d METAdrasi has been making a substantial contribution in ensuring equal healthcare access for refugees and migrants in the South Aegean Region. By facilitating communication, the initiative bridges the gap between healthcare staff\u2014including doctors, nurses, and administrators\u2014and the patients, improving the quality of care provided.\n\nDuring the first quarter of the activity, more than 235 intervention sessions have been carried out, a number that is expected to increase significantly in the coming period. The intercultural mediators specialize in Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Georgian, Russian, Urdu, Pashto, French, Sorani, Kurmanji and Somali, as well as other languages depending on emerging needs. The activity mainly covers the General Hospital of Leros, the General Hospital of Kos, the General Hospital of Rhodes and the General Hospital of Thira, as well as other healthcare centers in the region. \n\n \n\nThe project \u201cProvision of Intercultural Mediation Services in Health Services in the South Aegean Region\u201d is implemented within the framework of the \u201cSouth Aegean 2021\u20132027\u201d Programme and the Priority \u201cHuman Resources and Social Inclusion,\u201d co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).\n\n\n\nStories from the activity\n\nTwenty-nine-year-old Nour* from Syria arrived at the General Hospital of Kos holding her son by the hand. He had a high fever and severe abdominal pain. \u201cI didn\u2019t know how to explain to the doctors what had happened, and I was afraid they wouldn\u2019t understand. I was very worried,\u201d she says. As soon as METAdrasi\u2019s intercultural mediator arrived, Nour was able to describe her child\u2019s symptoms accurately, answer the doctors\u2019 questions and understand the instructions for his medication. \u201cWhen I heard in my own language what I had to do, I felt that I was not alone. I was able to take proper care of my child.\u201d \n\nForty-one-year-old Farhad* from Afghanistan had to go to the General Hospital of Leros for tests after experiencing severe chest pain. He was extremely anxious, as he could not communicate in Greek and did not understand the procedure he had to follow. METAdrasi\u2019s Dari-speaking intercultural mediator stood by his side from the moment he arrived at reception, helping not only Farhad but also the medical staff to communicate with one another, accurately conveying the doctors\u2019 questions and instructions. \u201cI was very scared, but when someone spoke to me in my own language, I calmed down. I understood what was happening to me and what I needed to do. This makes a huge difference when you are in a foreign country, have health problems and need help.\u201d \n\n*Names have been changed for protection purposes.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Refugee Stories Through Painting<\/h2><\/div><\/div>On the occasion of World Refugee Day, residents of the Kofinou and Pournara centers \u2014 students of METAdrasi Cyprus \u2014 expressed themselves through painting, creating works that capture their thoughts, experiences, memories and dreams.\nFrom images of Cyprus, homes, doves and sea journeys to more personal and symbolic creations, each artwork tells a unique story. Together, these paintings form a vibrant mosaic of hope, resilience and human expression.\nThe exhibition invites us to look beyond the images: to listen to the voices, memories and aspirations of the people who created them.CourageFamily, Peace, FreedomJourney from Home<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>One more accompaniment towards protection<\/h2><\/div><\/div>METAdrasi\u2019s team accompanied six children from a refugee camp, originally from Somalia, Sudan and Egypt, to accommodation facilities in Ioannina and Igoumenitsa.\r\n\r\nWith care, responsibility and respect for each child\u2019s needs, we ensure that their transfer takes place safely and with dignity.\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, 1,500 unaccompanied children have been supported through METAdrasi\u2019s activity of \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d.\r\n\r\nFor every unaccompanied child, safe escorting is another step towards a more stable and protected environment.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article><\/div>- 4<\/span> <\/a><\/li>
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\r\n\r\nJournalist: Apostolos Staikos\r\nOperator\/Editor: Giannis Dolas\r\n\r\n\u201cI can\u2019t wait to come to training\u2014and it\u2019s not just me; all the children feel the same way. We love Taekwondo, we exercise, and we have a wonderful time,\u201d says Chahd Ben Ali.\r\n\r\nThe 14-year-old from Tunisia participates in \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d. The programme is open to children aged 7 to 17 and young people aged 18 to 21. Its aim is to help refugee children and young adults engage with sport and culture through activities in which they participate alongside their peers from local communities.\r\n\r\n\u201cI have been involved in sports since I was very young and have tried many different activities. But Taekwondo has always been especially close to my heart. When my family and I arrived in Greece, I did not know whether I could join a team or where to ask for information. One day, while attending an English lesson at METAdrasi\u2019s educational centre, I saw a poster for \u2018Together in Sport\u2019. I spoke to the staff, learned more about the programme, and now I am part of the team,\u201d Chahd explains.\r\n\r\nThe first phase of \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d was implemented in 2021 and 2022, bringing together more than 9,000 refugee children and children from local communities in various regions across Greece. Its success led to the continuation of the initiative through \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d. Over the past five years, the programme has given more than 24,000 refugee children and children from local communities the opportunity to participate equally in sporting and cultural activities.\r\n\r\n\u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d is implemented by METAdrasi (project coordinator), the Hellenic Olympic Committee, and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). The German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) supports with coordination and co-funding. The project is also co-funded by the AMIF (2021-2027).\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cSport helps children open up and gain confidence. They learn the meaning of teamwork and collective effort, as well as the importance of hard work and discipline in achieving their goals. That is why, in my view, \u2018Together in Sport\u2019 is so important. It supports children as they rebuild their lives and become part of Greek society. It helps them socialise and, ultimately, contributes to shaping the active citizens of tomorrow,\u201d says Taekwondo coach Panagiotis Tsoulis.\r\n\r\nEvery Tuesday and Friday, Chahd goes with her best friend to Neo Faliro, where the training sessions take place. For young athletes living in refugee accommodation facilities, Taekwondo offers more than an opportunity to exercise. It is also a chance to leave the camp environment, meet people their own age, and form new friendships.\r\n\r\n\u201cI met girls and boys from many different countries here, and now we spend time together. I remember that some of them were quite shy at first. But after two or three training sessions, they began to open up, talk to the person next to them, and, of course, fall in love with the sport. It is also very important that we train and play with children from Greece. It gives us the opportunity to grow closer and become friends,\u201d says the 14-year-old athlete.\r\n\r\nTaekwondo is one of the most popular activities offered through \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d. Participants can also choose from a wide range of sporting and cultural activities, including kickboxing, volleyball, football, acrobatics, dance, drama workshops, visual arts, and many more. Particular emphasis is placed on the inclusion of children and young people with physical or intellectual disabilities, while participation in all activities is free of charge.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPanagiotis Tsoulis did not hesitate when he was invited to coach a group of refugee children. He understands that, for some of them, sport can provide a valuable escape from a challenging daily life. At the same time, he recognises that the work comes with its own difficulties.\r\n\r\nFor some children, it is their first experience of Taekwondo, while others initially find it difficult to follow instructions and respect the rules. Gradually, however, they become familiar with the training environment and learn to trust both their coach and their teammates. Tsoulis greatly values the effort they make.\r\n\r\n\u201cIt all begins with a smile, perhaps accompanied by a little awkwardness. During the first few sessions, some children are hesitant. I can see them observing both me and their teammates as they try to familiarise themselves with the environment and understand how the group works. But this usually lasts no more than two or three sessions. Then come the laughter, the joy, and the feeling of belonging. From that point on, everything begins to fall into place. As I watch the children develop, I see that they have become more outgoing. They enjoy the training and continue to improve their performance,\u201d the Taekwondo coach says.\r\n\r\nLanguage can also present a challenge. The young athletes may understand and respond to commands such as \u201cShijak\u201d for \u201cStart\u201d, \u201cSho\u201d for \u201cRelax\u201d, \u201cKalyo\u201d for \u201cBreak\u201d, and \u201cJoonbi\u201d for \u201cReady\u201d, but they speak different languages. This does not, however, prevent them from communicating.\r\n\r\n\u201cThe members of the team come from many different countries, yet they always find a way to understand one another. Hassan might ask Mahdi, for example, \u2018Did you understand what the coach said?\u2019 I see them helping one another through gestures, signs, and the few words they share. No one in our group is left alone. We support one another and move forward together. I have also noticed that several of the children are genuinely talented. They have the potential to progress and develop further,\u201d Tsoulis says.\r\n\r\nChahd is one of the athletes who has stood out. Her consistency, dedication, and strong performance have opened the door to the next stage of her sporting journey. Spyros Zacharopoulos, who coached the \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d team the previous year, noticed her progress and invited her to join the \u201cATHLOS \u2013 Egaleo\u201d Taekwondo Sports Club.\r\n\r\nSince the beginning of 2026, Chahd has divided her time between training with the club and participating in \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d. She continues to develop her talent without losing sight of what she values most about the team: the joy of sport, communication, and friendship.<\/div><\/article>
<\/span><\/div>At the Common Grounds Festival, communication became an experience<\/h2><\/div>
