Refugees and migrants are fleeing violence and unrest across the Middle East and Asia. METAdrasi facilitates their reception and integration in Greece. In 2020 there were an estimated 6,000 unaccompanied children in the country, the majority in camps or homeless.
METAdrasi's Supported Independent Living (SIL) programme is for unaccompanied minors aged 16-18 who are seeking asylum or have been granted refugee status. Read this How We Care briefing paper to learn more about how METAdrasi supports the integration of these young people into local society.
In addition to accommodation, the programme supports the children through education services, legal medical support, interpretation, recreational activities and job orientation or introduction to the labour market. Targets are set for children’s progress relating to their integration into society, which look at the building of self-esteem, personality development and improvement of life skills.
The SIL Programme was adapted from similar projects in the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy and the UK after a period of thorough research during the preparation phase in 2017.
Through this programme:
- METAdrasi sees positive development in the children, as they learn to live alongside others. Their personalities are shaped through the support provided.
- Children treat others with respect.
- Children progress from the SIL Programme to take on responsibilities and gain meaningful employment; e.g. one child graduated, became an engineer and now works with METAdrasi as a caregiver for other unaccompanied children; two went on to study in France; others find work on the Greek islands.
The attached resources are part of the How We Care series, an innovative space for those working with children and families to share practice. By practitioners, for practitioners. You can also download the full package of learning, including resources from 2 other Family members, here.
