Education Greece Project #42722

ECHO HUB Athens: Prepare Refugees for Integration

by Echo100plus

Project Report | Apr 13, 2026
Amazing Results!

By Gabriella Dixon | Co-Founder

Dear Friends and Supporters!

During the reporting period, ECHO HUB continued to deliver comprehensive educational, vocational, and integration support to beneficiaries, focusing on language learning, digital skills, employability, and community engagement.

A total of 364 unique beneficiaries were supported across all programs and services.

Education, Training, and Activities

ECHO HUB delivered a wide range of educational programs, including Greek and English language classes, as well as computer skills training at beginner and intermediate levels. In total, over 300 classes were conducted, with more than 120 new students enrolled, reflecting continued demand for learning opportunities.

Language learning remained a core focus, with students actively developing their communication skills through both formal instruction and interactive activities. These included practical sessions such as cooking classes to build vocabulary, reading and homework support groups, and cultural visits, such as a trip to the Tactual Museum in Kallithea.

Students were also encouraged to engage in community-building activities, including movie nights and seasonal initiatives. In recognition of Ramadan, ECHO HUB distributed dates to students observing the fast, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.

In terms of academic achievement, nine students successfully obtained English Speaking Board (ESB) certifications across levels B1 to C2. Additionally, 38 Greek language students registered for official language examinations, further demonstrating progress and commitment to their learning pathways.

Digital literacy training also played a key role, with computer courses concluding successfully and 12 students receiving certificates. Furthermore, an AI workshop for female students, facilitated by Sistech, introduced participants to emerging technologies and digital skills.

Vocational Training

ECHO HUB continued to strengthen its focus on employability through targeted vocational training and career support.

Students enrolled in the Caregiving training program completed both theoretical and practical components, including placements at Haus Koroneos. Upon completion, participants received their final certifications and were equipped with the skills needed to enter the caregiving sector.

An Employability Workshop also provided students with essential knowledge of the Greek labor market, including job search strategies and available resources.

OUR Social Integration Team

ECHO HUB’s Social Integration Team played a vital role in supporting beneficiaries beyond education and employment.

As a result of the program’s integrated approach, 75 job offers and placements were successfully facilitated, supporting beneficiaries in accessing employment opportunities and advancing toward financial independence.

In addition, a total of 138 individuals received assistance with the acquisition of essential documentation required for accessing services and entering the labor market. This included support with converting PAAYPA to AMKA, obtaining AMA/IKA numbers, opening bank accounts, submitting income declarations through TAXISnet, and securing proof of previous work experience.

The team also provided ongoing guidance to help beneficiaries navigate administrative processes and integrate more effectively into Greek society.

These services are fundamental in enabling access to healthcare, employment, and public services, contributing significantly to beneficiaries’ long-term stability and inclusion.

None of this would be possible without your ongoing support!

Thank you so much!

In Solidarity

Gabi, Catharina and Belli and the entire ECHO Team!

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Dec 15, 2025
The HUB Keeps Thriving

By Gabriella Dixon | Co-Founder

After learning food vocabulary

Dear Friends,

As we reach the end of the year, we want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support. Everything that happens at ECHO HUB — every class, every shared cup of tea, every certificate earned — is made possible because of you. Your generosity keeps our doors open and our community thriving.

Over the past few months, our classrooms have been full and lively. We are currently running ten English and nine Greek classes, including new beginner groups that started this term. Each class has around eleven students, and altogether about 250 people are taking part in our education programmes. From September to November alone, we held 481 classes — a true reflection of the enthusiasm of our students and the dedication of our teachers.

Our English Conversation Club meets four times a week, and this autumn we also restarted our Greek Conversation Club, which meets once a week. These clubs give learners a chance to practice speaking and connect in a relaxed environment. In December, the library became even more welcoming as students decorated a Christmas tree and made ornaments together, filling the space with laughter and warmth.