At the Common Grounds Festival, communication became an experience<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\nWhat happens when you need help\u2026 but there\u2019s no common language?\r\n\r\nAt this year\u2019s Common Grounds Festival, METAdrasi joined forces with Ben & Jerry\u2019s, giving visitors the opportunity to better understand a reality faced every day by people who have been forced to leave their country: the need to communicate in an unfamiliar environment where no one speaks their language.\r\n\r\nThrough an interactive activity, participants were asked to seek help and communicate using only cards written in Farsi, Arabic, Urdu and French.\r\nThis experience helped them gain a deeper understanding of how difficult it is to express a need when the language you speak is not understood.\r\n\r\nInterpretation is not merely an essential service. It is a vital bridge of communication that ensures people can access essential services, support and protection.\r\nAt METAdrasi, our interpreters work every day to bridge communication gaps for those who need it most.\r\n\r\n\ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffd We warmly thank Ben & Jerry\u2019s for its invaluable support and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center for creating a space for multicultural coexistence, dialogue and celebration through the Common Grounds Festival.\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>The 8th cycle of the \u201cReady4Business\u201d entrepreneurship programme begins<\/h2><\/div><\/div>METAdrasi invites refugees and migrants who have a business idea but need guidance to turn it into reality to apply for participation in the Ready4Business programme.\r\n\r\nAfter submitting their application, those who meet the participation requirements will have an individual meeting with the programme team to present and discuss their business idea.\r\n\r\nFollowing this, 15 participants will be selected to receive personalised support in developing their business plan.\r\n\r\nThe programme offers FREE training seminars, one-to-one meetings, legal and tax guidance, and mentoring.\r\n\r\n\ud83d\udcc5 Application deadline: Monday, 31 August 2026\r\n\ud83d\udd17 Fill in the application form, here.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMETAdrasi\u2019s Ready4Business programme is funded through the organisation\u2019s own resources.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Children at the heart of the \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d closing event<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\r\nPress Release\r\n14\/07\/2026\r\nChildren at the heart of the \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d closing event\r\nChildren, partners and friends of the programme celebrated the journey of \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d at a warm and joyful event held at the Marathon Run Museum on Thursday, 9 July 2026.\r\n\r\nOver a five-year period, \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d gave more than 24,000 refugee children and children from local communities the opportunity to participate on an equal basis in 200 sports activities. They were introduced to Olympic sports, learned about cultural values and took part in cultural events.\r\n\r\nFor refugee children in particular, who accounted for half of the programme\u2019s participants and live in camps and accommodation facilities, the anticipation of leaving the facilities to take part in \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d activities was especially intense and moving. At the same time, activities were also organised within camps.\r\n\r\nBeyond the numbers, \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d leaves behind something far more meaningful, which is almost impossible to capture in tables and indicators: moments of joy, trust and effort. Children who tried a sport for the first time; young people who joined teams; coaches, Olympians, interpreters and volunteers who supported them; and communities that embraced the initiative. Above all, refugee children and children from local communities participated on equal terms, demonstrating that there is no discrimination in sport and culture.\r\n\r\nA distinctive feature of \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d was the special emphasis placed on creating infrastructure that would be freely available to everyone: two beach volleyball courts recently inaugurated in Mytilene, an outdoor fully equipped gym park in Ioannina, a renovated basketball court in Kavala, and an outdoor gym in Piraeus, which is expected to be completed in September.\r\n\r\nThe event was welcomed through a message from the Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum, Sevi Voloudaki. The Secretary General for Vulnerable Persons and Institutional Protection, Heracles Moskoff, highlighted the importance of sport as a means of inclusion, referring to the timely example of the World Cup, where many players are second- and third-generation descendants of migrants and refugees who now proudly represent the national teams of their host countries.\r\n\r\nWelcoming remarks were also delivered by Lora Pappa, President of METAdrasi, the organisation coordinating the programme; Voula Kozompoli, representing the Hellenic Olympic Committee; Agi Kasoumi, representing the General Secretariat of Sports; Karin Patok from the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees; and Antoni Tobias, representing the German Olympic Sports Confederation.\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, in the outdoor area of the Marathon Run Museum, the joyful voices and laughter of 120 refugee children from nearby accommodation facilities and children from local communities could be heard as they explored five sports through specially designed activities, with the support of coaches from the Hellenic Olympic Committee. At the end, children and adults came together in an atmosphere of celebration and joy, and every child received a medal, which they wore with pride.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d is implemented by METAdrasi (project coordinator), the Hellenic Olympic Committee, and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). The German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) supports with coordination and co-funding. The project is also co-funded by the AMIF (2021-2027).\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Invisible Barriers \/ Visible Rights<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Every child has the right to be seen, heard and recognised.\r\n\r\nTo mark Refugee Week, METAdrasi organised a creative awareness-raising initiative entitled \u201cInvisible Barriers \/ Visible Rights\u201d, highlighting the challenges faced by refugee children\u2014particularly unaccompanied children\u2014in accessing identification documents and official recognition.\r\n\r\nThe initiative was carried out as part of METAdrasi\u2019s participation in Family for Every Child\u2019s #ChildrenOnTheMove campaign, with the aim of raising awareness of every child\u2019s right to an identity.\r\n\r\nThrough drawings, messages and visual materials, children, adult learners and educators reminded us that these barriers can affect a child\u2019s access to education, healthcare, protection, family life and a sense of belonging.\r\n\r\nEvery child matters. Every child has rights. Every child deserves an identity.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Blog on Guardianship for Unaccompanied Minors: Having Someone in Your Corner<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Every unaccompanied child arriving in a new country needs more than procedures: they need someone to stand by them, listen to them, protect them, and ensure that their rights become a reality.\r\nIn the first part of Family for Every Child\u2019s \u201cSeen, Counted and Protected\u201d series, METAdrasi\u2019s experience from the Guardianship Programme for Unaccompanied Minors is presented \u2014 a programme introduced by the Organization for the first time in Greece in 2014.\r\n\r\nThe blog highlights how crucial the presence of a Guardian is in the life of an unaccompanied child \u2014 especially when issues such as age, documentation, access to education, health care, and legal protection directly affect their future.\r\n\r\nBecause systems see data.\r\nGuardians see children.\r\n\r\nRead the blog here.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 1, 2023, the activity of Guardianship for Unaccompanied Minors in Greece, is being implemented with METAdrasi as the coordinating partner and Praksis as a partner, within the framework of the \"National Guardianship System\" with funding from the \u201cProgramme Greece \u2013 Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2021-2027\u201d, co-financed by the European Union.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Every sunrise marks a new beginning<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Each week, through METAdrasi\u2019s escorting missions, unaccompanied children are transferred from refugee camps on the Aegean islands to accommodation facilities on the mainland.METAdrasi\u2019s escorts remain by the children\u2019s side at every stage of the journey, helping ensure that the transfer takes place with dignity, safety, and respect for each child\u2019s individual needs.For every child who arrives in the country alone, this journey can mark the beginning of a new chapter \u2014 one with greater care, protection, and hope.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>METAdrasi starts providing Intercultural Mediation Services in the Healthcare Sector for the South Aegean Region<\/h2><\/div><\/div>PRESS RELEASE\nAthens, 16 June 2026\nMETAdrasi starts providing Intercultural Mediation Services in the Healthcare Sector for the South Aegean Region\nDrawing on more than 15 years of expertise in the provision of interpretation services, METAdrasi has begun covering interpretation and intercultural mediation needs in the healthcare sector in the South Aegean Region.\n\nThis is the first organized and systematic intercultural mediation intervention in the healthcare sector in this specific Region. The three-year activity substantially strengthens equal access to healthcare services. \n\n\u201cWe are particularly pleased that, after many years of efforts to highlight the enormous gap created by the lack of interpretation and intercultural mediation in hospitals, the State has finally taken measures to address this vital need,\u201d stated METAdrasi\u2019s President, Lora Pappa.\n\nEffective communication in healthcare is a constant and long-standing need. Anticipating this need, since its establishment in 2010, METAdrasi has responded to interpretation requests from hospitals, mainly on a voluntary basis using its own resources, alongside support from the European Commission and international organizations. \n\nLaunched in early February, through the activity \u201cProvision of Intercultural Mediation Services in Health Services in the South Aegean Region,\u201d METAdrasi has been making a substantial contribution in ensuring equal healthcare access for refugees and migrants in the South Aegean Region. By facilitating communication, the initiative bridges the gap between healthcare staff\u2014including doctors, nurses, and administrators\u2014and the patients, improving the quality of care provided.\n\nDuring the first quarter of the activity, more than 235 intervention sessions have been carried out, a number that is expected to increase significantly in the coming period. The intercultural mediators specialize in Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Georgian, Russian, Urdu, Pashto, French, Sorani, Kurmanji and Somali, as well as other languages depending on emerging needs. The activity mainly covers the General Hospital of Leros, the General Hospital of Kos, the General Hospital of Rhodes and the General Hospital of Thira, as well as other healthcare centers in the region. \n\n \n\nThe project \u201cProvision of Intercultural Mediation Services in Health Services in the South Aegean Region\u201d is implemented within the framework of the \u201cSouth Aegean 2021\u20132027\u201d Programme and the Priority \u201cHuman Resources and Social Inclusion,\u201d co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).\n\n\n\nStories from the activity\n\nTwenty-nine-year-old Nour* from Syria arrived at the General Hospital of Kos holding her son by the hand. He had a high fever and severe abdominal pain. \u201cI didn\u2019t know how to explain to the doctors what had happened, and I was afraid they wouldn\u2019t understand. I was very worried,\u201d she says. As soon as METAdrasi\u2019s intercultural mediator arrived, Nour was able to describe her child\u2019s symptoms accurately, answer the doctors\u2019 questions and understand the instructions for his medication. \u201cWhen I heard in my own language what I had to do, I felt that I was not alone. I was able to take proper care of my child.\u201d \n\nForty-one-year-old Farhad* from Afghanistan had to go to the General Hospital of Leros for tests after experiencing severe chest pain. He was extremely anxious, as he could not communicate in Greek and did not understand the procedure he had to follow. METAdrasi\u2019s Dari-speaking intercultural mediator stood by his side from the moment he arrived at reception, helping not only Farhad but also the medical staff to communicate with one another, accurately conveying the doctors\u2019 questions and instructions. \u201cI was very scared, but when someone spoke to me in my own language, I calmed down. I understood what was happening to me and what I needed to do. This makes a huge difference when you are in a foreign country, have health problems and need help.\u201d \n\n*Names have been changed for protection purposes.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Refugee Stories Through Painting<\/h2><\/div><\/div>On the occasion of World Refugee Day, residents of the Kofinou and Pournara centers \u2014 students of METAdrasi Cyprus \u2014 expressed themselves through painting, creating works that capture their thoughts, experiences, memories and dreams.\nFrom images of Cyprus, homes, doves and sea journeys to more personal and symbolic creations, each artwork tells a unique story. Together, these paintings form a vibrant mosaic of hope, resilience and human expression.\nThe exhibition invites us to look beyond the images: to listen to the voices, memories and aspirations of the people who created them.CourageFamily, Peace, FreedomJourney from Home<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>One more accompaniment towards protection<\/h2><\/div><\/div>METAdrasi\u2019s team accompanied six children from a refugee camp, originally from Somalia, Sudan and Egypt, to accommodation facilities in Ioannina and Igoumenitsa.\r\n\r\nWith care, responsibility and respect for each child\u2019s needs, we ensure that their transfer takes place safely and with dignity.\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, 1,500 unaccompanied children have been supported through METAdrasi\u2019s activity of \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d.\r\n\r\nFor every unaccompanied child, safe escorting is another step towards a more stable and protected environment.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article><\/div>- 4<\/span> <\/a><\/li>
