IOM’s HELIOS project aims at promoting the integration of beneficiaries of international protection in Greece who are currently residing in temporary accommodation schemes. The project is run in close collaboration with national authorities and experienced partners. Beneficiaries who participate in the programme will take part in the following measures:

Integration Courses

Conducting integration courses at integration learning centres set up across Greece. Each course cycle lasts for 6 months and consists of modules on Greek language learning, cultural orientation, job readiness and life skills.

Accommodation support

Supporting beneficiaries towards independent accommodation, including by providing contributions to rental and move-in costs and networking with apartment owners.

Employability support

Provision of individual employability and job readiness support, including through job counselling, access to job-related certifications and networking with private employers.

Integration monitoring

Regular assessment of the integration progress of the beneficiaries to ensure that they will be ready to navigate confidently through Greek public service providers when they complete the HELIOS programme and start living independently in Greece.

Sensitisation of the host community

Organisation of workshops, activities and events and production of a nationwide media campaign to create opportunities for exchange between the hosting and hosted communities, highlighting the value of the integration of migrants into Greek society.

The project will be implemented on mainland Greece and Crete, in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Danish Refugee Council Greece (DRC Greece), Greek Council for Refugees (GCR) and Solidarity Now.

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