We were very proud to celebrate 21 Greek students who passed the official Ellinomatheia exams, and three more sat the exams in October. English students are now preparing for their Speaking Board exams. Because our language classes are full, our Greek teachers also created an online space with resources — including videos, podcasts, and film recommendations — for those who wish to study on their own.

Our beginner computer classes are going very well, guided by Marsil, our multilingual instructor who supports students individually in English, Greek, and Arabic. We continue to lend laptops so that learners can study from home. Our partner organisation, Intechgration, also launched another round of its Front-End Web Development course, which is now fully online and running over nine months to help students gain valuable digital skills for employment. The Care & Support Training course, attended by twelve students, is nearly finished with its theoretical phase and will begin practical training in the new year.

Our integration team has also been very active. In October alone, they supported 61 people through 170 interventions — from help with social benefits and CV drafting to document assistance and job counselling. Since July, 40 people have found employment and 43 have been supported in obtaining essential documents. Monthly CV and job-search workshops began in October, and the team has been collaborating with our education staff to offer interview preparation sessions within language classes. A lawyer has recently joined the team, strengthening our ability to help with legal and documentation matters, and several volunteers have offered their time to assist with reception and community activities.

Beyond the classroom, our community has shared some special moments together. In October, a group of 30 members visited the Art Explora Festival in Piraeus, enjoying a day of art, a VR boat experience, and good company. In November, together with our friends at ANKAA Project, we hosted a screening of “The Promise of the Future,” a moving documentary about refugees rebuilding their lives in Paris. Later that month, some of our team attended the Sociology of Migration Conference at the University of Athens, where we gained new perspectives on migration and labour-market dynamics that will inform our work going forward.

These months have been full of activity, connection, and progress. Thanks to your support, ECHO HUB continues to be a welcoming place where people come to learn, share, and build new opportunities for themselves and their families. We are so grateful to have you with us on this journey, and we look forward to continuing this work together in the year ahead.

Please also check out our student's testimonials in the link below.

With heartfelt thanks and warm wishes,

Gabi, Catharina and Belli
The ECHO HUB Team

Happy International Day of Care and Support!

Museum Boat in Piraeus for Cultural excursions

Student' xmas wish

Links:

Testimonials

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Aug 22, 2025
Another Great Year at the ECHO HUB

By Gabriella Dixon | Co-Founder

Benaki Museum

Dear Friends,

The year 2024/25 was one of learning, growth, and shared experiences at the ECHO Hub. Our programs in Education, Integration, and Recreation once again highlighted the importance of community, support, and connection.

Education

Every week, an average of 285 learners joined our classes – a clear sign of the strong interest and commitment within our community. We are especially proud of the 45 students who took part in three rounds of internationally recognised language exams. Another milestone was our 140-hour Care & Support Training, which saw 14 participants graduate successfully. Altogether, our dedicated teaching team delivered over 1,800 lessons this year – around 50 every single week!

Integration

Our work in integration also made a big impact. The Social Integration Team supported 555 families and households throughout the year. We helped facilitate 183 job offers and assisted 161 people in accessing education and training opportunities. For many, our support in navigating social services was equally vital – we were able to help 51 people gain access to social benefits.

Recreation

Beyond education and integration, we placed great importance on shared experiences and leisure activities. This year we organised two field trips into nature and five museum and art exhibition visits, which brought both inspiration and joy. We also hosted 14 film screenings and cooking sessions, creating lively moments of togetherness. Our conversation clubs – the bi-weekly English Club and the weekly Greek Club – offered additional spaces for exchange and practice. And of course, there was plenty of fun at the ping-pong table, with countless hours of play and an exciting tournament in May.

All in all, 2024/25 was a year at the ECHO Hub not only marked by learning and work, but also by encounters, cultural exchange, and the joy of doing things together.

None of this would be possible without your support!

It is becoming increasingly difficult to raise funds for projects like the HUB, the worlds attention drawn to other terrible humanitarian desasters.

We are all the more grateful for your ongoing support!

In solidarity

Gabi, Catharina, Gabriella and the ECHO community

Care Giving Class

End of Term Celebration

Museum of Illusions

Serenade

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