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\r\n\r\nWhat happens when you need help\u2026 but there\u2019s no common language?\r\n\r\nAt this year\u2019s Common Grounds Festival, METAdrasi joined forces with Ben & Jerry\u2019s, giving visitors the opportunity to better understand a reality faced every day by people who have been forced to leave their country: the need to communicate in an unfamiliar environment where no one speaks their language.\r\n\r\nThrough an interactive activity, participants were asked to seek help and communicate using only cards written in Farsi, Arabic, Urdu and French.\r\nThis experience helped them gain a deeper understanding of how difficult it is to express a need when the language you speak is not understood.\r\n\r\nInterpretation is not merely an essential service. It is a vital bridge of communication that ensures people can access essential services, support and protection.\r\nAt METAdrasi, our interpreters work every day to bridge communication gaps for those who need it most.\r\n\r\n\ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffd We warmly thank Ben & Jerry\u2019s for its invaluable support and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center for creating a space for multicultural coexistence, dialogue and celebration through the Common Grounds Festival.\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/article>
<\/span><\/div>The 8th cycle of the \u201cReady4Business\u201d entrepreneurship programme begins<\/h2><\/div>
The 8th cycle of the \u201cReady4Business\u201d entrepreneurship programme begins<\/h2><\/div><\/div>METAdrasi invites refugees and migrants who have a business idea but need guidance to turn it into reality to apply for participation in the Ready4Business programme.\r\n\r\nAfter submitting their application, those who meet the participation requirements will have an individual meeting with the programme team to present and discuss their business idea.\r\n\r\nFollowing this, 15 participants will be selected to receive personalised support in developing their business plan.\r\n\r\nThe programme offers FREE training seminars, one-to-one meetings, legal and tax guidance, and mentoring.\r\n\r\n\ud83d\udcc5 Application deadline: Monday, 31 August 2026\r\n\ud83d\udd17 Fill in the application form, here.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMETAdrasi\u2019s Ready4Business programme is funded through the organisation\u2019s own resources.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Children at the heart of the \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d closing event<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\r\nPress Release\r\n14\/07\/2026\r\nChildren at the heart of the \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d closing event\r\nChildren, partners and friends of the programme celebrated the journey of \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d at a warm and joyful event held at the Marathon Run Museum on Thursday, 9 July 2026.\r\n\r\nOver a five-year period, \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d gave more than 24,000 refugee children and children from local communities the opportunity to participate on an equal basis in 200 sports activities. They were introduced to Olympic sports, learned about cultural values and took part in cultural events.\r\n\r\nFor refugee children in particular, who accounted for half of the programme\u2019s participants and live in camps and accommodation facilities, the anticipation of leaving the facilities to take part in \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d activities was especially intense and moving. At the same time, activities were also organised within camps.\r\n\r\nBeyond the numbers, \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d leaves behind something far more meaningful, which is almost impossible to capture in tables and indicators: moments of joy, trust and effort. Children who tried a sport for the first time; young people who joined teams; coaches, Olympians, interpreters and volunteers who supported them; and communities that embraced the initiative. Above all, refugee children and children from local communities participated on equal terms, demonstrating that there is no discrimination in sport and culture.\r\n\r\nA distinctive feature of \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d was the special emphasis placed on creating infrastructure that would be freely available to everyone: two beach volleyball courts recently inaugurated in Mytilene, an outdoor fully equipped gym park in Ioannina, a renovated basketball court in Kavala, and an outdoor gym in Piraeus, which is expected to be completed in September.\r\n\r\nThe event was welcomed through a message from the Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum, Sevi Voloudaki. The Secretary General for Vulnerable Persons and Institutional Protection, Heracles Moskoff, highlighted the importance of sport as a means of inclusion, referring to the timely example of the World Cup, where many players are second- and third-generation descendants of migrants and refugees who now proudly represent the national teams of their host countries.\r\n\r\nWelcoming remarks were also delivered by Lora Pappa, President of METAdrasi, the organisation coordinating the programme; Voula Kozompoli, representing the Hellenic Olympic Committee; Agi Kasoumi, representing the General Secretariat of Sports; Karin Patok from the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees; and Antoni Tobias, representing the German Olympic Sports Confederation.\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, in the outdoor area of the Marathon Run Museum, the joyful voices and laughter of 120 refugee children from nearby accommodation facilities and children from local communities could be heard as they explored five sports through specially designed activities, with the support of coaches from the Hellenic Olympic Committee. At the end, children and adults came together in an atmosphere of celebration and joy, and every child received a medal, which they wore with pride.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d is implemented by METAdrasi (project coordinator), the Hellenic Olympic Committee, and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). The German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) supports with coordination and co-funding. The project is also co-funded by the AMIF (2021-2027).\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Invisible Barriers \/ Visible Rights<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Every child has the right to be seen, heard and recognised.\r\n\r\nTo mark Refugee Week, METAdrasi organised a creative awareness-raising initiative entitled \u201cInvisible Barriers \/ Visible Rights\u201d, highlighting the challenges faced by refugee children\u2014particularly unaccompanied children\u2014in accessing identification documents and official recognition.\r\n\r\nThe initiative was carried out as part of METAdrasi\u2019s participation in Family for Every Child\u2019s #ChildrenOnTheMove campaign, with the aim of raising awareness of every child\u2019s right to an identity.\r\n\r\nThrough drawings, messages and visual materials, children, adult learners and educators reminded us that these barriers can affect a child\u2019s access to education, healthcare, protection, family life and a sense of belonging.\r\n\r\nEvery child matters. Every child has rights. Every child deserves an identity.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Blog on Guardianship for Unaccompanied Minors: Having Someone in Your Corner<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Every unaccompanied child arriving in a new country needs more than procedures: they need someone to stand by them, listen to them, protect them, and ensure that their rights become a reality.\r\nIn the first part of Family for Every Child\u2019s \u201cSeen, Counted and Protected\u201d series, METAdrasi\u2019s experience from the Guardianship Programme for Unaccompanied Minors is presented \u2014 a programme introduced by the Organization for the first time in Greece in 2014.\r\n\r\nThe blog highlights how crucial the presence of a Guardian is in the life of an unaccompanied child \u2014 especially when issues such as age, documentation, access to education, health care, and legal protection directly affect their future.\r\n\r\nBecause systems see data.\r\nGuardians see children.\r\n\r\nRead the blog here.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 1, 2023, the activity of Guardianship for Unaccompanied Minors in Greece, is being implemented with METAdrasi as the coordinating partner and Praksis as a partner, within the framework of the \"National Guardianship System\" with funding from the \u201cProgramme Greece \u2013 Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2021-2027\u201d, co-financed by the European Union.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Every sunrise marks a new beginning<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Each week, through METAdrasi\u2019s escorting missions, unaccompanied children are transferred from refugee camps on the Aegean islands to accommodation facilities on the mainland.METAdrasi\u2019s escorts remain by the children\u2019s side at every stage of the journey, helping ensure that the transfer takes place with dignity, safety, and respect for each child\u2019s individual needs.For every child who arrives in the country alone, this journey can mark the beginning of a new chapter \u2014 one with greater care, protection, and hope.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>METAdrasi starts providing Intercultural Mediation Services in the Healthcare Sector for the South Aegean Region<\/h2><\/div><\/div>PRESS RELEASE\nAthens, 16 June 2026\nMETAdrasi starts providing Intercultural Mediation Services in the Healthcare Sector for the South Aegean Region\nDrawing on more than 15 years of expertise in the provision of interpretation services, METAdrasi has begun covering interpretation and intercultural mediation needs in the healthcare sector in the South Aegean Region.\n\nThis is the first organized and systematic intercultural mediation intervention in the healthcare sector in this specific Region. The three-year activity substantially strengthens equal access to healthcare services. \n\n\u201cWe are particularly pleased that, after many years of efforts to highlight the enormous gap created by the lack of interpretation and intercultural mediation in hospitals, the State has finally taken measures to address this vital need,\u201d stated METAdrasi\u2019s President, Lora Pappa.\n\nEffective communication in healthcare is a constant and long-standing need. Anticipating this need, since its establishment in 2010, METAdrasi has responded to interpretation requests from hospitals, mainly on a voluntary basis using its own resources, alongside support from the European Commission and international organizations. \n\nLaunched in early February, through the activity \u201cProvision of Intercultural Mediation Services in Health Services in the South Aegean Region,\u201d METAdrasi has been making a substantial contribution in ensuring equal healthcare access for refugees and migrants in the South Aegean Region. By facilitating communication, the initiative bridges the gap between healthcare staff\u2014including doctors, nurses, and administrators\u2014and the patients, improving the quality of care provided.