“DIA-DRASIS”: CHILDREN’S CENTER FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SKILLS
On May 31, 2020, the pilot program “DIA-DRASIS: Children’s Center for the Development of Social Skills” ended.
The program was organized, designed, and implemented by the Social Action Department of YMCA Thessaloniki as part of Action I of the project “Enhancing the Right to Education and Access to School for Refugee Children,” with the Development Agency of Greater Thessaloniki as the leading partner. It was under the auspices of the Municipality of Thessaloniki and funded by the Open Society Foundation. The Municipality of Thessaloniki provided space in the city center for the operation of the “DIA-DRASIS” Children’s Center.
The program had an educational and intercultural focus and served as a unique access point for refugees to early childhood education and care for children under 4 years old. Additionally, it aimed to enhance social integration through interaction between refugee families living in the city and the local community.
The early childhood education program for refugee children aged 2 to 4 emphasized adaptations to the new learning environment, with a focus on familiarizing children with the Greek language while also supporting their native languages. The goal was to prepare the children for a smooth transition into formal education, which was achieved for over 15 four-year-olds who participated in the “DIA-DRASIS” program and subsequently enrolled in kindergarten. Throughout its duration, the program engaged over 50 refugee children.
“DIA-DRASIS” also promoted social inclusion and meaningful participation through an Intercultural Activities Program for ALL preschool-aged children from 2 to 6 years old (refugee, local, and native populations). The program’s innovation lay in its openness to the local community, not just refugee families. It utilized the benefits of multilingualism and multiculturalism to foster respect for diversity through harmonious coexistence and equal participation. Approximately 70 children and their families participated in the Intercultural Activities Program, with about half coming from the local community.
Over 50 activities were organized, including theater performances, puppet shows, museum visits, excursions, recreational and festive events, bringing many stakeholders, organizations, and individuals closer to the program and the work of YMCA Thessaloniki.
Symbolized by the kite, an intercultural symbol bridging cultures, this unique “childcare center” made a significant educational impact and offered a valuable intercultural social proposal for our city over its 21 months of operation, distinguished by its quality, originality, and innovation.
For More Information:
Social Action Department
Programs for Refugee Population
Phone: 231 600 1041, – 44, – 45
Email: [email protected]