Please note: this project is now closed. At The Failte [FAHL-chuh] Centre, we offered tailored learning and mental health & psychosocial support services to individuals in Athens, Greece. "Failte," the Irish word for "welcome," emphasised our core approach: we welcomed all individuals regardless of age, gender, background, nationality, political orientation or religion. After running for three years, we decided to close our doors at the end of 2025.
Navigating life in a new country can be difficult for refugees, as many are faced with challenges such as finding housing and food, facing language barriers and trying to heal from trauma. As a result, many adults are forced to postpone their education, limiting their ability to integrate and find jobs. Sadly there are very few centers open in Athens for individuals who want to learn English or find a safe space to rest with their children as they struggle to adapt to their new environment.
We offer individualized English classes and Professional Preparation sessions to meet the specific needs of each adult based on their prior education level, language background, and future goals. For some, this means learning the alphabet and basic vocabulary to take their children to the doctor; for others, this means continuing their studies in English so they can progress in their career. We also offer a Safe Space for adults and children to receive support and take part in activities.
By offering long-term, consistent programming that is shaped to specific needs, we are able to champion refugees' journeys in their new city of Athens. Furthermore, our holistic approach ensures that all support we provide is compassionate, trauma-sensitive and flexible for each participant. As literacy is the foundation for many abilities, such as employment, formal education and independence, we ensure that all voices are heard, valued and applied to our continuity of programming.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