\n\nDuring the first quarter of the activity, more than 235 intervention sessions have been carried out, a number that is expected to increase significantly in the coming period. The intercultural mediators specialize in Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Georgian, Russian, Urdu, Pashto, French, Sorani, Kurmanji and Somali, as well as other languages depending on emerging needs. The activity mainly covers the General Hospital of Leros, the General Hospital of Kos, the General Hospital of Rhodes and the General Hospital of Thira, as well as other healthcare centers in the region. \n\n \n\nThe project \u201cProvision of Intercultural Mediation Services in Health Services in the South Aegean Region\u201d is implemented within the framework of the \u201cSouth Aegean 2021\u20132027\u201d Programme and the Priority \u201cHuman Resources and Social Inclusion,\u201d co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).\n\n\n\nStories from the activity\n\nTwenty-nine-year-old Nour* from Syria arrived at the General Hospital of Kos holding her son by the hand. He had a high fever and severe abdominal pain. \u201cI didn\u2019t know how to explain to the doctors what had happened, and I was afraid they wouldn\u2019t understand. I was very worried,\u201d she says. As soon as METAdrasi\u2019s intercultural mediator arrived, Nour was able to describe her child\u2019s symptoms accurately, answer the doctors\u2019 questions and understand the instructions for his medication. \u201cWhen I heard in my own language what I had to do, I felt that I was not alone. I was able to take proper care of my child.\u201d \n\nForty-one-year-old Farhad* from Afghanistan had to go to the General Hospital of Leros for tests after experiencing severe chest pain. He was extremely anxious, as he could not communicate in Greek and did not understand the procedure he had to follow. METAdrasi\u2019s Dari-speaking intercultural mediator stood by his side from the moment he arrived at reception, helping not only Farhad but also the medical staff to communicate with one another, accurately conveying the doctors\u2019 questions and instructions. \u201cI was very scared, but when someone spoke to me in my own language, I calmed down. I understood what was happening to me and what I needed to do. This makes a huge difference when you are in a foreign country, have health problems and need help.\u201d \n\n*Names have been changed for protection purposes.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Refugee Stories Through Painting<\/h2><\/div><\/div>On the occasion of World Refugee Day, residents of the Kofinou and Pournara centers \u2014 students of METAdrasi Cyprus \u2014 expressed themselves through painting, creating works that capture their thoughts, experiences, memories and dreams.\nFrom images of Cyprus, homes, doves and sea journeys to more personal and symbolic creations, each artwork tells a unique story. Together, these paintings form a vibrant mosaic of hope, resilience and human expression.\nThe exhibition invites us to look beyond the images: to listen to the voices, memories and aspirations of the people who created them.CourageFamily, Peace, FreedomJourney from Home<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>One more accompaniment towards protection<\/h2><\/div><\/div>METAdrasi\u2019s team accompanied six children from a refugee camp, originally from Somalia, Sudan and Egypt, to accommodation facilities in Ioannina and Igoumenitsa.\r\n\r\nWith care, responsibility and respect for each child\u2019s needs, we ensure that their transfer takes place safely and with dignity.\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, 1,500 unaccompanied children have been supported through METAdrasi\u2019s activity of \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d.\r\n\r\nFor every unaccompanied child, safe escorting is another step towards a more stable and protected environment.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article><\/div>- 4<\/span> <\/a><\/li>
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METAdrasi invites refugees and migrants who have a business idea but need guidance to turn it into reality to apply for participation in the Ready4Business programme.\r\n\r\nAfter submitting their application, those who meet the participation requirements will have an individual meeting with the programme team to present and discuss their business idea.\r\n\r\nFollowing this, 15 participants will be selected to receive personalised support in developing their business plan.\r\n\r\nThe programme offers FREE training seminars, one-to-one meetings, legal and tax guidance, and mentoring.\r\n\r\n\ud83d\udcc5 Application deadline: Monday, 31 August 2026\r\n\ud83d\udd17 Fill in the application form, here.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMETAdrasi\u2019s Ready4Business programme is funded through the organisation\u2019s own resources.<\/div><\/article>
<\/span><\/div>Children at the heart of the \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d closing event<\/h2><\/div>
Children at the heart of the \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d closing event<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\r\nPress Release\r\n14\/07\/2026\r\nChildren at the heart of the \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d closing event\r\nChildren, partners and friends of the programme celebrated the journey of \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d at a warm and joyful event held at the Marathon Run Museum on Thursday, 9 July 2026.\r\n\r\nOver a five-year period, \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d gave more than 24,000 refugee children and children from local communities the opportunity to participate on an equal basis in 200 sports activities. They were introduced to Olympic sports, learned about cultural values and took part in cultural events.\r\n\r\nFor refugee children in particular, who accounted for half of the programme\u2019s participants and live in camps and accommodation facilities, the anticipation of leaving the facilities to take part in \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d activities was especially intense and moving. At the same time, activities were also organised within camps.\r\n\r\nBeyond the numbers, \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d leaves behind something far more meaningful, which is almost impossible to capture in tables and indicators: moments of joy, trust and effort. Children who tried a sport for the first time; young people who joined teams; coaches, Olympians, interpreters and volunteers who supported them; and communities that embraced the initiative. Above all, refugee children and children from local communities participated on equal terms, demonstrating that there is no discrimination in sport and culture.\r\n\r\nA distinctive feature of \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d was the special emphasis placed on creating infrastructure that would be freely available to everyone: two beach volleyball courts recently inaugurated in Mytilene, an outdoor fully equipped gym park in Ioannina, a renovated basketball court in Kavala, and an outdoor gym in Piraeus, which is expected to be completed in September.\r\n\r\nThe event was welcomed through a message from the Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum, Sevi Voloudaki. The Secretary General for Vulnerable Persons and Institutional Protection, Heracles Moskoff, highlighted the importance of sport as a means of inclusion, referring to the timely example of the World Cup, where many players are second- and third-generation descendants of migrants and refugees who now proudly represent the national teams of their host countries.\r\n\r\nWelcoming remarks were also delivered by Lora Pappa, President of METAdrasi, the organisation coordinating the programme; Voula Kozompoli, representing the Hellenic Olympic Committee; Agi Kasoumi, representing the General Secretariat of Sports; Karin Patok from the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees; and Antoni Tobias, representing the German Olympic Sports Confederation.\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, in the outdoor area of the Marathon Run Museum, the joyful voices and laughter of 120 refugee children from nearby accommodation facilities and children from local communities could be heard as they explored five sports through specially designed activities, with the support of coaches from the Hellenic Olympic Committee. At the end, children and adults came together in an atmosphere of celebration and joy, and every child received a medal, which they wore with pride.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d is implemented by METAdrasi (project coordinator), the Hellenic Olympic Committee, and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). The German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) supports with coordination and co-funding. The project is also co-funded by the AMIF (2021-2027).\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Invisible Barriers \/ Visible Rights<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Every child has the right to be seen, heard and recognised.\r\n\r\nTo mark Refugee Week, METAdrasi organised a creative awareness-raising initiative entitled \u201cInvisible Barriers \/ Visible Rights\u201d, highlighting the challenges faced by refugee children\u2014particularly unaccompanied children\u2014in accessing identification documents and official recognition.\r\n\r\nThe initiative was carried out as part of METAdrasi\u2019s participation in Family for Every Child\u2019s #ChildrenOnTheMove campaign, with the aim of raising awareness of every child\u2019s right to an identity.\r\n\r\nThrough drawings, messages and visual materials, children, adult learners and educators reminded us that these barriers can affect a child\u2019s access to education, healthcare, protection, family life and a sense of belonging.\r\n\r\nEvery child matters. Every child has rights. Every child deserves an identity.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Blog on Guardianship for Unaccompanied Minors: Having Someone in Your Corner<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Every unaccompanied child arriving in a new country needs more than procedures: they need someone to stand by them, listen to them, protect them, and ensure that their rights become a reality.\r\nIn the first part of Family for Every Child\u2019s \u201cSeen, Counted and Protected\u201d series, METAdrasi\u2019s experience from the Guardianship Programme for Unaccompanied Minors is presented \u2014 a programme introduced by the Organization for the first time in Greece in 2014.\r\n\r\nThe blog highlights how crucial the presence of a Guardian is in the life of an unaccompanied child \u2014 especially when issues such as age, documentation, access to education, health care, and legal protection directly affect their future.\r\n\r\nBecause systems see data.\r\nGuardians see children.\r\n\r\nRead the blog here.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 1, 2023, the activity of Guardianship for Unaccompanied Minors in Greece, is being implemented with METAdrasi as the coordinating partner and Praksis as a partner, within the framework of the \"National Guardianship System\" with funding from the \u201cProgramme Greece \u2013 Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2021-2027\u201d, co-financed by the European Union.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Every sunrise marks a new beginning<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Each week, through METAdrasi\u2019s escorting missions, unaccompanied children are transferred from refugee camps on the Aegean islands to accommodation facilities on the mainland.METAdrasi\u2019s escorts remain by the children\u2019s side at every stage of the journey, helping ensure that the transfer takes place with dignity, safety, and respect for each child\u2019s individual needs.For every child who arrives in the country alone, this journey can mark the beginning of a new chapter \u2014 one with greater care, protection, and hope.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>METAdrasi starts providing Intercultural Mediation Services in the Healthcare Sector for the South Aegean Region<\/h2><\/div><\/div>PRESS RELEASE\nAthens, 16 June 2026\nMETAdrasi starts providing Intercultural Mediation Services in the Healthcare Sector for the South Aegean Region\nDrawing on more than 15 years of expertise in the provision of interpretation services, METAdrasi has begun covering interpretation and intercultural mediation needs in the healthcare sector in the South Aegean Region.