According to recent estimations, 6-7% of the local population is made up of migrants, mainly coming from Albania and Georgia and staying in Neapolis-Sykeon for - on average - more than ten years. Despite this substantial length of time, they still encounter many obstacles to their full social integration. Most of the difficulties derive from limited Greek language skills, as this acts as a barrier in accessing local administration services. Another reason can be found in the increasing xenophobia and prejudice against foreigners in Greek society. 

The Council of Migrants that has been active since 2006 has greatly contributed to highlighting the problems and needs associated with the migrant population in the area. One of its most important actions has been the founding of the Greek Language School for Migrants, in 2009. Every year, over 150 adults participate in the Greek language courses it offers, thereby improving their comprehension skills and their ability to adjust to everyday life in their new home country. The new Council aims to strengthen and build on this work.

Although many migrants have left Greece in recent years due to unemployment, many families are still living in the municipality of Neapolis-Sykeon and are members of the local community. On many occasions they have stated that they feel welcomed and helped through the services provided by the council. Their continued, dedicated participation in the Greek Language School is a clear indication of their feelings and the success of such support.

• The classes offered by the school are evening classes which take place twice a week, and run for a total duration of eight months;
• All migrants are offered social support services provided by the municipality, e.g. nurseries for children and coaching in health issues;
• All migrants are offered counseling services by the municipality, which are delivered in the format of one-to-one sessions. The participation in these counseling services was 7% in 2015 (158 individuals out of a total of 2 295), and is expected to increase. 
  

The services offered by the municipality via the council(s) are contributing to visibly improved conditions for the integration of migrants. Every year, over 150 adults participate in the Greek language courses offered, in doing so improving their skills, their social understanding / inclusion and their involvement in their new communities.

No surveys have yet been carried out to assess the impact of the services on migrant children in the municipality, but migrants in their role as parents have provided feedback that the support offered enables them to provide better childcare and a more integrated life for their children. 

The services provided can be positively evaluated through the high participation rate and low number of departures from the programmes and from the area itself. The target groups all express satisfaction with the support they have been offered and its effectiveness in facilitating their integration.

In addition, there has been a decrease in hostility towards migrants in the local community since the project began, in comparison with other regions in Greece where migrants are subject to more or increasing hostility.

Migrant residents, refugees and their local communities.

The services are mostly funded by the municipality’s budget, as well as occasional European Union funding. The annual total budget of the council is 3 000 EUR.