We Need Books founded Athens' first multilingual library and multicultural space in 2019, in the area of Kypseli, which is home to thousands of refugees and migrants, particularly from Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe. This project will empower 100 displaced families by providing free education, resources, and opportunities to improve their lives, become more self-sufficient, and find a sense of belonging through community engagement and support.
Greece has the 2nd highest unemployment rate in the EU and is 3rd in the risk of its people experiencing poverty and social exclusion, according to Eurostat. Despite not being a desirable destination, Greece receives more than 30,000 displaced people annually, and already over half a million live in Athens. The majority of migrants and refugees don't know the Greek language well, have very limited employment and educational opportunities, and struggle to find acceptance in their new home.
With funding from this project, We Need Books will provide vital support to displaced families. Our initiatives include organising language practice sessions, offering after-school tutoring, facilitating consultations with special educators, engaging in activities that enhance literacy, conducting workshops for both children and parents, creating employment opportunities, and granting access to a diverse library of books in 56 languages, while building a stronger sense of community.
This project will impact 100 displaced families by improving their language skills and supporting children in their education, increasing their chances of completing school and gaining employment. It will offer work opportunities within the library, where they can develop new skills and improve their prospects. By fostering a stronger sense of community, it can help families build a support network, develop a sense of belonging, which is crucial for their well-being and social integration.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
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