\n\nThis is the first organized and systematic intercultural mediation intervention in the healthcare sector in this specific Region. The three-year activity substantially strengthens equal access to healthcare services. \n\n\u201cWe are particularly pleased that, after many years of efforts to highlight the enormous gap created by the lack of interpretation and intercultural mediation in hospitals, the State has finally taken measures to address this vital need,\u201d stated METAdrasi\u2019s President, Lora Pappa.\n\nEffective communication in healthcare is a constant and long-standing need. Anticipating this need, since its establishment in 2010, METAdrasi has responded to interpretation requests from hospitals, mainly on a voluntary basis using its own resources, alongside support from the European Commission and international organizations. \n\nLaunched in early February, through the activity \u201cProvision of Intercultural Mediation Services in Health Services in the South Aegean Region,\u201d METAdrasi has been making a substantial contribution in ensuring equal healthcare access for refugees and migrants in the South Aegean Region. By facilitating communication, the initiative bridges the gap between healthcare staff\u2014including doctors, nurses, and administrators\u2014and the patients, improving the quality of care provided.\n\nDuring the first quarter of the activity, more than 235 intervention sessions have been carried out, a number that is expected to increase significantly in the coming period. The intercultural mediators specialize in Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Georgian, Russian, Urdu, Pashto, French, Sorani, Kurmanji and Somali, as well as other languages depending on emerging needs. The activity mainly covers the General Hospital of Leros, the General Hospital of Kos, the General Hospital of Rhodes and the General Hospital of Thira, as well as other healthcare centers in the region. \n\n \n\nThe project \u201cProvision of Intercultural Mediation Services in Health Services in the South Aegean Region\u201d is implemented within the framework of the \u201cSouth Aegean 2021\u20132027\u201d Programme and the Priority \u201cHuman Resources and Social Inclusion,\u201d co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).\n\n\n\nStories from the activity\n\nTwenty-nine-year-old Nour* from Syria arrived at the General Hospital of Kos holding her son by the hand. He had a high fever and severe abdominal pain. \u201cI didn\u2019t know how to explain to the doctors what had happened, and I was afraid they wouldn\u2019t understand. I was very worried,\u201d she says. As soon as METAdrasi\u2019s intercultural mediator arrived, Nour was able to describe her child\u2019s symptoms accurately, answer the doctors\u2019 questions and understand the instructions for his medication. \u201cWhen I heard in my own language what I had to do, I felt that I was not alone. I was able to take proper care of my child.\u201d \n\nForty-one-year-old Farhad* from Afghanistan had to go to the General Hospital of Leros for tests after experiencing severe chest pain. He was extremely anxious, as he could not communicate in Greek and did not understand the procedure he had to follow. METAdrasi\u2019s Dari-speaking intercultural mediator stood by his side from the moment he arrived at reception, helping not only Farhad but also the medical staff to communicate with one another, accurately conveying the doctors\u2019 questions and instructions. \u201cI was very scared, but when someone spoke to me in my own language, I calmed down. I understood what was happening to me and what I needed to do. This makes a huge difference when you are in a foreign country, have health problems and need help.\u201d \n\n*Names have been changed for protection purposes.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Refugee Stories Through Painting<\/h2><\/div><\/div>On the occasion of World Refugee Day, residents of the Kofinou and Pournara centers \u2014 students of METAdrasi Cyprus \u2014 expressed themselves through painting, creating works that capture their thoughts, experiences, memories and dreams.\nFrom images of Cyprus, homes, doves and sea journeys to more personal and symbolic creations, each artwork tells a unique story. Together, these paintings form a vibrant mosaic of hope, resilience and human expression.\nThe exhibition invites us to look beyond the images: to listen to the voices, memories and aspirations of the people who created them.CourageFamily, Peace, FreedomJourney from Home<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>One more accompaniment towards protection<\/h2><\/div><\/div>METAdrasi\u2019s team accompanied six children from a refugee camp, originally from Somalia, Sudan and Egypt, to accommodation facilities in Ioannina and Igoumenitsa.\r\n\r\nWith care, responsibility and respect for each child\u2019s needs, we ensure that their transfer takes place safely and with dignity.\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, 1,500 unaccompanied children have been supported through METAdrasi\u2019s activity of \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d.\r\n\r\nFor every unaccompanied child, safe escorting is another step towards a more stable and protected environment.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article><\/div>- 4<\/span> <\/a><\/li>
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\r\nPress Release\r\n14\/07\/2026\r\nChildren at the heart of the \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d closing event\r\nChildren, partners and friends of the programme celebrated the journey of \u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d at a warm and joyful event held at the Marathon Run Museum on Thursday, 9 July 2026.\r\n\r\nOver a five-year period, \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d gave more than 24,000 refugee children and children from local communities the opportunity to participate on an equal basis in 200 sports activities. They were introduced to Olympic sports, learned about cultural values and took part in cultural events.\r\n\r\nFor refugee children in particular, who accounted for half of the programme\u2019s participants and live in camps and accommodation facilities, the anticipation of leaving the facilities to take part in \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d activities was especially intense and moving. At the same time, activities were also organised within camps.\r\n\r\nBeyond the numbers, \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d leaves behind something far more meaningful, which is almost impossible to capture in tables and indicators: moments of joy, trust and effort. Children who tried a sport for the first time; young people who joined teams; coaches, Olympians, interpreters and volunteers who supported them; and communities that embraced the initiative. Above all, refugee children and children from local communities participated on equal terms, demonstrating that there is no discrimination in sport and culture.\r\n\r\nA distinctive feature of \u201cTogether in Sport\u201d was the special emphasis placed on creating infrastructure that would be freely available to everyone: two beach volleyball courts recently inaugurated in Mytilene, an outdoor fully equipped gym park in Ioannina, a renovated basketball court in Kavala, and an outdoor gym in Piraeus, which is expected to be completed in September.\r\n\r\nThe event was welcomed through a message from the Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum, Sevi Voloudaki. The Secretary General for Vulnerable Persons and Institutional Protection, Heracles Moskoff, highlighted the importance of sport as a means of inclusion, referring to the timely example of the World Cup, where many players are second- and third-generation descendants of migrants and refugees who now proudly represent the national teams of their host countries.\r\n\r\nWelcoming remarks were also delivered by Lora Pappa, President of METAdrasi, the organisation coordinating the programme; Voula Kozompoli, representing the Hellenic Olympic Committee; Agi Kasoumi, representing the General Secretariat of Sports; Karin Patok from the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees; and Antoni Tobias, representing the German Olympic Sports Confederation.\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, in the outdoor area of the Marathon Run Museum, the joyful voices and laughter of 120 refugee children from nearby accommodation facilities and children from local communities could be heard as they explored five sports through specially designed activities, with the support of coaches from the Hellenic Olympic Committee. At the end, children and adults came together in an atmosphere of celebration and joy, and every child received a medal, which they wore with pride.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\u201cTogether in Sport \u2013 Phase II\u201d is implemented by METAdrasi (project coordinator), the Hellenic Olympic Committee, and the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB). The German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) supports with coordination and co-funding. The project is also co-funded by the AMIF (2021-2027).\r\n\r\n<\/div><\/article>
<\/span><\/div>Invisible Barriers \/ Visible Rights<\/h2><\/div>
Invisible Barriers \/ Visible Rights<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Every child has the right to be seen, heard and recognised.\r\n\r\nTo mark Refugee Week, METAdrasi organised a creative awareness-raising initiative entitled \u201cInvisible Barriers \/ Visible Rights\u201d, highlighting the challenges faced by refugee children\u2014particularly unaccompanied children\u2014in accessing identification documents and official recognition.\r\n\r\nThe initiative was carried out as part of METAdrasi\u2019s participation in Family for Every Child\u2019s #ChildrenOnTheMove campaign, with the aim of raising awareness of every child\u2019s right to an identity.\r\n\r\nThrough drawings, messages and visual materials, children, adult learners and educators reminded us that these barriers can affect a child\u2019s access to education, healthcare, protection, family life and a sense of belonging.\r\n\r\nEvery child matters. Every child has rights. Every child deserves an identity.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Blog on Guardianship for Unaccompanied Minors: Having Someone in Your Corner<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Every unaccompanied child arriving in a new country needs more than procedures: they need someone to stand by them, listen to them, protect them, and ensure that their rights become a reality.\r\nIn the first part of Family for Every Child\u2019s \u201cSeen, Counted and Protected\u201d series, METAdrasi\u2019s experience from the Guardianship Programme for Unaccompanied Minors is presented \u2014 a programme introduced by the Organization for the first time in Greece in 2014.\r\n\r\nThe blog highlights how crucial the presence of a Guardian is in the life of an unaccompanied child \u2014 especially when issues such as age, documentation, access to education, health care, and legal protection directly affect their future.\r\n\r\nBecause systems see data.\r\nGuardians see children.\r\n\r\nRead the blog here.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 1, 2023, the activity of Guardianship for Unaccompanied Minors in Greece, is being implemented with METAdrasi as the coordinating partner and Praksis as a partner, within the framework of the \"National Guardianship System\" with funding from the \u201cProgramme Greece \u2013 Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2021-2027\u201d, co-financed by the European Union.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Every sunrise marks a new beginning<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Each week, through METAdrasi\u2019s escorting missions, unaccompanied children are transferred from refugee camps on the Aegean islands to accommodation facilities on the mainland.METAdrasi\u2019s escorts remain by the children\u2019s side at every stage of the journey, helping ensure that the transfer takes place with dignity, safety, and respect for each child\u2019s individual needs.For every child who arrives in the country alone, this journey can mark the beginning of a new chapter \u2014 one with greater care, protection, and hope.