Attachments
LATEST HIGHLIGHTS
JOB FAIRS
UNHCR co-organized three job fairs with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, in coordination with different partners around Greece as a costeffective way to advance refugee employability through job matching. The job fairs took place inside the reception centre of Lesvos, at the Blue Refugee Centre in Thessaloniki and inside the reception facility in Malakasa. During the three events, 860 refugees and asylum-seekers were interviewed by more than 60 employers from all over Greece, resulting in 620 job offers and 250 recruitments.
Entrepreneurship Counselling for Refugees - Ready4Business
In collaboration with METAdrasi, in 2022 UNHCR launched the "Entrepreneurship Counselling - Ready4Business" programme which provides a launching pad for refugees to start their own business. The programme provides entrepreneurial advice and assistance for developing company proposals.
The Ready4Business pilot project has so far supported 30 refugee entrepreneurs. The project continues with 14 refugees receiving support in developing their business plans.
Furthermore, the programme helped participants access financing for their businesses, as two received grants from the People’s Trust and one obtained a loan through the Action Finance Initiative. The Action Finance Initiative (AFI) is a private, non-profit organization focused on supporting economic and social inclusion in Greece. Through the provision of microcredit, free training, and advice for the unemployed and micro-entrepreneurs, AFI aims to foster job creation and improve the legal and institutional environment for self-employment.
Refugee Women Academy
UNHCR and Piraeus Bank launched the Refugee Women Academy in July 2023. The Academy, in partnership with NGO Odyssea, offers a specialized programme in the tourism sector which focuses on hospitality and language skills.
The Academy provides practical training, mentorship, and networking, aiming at the for participants' well-rounded professional development. The programme, which started on 25 September 2023, has trained by 28 March, 75 participants in Greek language and vocational skills for Kitchen Assistance and Room Service.
Out of these, 18 found employment after completing the programme. In an innovative effort to encourage the participation of refugee mothers with young children, the Academy set up a child-friendly space, employing two child care assistants who had recently qualified through UNHCR programmes.