HELIOS PROGRAM – HELLENIC INTEGRATION SUPPORT FOR BENEFICIARIES OF INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION AND TEMPORARY PROTECTION
Since 2019, YMCA Thessaloniki (in consortium with the Development Agency of Greater Thessaloniki, the Development Agency of Greater Urban Thessaloniki S.A. – Local Government Development Organization, and the School of Modern Greek Language at AUTH) has been a partner of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in implementing the integration program Hellenic Integration Support for Beneficiaries of International Protection and Temporary Protection – HELIOS. Since 2022, this program has been funded by the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.
As part of the HELIOS program, YMCA Thessaloniki established one of the three Integration and Learning Centers (ILCs) in Thessaloniki.
The aim of the program is the smooth and full integration of recognized refugees and – since July 2022 – beneficiaries of temporary protection into Greek society. To achieve this goal, the ILC provides a wide range of services to the beneficiaries through various partner organizations.
Specifically, the program offers:
- Greek Language and Soft Skills courses, conducted by experienced teachers, lasting 6 months
- Creative activities for children in specially designed spaces by specialized educators
- Assistance with finding housing
- Support in accessing the job market
- Assistance with all integration issues (access to services, the public health system, etc.)
YMCA Thessaloniki has been responsible for the educational and pedagogical aspects of the program from the beginning. Additionally, leveraging the organization’s dynamic and extensive experience, it undertakes various initiatives to best promote the program’s objectives. Beneficiaries of HELIOS are encouraged to participate in all activities, and through scholarships and discounts, they can attend all YMCA Thessaloniki programs.
For More Information:
Social Action Department Programs for Refugee Population
Phone: 231 600 1041, – 44, – 45
Ε-mail: [email protected]