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>METAdrasi starts providing Intercultural Mediation Services in the Healthcare Sector for the South Aegean Region<\/h2><\/div><\/div>PRESS RELEASE\nAthens, 16 June 2026\nMETAdrasi starts providing Intercultural Mediation Services in the Healthcare Sector for the South Aegean Region\nDrawing on more than 15 years of expertise in the provision of interpretation services, METAdrasi has begun covering interpretation and intercultural mediation needs in the healthcare sector in the South Aegean Region.\n\nThis is the first organized and systematic intercultural mediation intervention in the healthcare sector in this specific Region. The three-year activity substantially strengthens equal access to healthcare services. \n\n\u201cWe are particularly pleased that, after many years of efforts to highlight the enormous gap created by the lack of interpretation and intercultural mediation in hospitals, the State has finally taken measures to address this vital need,\u201d stated METAdrasi\u2019s President, Lora Pappa.\n\nEffective communication in healthcare is a constant and long-standing need. Anticipating this need, since its establishment in 2010, METAdrasi has responded to interpretation requests from hospitals, mainly on a voluntary basis using its own resources, alongside support from the European Commission and international organizations. \n\nLaunched in early February, through the activity \u201cProvision of Intercultural Mediation Services in Health Services in the South Aegean Region,\u201d METAdrasi has been making a substantial contribution in ensuring equal healthcare access for refugees and migrants in the South Aegean Region. By facilitating communication, the initiative bridges the gap between healthcare staff\u2014including doctors, nurses, and administrators\u2014and the patients, improving the quality of care provided.\n\nDuring the first quarter of the activity, more than 235 intervention sessions have been carried out, a number that is expected to increase significantly in the coming period. The intercultural mediators specialize in Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Georgian, Russian, Urdu, Pashto, French, Sorani, Kurmanji and Somali, as well as other languages depending on emerging needs. The activity mainly covers the General Hospital of Leros, the General Hospital of Kos, the General Hospital of Rhodes and the General Hospital of Thira, as well as other healthcare centers in the region. \n\n \n\nThe project \u201cProvision of Intercultural Mediation Services in Health Services in the South Aegean Region\u201d is implemented within the framework of the \u201cSouth Aegean 2021\u20132027\u201d Programme and the Priority \u201cHuman Resources and Social Inclusion,\u201d co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).\n\n\n\nStories from the activity\n\nTwenty-nine-year-old Nour* from Syria arrived at the General Hospital of Kos holding her son by the hand. He had a high fever and severe abdominal pain. \u201cI didn\u2019t know how to explain to the doctors what had happened, and I was afraid they wouldn\u2019t understand. I was very worried,\u201d she says. As soon as METAdrasi\u2019s intercultural mediator arrived, Nour was able to describe her child\u2019s symptoms accurately, answer the doctors\u2019 questions and understand the instructions for his medication. \u201cWhen I heard in my own language what I had to do, I felt that I was not alone. I was able to take proper care of my child.\u201d \n\nForty-one-year-old Farhad* from Afghanistan had to go to the General Hospital of Leros for tests after experiencing severe chest pain. He was extremely anxious, as he could not communicate in Greek and did not understand the procedure he had to follow. METAdrasi\u2019s Dari-speaking intercultural mediator stood by his side from the moment he arrived at reception, helping not only Farhad but also the medical staff to communicate with one another, accurately conveying the doctors\u2019 questions and instructions. \u201cI was very scared, but when someone spoke to me in my own language, I calmed down. I understood what was happening to me and what I needed to do. This makes a huge difference when you are in a foreign country, have health problems and need help.\u201d \n\n*Names have been changed for protection purposes.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Refugee Stories Through Painting<\/h2><\/div><\/div>On the occasion of World Refugee Day, residents of the Kofinou and Pournara centers \u2014 students of METAdrasi Cyprus \u2014 expressed themselves through painting, creating works that capture their thoughts, experiences, memories and dreams.\nFrom images of Cyprus, homes, doves and sea journeys to more personal and symbolic creations, each artwork tells a unique story. Together, these paintings form a vibrant mosaic of hope, resilience and human expression.\nThe exhibition invites us to look beyond the images: to listen to the voices, memories and aspirations of the people who created them.CourageFamily, Peace, FreedomJourney from Home<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>One more accompaniment towards protection<\/h2><\/div><\/div>METAdrasi\u2019s team accompanied six children from a refugee camp, originally from Somalia, Sudan and Egypt, to accommodation facilities in Ioannina and Igoumenitsa.\r\n\r\nWith care, responsibility and respect for each child\u2019s needs, we ensure that their transfer takes place safely and with dignity.\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, 1,500 unaccompanied children have been supported through METAdrasi\u2019s activity of \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d.\r\n\r\nFor every unaccompanied child, safe escorting is another step towards a more stable and protected environment.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article><\/div>- 4<\/span> <\/a><\/li>
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Every child has the right to be seen, heard and recognised.\r\n\r\nTo mark Refugee Week, METAdrasi organised a creative awareness-raising initiative entitled \u201cInvisible Barriers \/ Visible Rights\u201d, highlighting the challenges faced by refugee children\u2014particularly unaccompanied children\u2014in accessing identification documents and official recognition.\r\n\r\nThe initiative was carried out as part of METAdrasi\u2019s participation in Family for Every Child\u2019s #ChildrenOnTheMove campaign, with the aim of raising awareness of every child\u2019s right to an identity.\r\n\r\nThrough drawings, messages and visual materials, children, adult learners and educators reminded us that these barriers can affect a child\u2019s access to education, healthcare, protection, family life and a sense of belonging.\r\n\r\nEvery child matters. Every child has rights. Every child deserves an identity.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/div><\/article>
<\/span><\/div>Blog on Guardianship for Unaccompanied Minors: Having Someone in Your Corner<\/h2><\/div>
Blog on Guardianship for Unaccompanied Minors: Having Someone in Your Corner<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Every unaccompanied child arriving in a new country needs more than procedures: they need someone to stand by them, listen to them, protect them, and ensure that their rights become a reality.\r\nIn the first part of Family for Every Child\u2019s \u201cSeen, Counted and Protected\u201d series, METAdrasi\u2019s experience from the Guardianship Programme for Unaccompanied Minors is presented \u2014 a programme introduced by the Organization for the first time in Greece in 2014.\r\n\r\nThe blog highlights how crucial the presence of a Guardian is in the life of an unaccompanied child \u2014 especially when issues such as age, documentation, access to education, health care, and legal protection directly affect their future.\r\n\r\nBecause systems see data.\r\nGuardians see children.\r\n\r\nRead the blog here.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 1, 2023, the activity of Guardianship for Unaccompanied Minors in Greece, is being implemented with METAdrasi as the coordinating partner and Praksis as a partner, within the framework of the \"National Guardianship System\" with funding from the \u201cProgramme Greece \u2013 Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2021-2027\u201d, co-financed by the European Union.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Every sunrise marks a new beginning<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Each week, through METAdrasi\u2019s escorting missions, unaccompanied children are transferred from refugee camps on the Aegean islands to accommodation facilities on the mainland.METAdrasi\u2019s escorts remain by the children\u2019s side at every stage of the journey, helping ensure that the transfer takes place with dignity, safety, and respect for each child\u2019s individual needs.For every child who arrives in the country alone, this journey can mark the beginning of a new chapter \u2014 one with greater care, protection, and hope.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>METAdrasi starts providing Intercultural Mediation Services in the Healthcare Sector for the South Aegean Region<\/h2><\/div><\/div>PRESS RELEASE\nAthens, 16 June 2026\nMETAdrasi starts providing Intercultural Mediation Services in the Healthcare Sector for the South Aegean Region\nDrawing on more than 15 years of expertise in the provision of interpretation services, METAdrasi has begun covering interpretation and intercultural mediation needs in the healthcare sector in the South Aegean Region.\n\nThis is the first organized and systematic intercultural mediation intervention in the healthcare sector in this specific Region. The three-year activity substantially strengthens equal access to healthcare services. \n\n\u201cWe are particularly pleased that, after many years of efforts to highlight the enormous gap created by the lack of interpretation and intercultural mediation in hospitals, the State has finally taken measures to address this vital need,\u201d stated METAdrasi\u2019s President, Lora Pappa.\n\nEffective communication in healthcare is a constant and long-standing need. Anticipating this need, since its establishment in 2010, METAdrasi has responded to interpretation requests from hospitals, mainly on a voluntary basis using its own resources, alongside support from the European Commission and international organizations. \n\nLaunched in early February, through the activity \u201cProvision of Intercultural Mediation Services in Health Services in the South Aegean Region,\u201d METAdrasi has been making a substantial contribution in ensuring equal healthcare access for refugees and migrants in the South Aegean Region. By facilitating communication, the initiative bridges the gap between healthcare staff\u2014including doctors, nurses, and administrators\u2014and the patients, improving the quality of care provided.\n\nDuring the first quarter of the activity, more than 235 intervention sessions have been carried out, a number that is expected to increase significantly in the coming period. The intercultural mediators specialize in Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Georgian, Russian, Urdu, Pashto, French, Sorani, Kurmanji and Somali, as well as other languages depending on emerging needs. The activity mainly covers the General Hospital of Leros, the General Hospital of Kos, the General Hospital of Rhodes and the General Hospital of Thira, as well as other healthcare centers in the region. \n\n \n\nThe project \u201cProvision of Intercultural Mediation Services in Health Services in the South Aegean Region\u201d is implemented within the framework of the \u201cSouth Aegean 2021\u20132027\u201d Programme and the Priority \u201cHuman Resources and Social Inclusion,\u201d co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).\n\n\n\nStories from the activity\n\nTwenty-nine-year-old Nour* from Syria arrived at the General Hospital of Kos holding her son by the hand. He had a high fever and severe abdominal pain. \u201cI didn\u2019t know how to explain to the doctors what had happened, and I was afraid they wouldn\u2019t understand. I was very worried,\u201d she says. As soon as METAdrasi\u2019s intercultural mediator arrived, Nour was able to describe her child\u2019s symptoms accurately, answer the doctors\u2019 questions and understand the instructions for his medication. \u201cWhen I heard in my own language what I had to do, I felt that I was not alone. I was able to take proper care of my child.