Pame

Since 2017, we have been helping displaced people in Thessaloniki to build an independent life, whether it's through integration into the labour market, financial assistance or language courses. Our goal is to offer them prospects, to break the cycle of lethargy and isolation and to promote their independence – individually, sustainably and flexibly tailored to their needs. In doing so, we fill the gaps that state support often cannot cover.

What?

Many of the refugees in Greece are allowed or required to remain in Greece because they have been granted asylum here, or they wait for months in the hope of being transferred to another European country. These people live scattered throughout the country, including in Thessaloniki. We have been working here since May 2017. We support people on the ground, whether they stay or not, in their everyday lives and help them to build a ‘normal life’. We give them a reason and a perspective to get up in the morning and feel useful. The opportunity to become active and thus break the vicious circle of lethargy and depression. We hope that they will regain their self-determination and self-esteem. The ability of the Greek state to support and assist these people is limited. Recognised refugees receive very limited help and often have to rely on charitable organisations. We provide active support through this project to help them become independent and manage their own livelihoods again.

How?

In concrete terms, this means that we try to introduce people to the labour market on a case-by-case basis (quality before quantity) – for example, we cover the costs of professional Greek courses, crediting courses for any diplomas, tickets for public transport, mobile phone costs, etc.  That is the basic idea: to set the process of achieving independence in everyday life in motion and to be able to respond to people's individual needs as we do so. However, the past two years of working in this environment have taught us that things can change quickly and that it is always important to remain flexible.

What do we need?

Fortunately, there are enough of us at the moment to run the project. However, we need financial resources to offer the people in our programme good courses and advanced training opportunities and to cover a certain portion of their living expenses. In addition, we need financial support to cover the minimal living expenses (apartment, petrol, food, insurance, etc.) of our Robin based in Thessaloniki (coordinator: Valentino). Therefore, every donation is welcome and appreciated!