\u201d \n\nForty-one-year-old Farhad* from Afghanistan had to go to the General Hospital of Leros for tests after experiencing severe chest pain. He was extremely anxious, as he could not communicate in Greek and did not understand the procedure he had to follow. METAdrasi\u2019s Dari-speaking intercultural mediator stood by his side from the moment he arrived at reception, helping not only Farhad but also the medical staff to communicate with one another, accurately conveying the doctors\u2019 questions and instructions. \u201cI was very scared, but when someone spoke to me in my own language, I calmed down. I understood what was happening to me and what I needed to do. This makes a huge difference when you are in a foreign country, have health problems and need help.\u201d \n\n*Names have been changed for protection purposes.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Refugee Stories Through Painting<\/h2><\/div><\/div>On the occasion of World Refugee Day, residents of the Kofinou and Pournara centers \u2014 students of METAdrasi Cyprus \u2014 expressed themselves through painting, creating works that capture their thoughts, experiences, memories and dreams.\nFrom images of Cyprus, homes, doves and sea journeys to more personal and symbolic creations, each artwork tells a unique story. Together, these paintings form a vibrant mosaic of hope, resilience and human expression.\nThe exhibition invites us to look beyond the images: to listen to the voices, memories and aspirations of the people who created them.CourageFamily, Peace, FreedomJourney from Home<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>One more accompaniment towards protection<\/h2><\/div><\/div>METAdrasi\u2019s team accompanied six children from a refugee camp, originally from Somalia, Sudan and Egypt, to accommodation facilities in Ioannina and Igoumenitsa.\r\n\r\nWith care, responsibility and respect for each child\u2019s needs, we ensure that their transfer takes place safely and with dignity.\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, 1,500 unaccompanied children have been supported through METAdrasi\u2019s activity of \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d.\r\n\r\nFor every unaccompanied child, safe escorting is another step towards a more stable and protected environment.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article><\/div>- 4<\/span> <\/a><\/li>
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Every unaccompanied child arriving in a new country needs more than procedures: they need someone to stand by them, listen to them, protect them, and ensure that their rights become a reality.\r\nIn the first part of Family for Every Child\u2019s \u201cSeen, Counted and Protected\u201d series, METAdrasi\u2019s experience from the Guardianship Programme for Unaccompanied Minors is presented \u2014 a programme introduced by the Organization for the first time in Greece in 2014.\r\n\r\nThe blog highlights how crucial the presence of a Guardian is in the life of an unaccompanied child \u2014 especially when issues such as age, documentation, access to education, health care, and legal protection directly affect their future.\r\n\r\nBecause systems see data.\r\nGuardians see children.\r\n\r\nRead the blog here.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 1, 2023, the activity of Guardianship for Unaccompanied Minors in Greece, is being implemented with METAdrasi as the coordinating partner and Praksis as a partner, within the framework of the \"National Guardianship System\" with funding from the \u201cProgramme Greece \u2013 Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund 2021-2027\u201d, co-financed by the European Union.<\/div><\/article>
<\/span><\/div>Every sunrise marks a new beginning<\/h2><\/div>
Every sunrise marks a new beginning<\/h2><\/div><\/div>Each week, through METAdrasi\u2019s escorting missions, unaccompanied children are transferred from refugee camps on the Aegean islands to accommodation facilities on the mainland.METAdrasi\u2019s escorts remain by the children\u2019s side at every stage of the journey, helping ensure that the transfer takes place with dignity, safety, and respect for each child\u2019s individual needs.For every child who arrives in the country alone, this journey can mark the beginning of a new chapter \u2014 one with greater care, protection, and hope.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>METAdrasi starts providing Intercultural Mediation Services in the Healthcare Sector for the South Aegean Region<\/h2><\/div><\/div>PRESS RELEASE\nAthens, 16 June 2026\nMETAdrasi starts providing Intercultural Mediation Services in the Healthcare Sector for the South Aegean Region\nDrawing on more than 15 years of expertise in the provision of interpretation services, METAdrasi has begun covering interpretation and intercultural mediation needs in the healthcare sector in the South Aegean Region.\n\nThis is the first organized and systematic intercultural mediation intervention in the healthcare sector in this specific Region. The three-year activity substantially strengthens equal access to healthcare services. \n\n\u201cWe are particularly pleased that, after many years of efforts to highlight the enormous gap created by the lack of interpretation and intercultural mediation in hospitals, the State has finally taken measures to address this vital need,\u201d stated METAdrasi\u2019s President, Lora Pappa.\n\nEffective communication in healthcare is a constant and long-standing need. Anticipating this need, since its establishment in 2010, METAdrasi has responded to interpretation requests from hospitals, mainly on a voluntary basis using its own resources, alongside support from the European Commission and international organizations. \n\nLaunched in early February, through the activity \u201cProvision of Intercultural Mediation Services in Health Services in the South Aegean Region,\u201d METAdrasi has been making a substantial contribution in ensuring equal healthcare access for refugees and migrants in the South Aegean Region. By facilitating communication, the initiative bridges the gap between healthcare staff\u2014including doctors, nurses, and administrators\u2014and the patients, improving the quality of care provided.\n\nDuring the first quarter of the activity, more than 235 intervention sessions have been carried out, a number that is expected to increase significantly in the coming period. The intercultural mediators specialize in Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Georgian, Russian, Urdu, Pashto, French, Sorani, Kurmanji and Somali, as well as other languages depending on emerging needs. The activity mainly covers the General Hospital of Leros, the General Hospital of Kos, the General Hospital of Rhodes and the General Hospital of Thira, as well as other healthcare centers in the region. \n\n \n\nThe project \u201cProvision of Intercultural Mediation Services in Health Services in the South Aegean Region\u201d is implemented within the framework of the \u201cSouth Aegean 2021\u20132027\u201d Programme and the Priority \u201cHuman Resources and Social Inclusion,\u201d co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).\n\n\n\nStories from the activity\n\nTwenty-nine-year-old Nour* from Syria arrived at the General Hospital of Kos holding her son by the hand. He had a high fever and severe abdominal pain. \u201cI didn\u2019t know how to explain to the doctors what had happened, and I was afraid they wouldn\u2019t understand. I was very worried,\u201d she says. As soon as METAdrasi\u2019s intercultural mediator arrived, Nour was able to describe her child\u2019s symptoms accurately, answer the doctors\u2019 questions and understand the instructions for his medication. \u201cWhen I heard in my own language what I had to do, I felt that I was not alone. I was able to take proper care of my child.\u201d \n\nForty-one-year-old Farhad* from Afghanistan had to go to the General Hospital of Leros for tests after experiencing severe chest pain. He was extremely anxious, as he could not communicate in Greek and did not understand the procedure he had to follow. METAdrasi\u2019s Dari-speaking intercultural mediator stood by his side from the moment he arrived at reception, helping not only Farhad but also the medical staff to communicate with one another, accurately conveying the doctors\u2019 questions and instructions. \u201cI was very scared, but when someone spoke to me in my own language, I calmed down. I understood what was happening to me and what I needed to do. This makes a huge difference when you are in a foreign country, have health problems and need help.\u201d \n\n*Names have been changed for protection purposes.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Refugee Stories Through Painting<\/h2><\/div><\/div>On the occasion of World Refugee Day, residents of the Kofinou and Pournara centers \u2014 students of METAdrasi Cyprus \u2014 expressed themselves through painting, creating works that capture their thoughts, experiences, memories and dreams.\nFrom images of Cyprus, homes, doves and sea journeys to more personal and symbolic creations, each artwork tells a unique story. Together, these paintings form a vibrant mosaic of hope, resilience and human expression.\nThe exhibition invites us to look beyond the images: to listen to the voices, memories and aspirations of the people who created them.CourageFamily, Peace, FreedomJourney from Home<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>One more accompaniment towards protection<\/h2><\/div><\/div>METAdrasi\u2019s team accompanied six children from a refugee camp, originally from Somalia, Sudan and Egypt, to accommodation facilities in Ioannina and Igoumenitsa.\r\n\r\nWith care, responsibility and respect for each child\u2019s needs, we ensure that their transfer takes place safely and with dignity.\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, 1,500 unaccompanied children have been supported through METAdrasi\u2019s activity of \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d.\r\n\r\nFor every unaccompanied child, safe escorting is another step towards a more stable and protected environment.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article><\/div>- 4<\/span> <\/a><\/li>
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Each week, through METAdrasi\u2019s escorting missions, unaccompanied children are transferred from refugee camps on the Aegean islands to accommodation facilities on the mainland.METAdrasi\u2019s escorts remain by the children\u2019s side at every stage of the journey, helping ensure that the transfer takes place with dignity, safety, and respect for each child\u2019s individual needs.For every child who arrives in the country alone, this journey can mark the beginning of a new chapter \u2014 one with greater care, protection, and hope.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article>
<\/span><\/div>METAdrasi starts providing Intercultural Mediation Services in the Healthcare Sector for the South Aegean Region<\/h2><\/div>
METAdrasi starts providing Intercultural Mediation Services in the Healthcare Sector for the South Aegean Region<\/h2><\/div><\/div>PRESS RELEASE\nAthens, 16 June 2026\nMETAdrasi starts providing Intercultural Mediation Services in the Healthcare Sector for the South Aegean Region\nDrawing on more than 15 years of expertise in the provision of interpretation services, METAdrasi has begun covering interpretation and intercultural mediation needs in the healthcare sector in the South Aegean Region.\n\nThis is the first organized and systematic intercultural mediation intervention in the healthcare sector in this specific Region. The three-year activity substantially strengthens equal access to healthcare services. \n\n\u201cWe are particularly pleased that, after many years of efforts to highlight the enormous gap created by the lack of interpretation and intercultural mediation in hospitals, the State has finally taken measures to address this vital need,\u201d stated METAdrasi\u2019s President, Lora Pappa.\n\nEffective communication in healthcare is a constant and long-standing need. Anticipating this need, since its establishment in 2010, METAdrasi has responded to interpretation requests from hospitals, mainly on a voluntary basis using its own resources, alongside support from the European Commission and international organizations. \n\nLaunched in early February, through the activity \u201cProvision of Intercultural Mediation Services in Health Services in the South Aegean Region,\u201d METAdrasi has been making a substantial contribution in ensuring equal healthcare access for refugees and migrants in the South Aegean Region. By facilitating communication, the initiative bridges the gap between healthcare staff\u2014including doctors, nurses, and administrators\u2014and the patients, improving the quality of care provided.\n\nDuring the first quarter of the activity, more than 235 intervention sessions have been carried out, a number that is expected to increase significantly in the coming period. The intercultural mediators specialize in Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Georgian, Russian, Urdu, Pashto, French, Sorani, Kurmanji and Somali, as well as other languages depending on emerging needs. The activity mainly covers the General Hospital of Leros, the General Hospital of Kos, the General Hospital of Rhodes and the General Hospital of Thira, as well as other healthcare centers in the region. \n\n \n\nThe project \u201cProvision of Intercultural Mediation Services in Health Services in the South Aegean Region\u201d is implemented within the framework of the \u201cSouth Aegean 2021\u20132027\u201d Programme and the Priority \u201cHuman Resources and Social Inclusion,\u201d co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).\n\n\n\nStories from the activity\n\nTwenty-nine-year-old Nour* from Syria arrived at the General Hospital of Kos holding her son by the hand. He had a high fever and severe abdominal pain. \u201cI didn\u2019t know how to explain to the doctors what had happened, and I was afraid they wouldn\u2019t understand. I was very worried,\u201d she says. As soon as METAdrasi\u2019s intercultural mediator arrived, Nour was able to describe her child\u2019s symptoms accurately, answer the doctors\u2019 questions and understand the instructions for his medication. \u201cWhen I heard in my own language what I had to do, I felt that I was not alone. I was able to take proper care of my child.\u201d \n\nForty-one-year-old Farhad* from Afghanistan had to go to the General Hospital of Leros for tests after experiencing severe chest pain. He was extremely anxious, as he could not communicate in Greek and did not understand the procedure he had to follow. METAdrasi\u2019s Dari-speaking intercultural mediator stood by his side from the moment he arrived at reception, helping not only Farhad but also the medical staff to communicate with one another, accurately conveying the doctors\u2019 questions and instructions. \u201cI was very scared, but when someone spoke to me in my own language, I calmed down. I understood what was happening to me and what I needed to do. This makes a huge difference when you are in a foreign country, have health problems and need help.\u201d \n\n*Names have been changed for protection purposes.<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>Refugee Stories Through Painting<\/h2><\/div><\/div>On the occasion of World Refugee Day, residents of the Kofinou and Pournara centers \u2014 students of METAdrasi Cyprus \u2014 expressed themselves through painting, creating works that capture their thoughts, experiences, memories and dreams.\nFrom images of Cyprus, homes, doves and sea journeys to more personal and symbolic creations, each artwork tells a unique story. Together, these paintings form a vibrant mosaic of hope, resilience and human expression.\nThe exhibition invites us to look beyond the images: to listen to the voices, memories and aspirations of the people who created them.CourageFamily, Peace, FreedomJourney from Home<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>One more accompaniment towards protection<\/h2><\/div><\/div>METAdrasi\u2019s team accompanied six children from a refugee camp, originally from Somalia, Sudan and Egypt, to accommodation facilities in Ioannina and Igoumenitsa.\r\n\r\nWith care, responsibility and respect for each child\u2019s needs, we ensure that their transfer takes place safely and with dignity.\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, 1,500 unaccompanied children have been supported through METAdrasi\u2019s activity of \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d.\r\n\r\nFor every unaccompanied child, safe escorting is another step towards a more stable and protected environment.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article><\/div>- 4<\/span> <\/a><\/li>
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PRESS RELEASE\nAthens, 16 June 2026\nMETAdrasi starts providing Intercultural Mediation Services in the Healthcare Sector for the South Aegean Region\nDrawing on more than 15 years of expertise in the provision of interpretation services, METAdrasi has begun covering interpretation and intercultural mediation needs in the healthcare sector in the South Aegean Region.\n\nThis is the first organized and systematic intercultural mediation intervention in the healthcare sector in this specific Region. The three-year activity substantially strengthens equal access to healthcare services. \n\n\u201cWe are particularly pleased that, after many years of efforts to highlight the enormous gap created by the lack of interpretation and intercultural mediation in hospitals, the State has finally taken measures to address this vital need,\u201d stated METAdrasi\u2019s President, Lora Pappa.\n\nEffective communication in healthcare is a constant and long-standing need. Anticipating this need, since its establishment in 2010, METAdrasi has responded to interpretation requests from hospitals, mainly on a voluntary basis using its own resources, alongside support from the European Commission and international organizations. \n\nLaunched in early February, through the activity \u201cProvision of Intercultural Mediation Services in Health Services in the South Aegean Region,\u201d METAdrasi has been making a substantial contribution in ensuring equal healthcare access for refugees and migrants in the South Aegean Region. By facilitating communication, the initiative bridges the gap between healthcare staff\u2014including doctors, nurses, and administrators\u2014and the patients, improving the quality of care provided.\n\nDuring the first quarter of the activity, more than 235 intervention sessions have been carried out, a number that is expected to increase significantly in the coming period. The intercultural mediators specialize in Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Georgian, Russian, Urdu, Pashto, French, Sorani, Kurmanji and Somali, as well as other languages depending on emerging needs. The activity mainly covers the General Hospital of Leros, the General Hospital of Kos, the General Hospital of Rhodes and the General Hospital of Thira, as well as other healthcare centers in the region. \n\n \n\nThe project \u201cProvision of Intercultural Mediation Services in Health Services in the South Aegean Region\u201d is implemented within the framework of the \u201cSouth Aegean 2021\u20132027\u201d Programme and the Priority \u201cHuman Resources and Social Inclusion,\u201d co-funded by the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+).\n\n\n\nStories from the activity\n\nTwenty-nine-year-old Nour* from Syria arrived at the General Hospital of Kos holding her son by the hand. He had a high fever and severe abdominal pain. \u201cI didn\u2019t know how to explain to the doctors what had happened, and I was afraid they wouldn\u2019t understand. I was very worried,\u201d she says. As soon as METAdrasi\u2019s intercultural mediator arrived, Nour was able to describe her child\u2019s symptoms accurately, answer the doctors\u2019 questions and understand the instructions for his medication. \u201cWhen I heard in my own language what I had to do, I felt that I was not alone. I was able to take proper care of my child.\u201d \n\nForty-one-year-old Farhad* from Afghanistan had to go to the General Hospital of Leros for tests after experiencing severe chest pain. He was extremely anxious, as he could not communicate in Greek and did not understand the procedure he had to follow. METAdrasi\u2019s Dari-speaking intercultural mediator stood by his side from the moment he arrived at reception, helping not only Farhad but also the medical staff to communicate with one another, accurately conveying the doctors\u2019 questions and instructions. \u201cI was very scared, but when someone spoke to me in my own language, I calmed down. I understood what was happening to me and what I needed to do. This makes a huge difference when you are in a foreign country, have health problems and need help.\u201d \n\n*Names have been changed for protection purposes.<\/div><\/article>
<\/span><\/div>Refugee Stories Through Painting<\/h2><\/div>
Refugee Stories Through Painting<\/h2><\/div><\/div>On the occasion of World Refugee Day, residents of the Kofinou and Pournara centers \u2014 students of METAdrasi Cyprus \u2014 expressed themselves through painting, creating works that capture their thoughts, experiences, memories and dreams.\nFrom images of Cyprus, homes, doves and sea journeys to more personal and symbolic creations, each artwork tells a unique story. Together, these paintings form a vibrant mosaic of hope, resilience and human expression.\nThe exhibition invites us to look beyond the images: to listen to the voices, memories and aspirations of the people who created them.CourageFamily, Peace, FreedomJourney from Home<\/div><\/article><\/span><\/div>One more accompaniment towards protection<\/h2><\/div><\/div>METAdrasi\u2019s team accompanied six children from a refugee camp, originally from Somalia, Sudan and Egypt, to accommodation facilities in Ioannina and Igoumenitsa.\r\n\r\nWith care, responsibility and respect for each child\u2019s needs, we ensure that their transfer takes place safely and with dignity.\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, 1,500 unaccompanied children have been supported through METAdrasi\u2019s activity of \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d.\r\n\r\nFor every unaccompanied child, safe escorting is another step towards a more stable and protected environment.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article><\/div>- 4<\/span> <\/a><\/li>
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On the occasion of World Refugee Day, residents of the Kofinou and Pournara centers \u2014 students of METAdrasi Cyprus \u2014 expressed themselves through painting, creating works that capture their thoughts, experiences, memories and dreams.\nFrom images of Cyprus, homes, doves and sea journeys to more personal and symbolic creations, each artwork tells a unique story. Together, these paintings form a vibrant mosaic of hope, resilience and human expression.\nThe exhibition invites us to look beyond the images: to listen to the voices, memories and aspirations of the people who created them.CourageFamily, Peace, FreedomJourney from Home<\/div><\/article>
<\/span><\/div>One more accompaniment towards protection<\/h2><\/div>
One more accompaniment towards protection<\/h2><\/div><\/div>METAdrasi\u2019s team accompanied six children from a refugee camp, originally from Somalia, Sudan and Egypt, to accommodation facilities in Ioannina and Igoumenitsa.\r\n\r\nWith care, responsibility and respect for each child\u2019s needs, we ensure that their transfer takes place safely and with dignity.\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, 1,500 unaccompanied children have been supported through METAdrasi\u2019s activity of \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d.\r\n\r\nFor every unaccompanied child, safe escorting is another step towards a more stable and protected environment.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article><\/div>- 4<\/span> <\/a><\/li>
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METAdrasi\u2019s team accompanied six children from a refugee camp, originally from Somalia, Sudan and Egypt, to accommodation facilities in Ioannina and Igoumenitsa.\r\n\r\nWith care, responsibility and respect for each child\u2019s needs, we ensure that their transfer takes place safely and with dignity.\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, 1,500 unaccompanied children have been supported through METAdrasi\u2019s activity of \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d.\r\n\r\nFor every unaccompanied child, safe escorting is another step towards a more stable and protected environment.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSince November 2025, METAdrasi\u2019s activity \u201cEscorting missions for unaccompanied children\u201d is implemented in the framework of the project \u201cStrengthening protection systems for unaccompanied migrant children and vulnerable women applicants and beneficiaries of international protection\u201d funded by the National Development Program for the Programming Period 2021-2025 through the Special Coordination and Management Service for Migration and Home Affairs Programmes of the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.<\/div><\/article><\/div>
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