ECHO HUB Athens: Prepare Refugees for Integration

Dear Friends,

As 2024 comes to a close, we are thrilled to reflect on a year filled with impactful achievements and progress at the Athens HUB. Together, we have continued to create opportunities, foster community, and support displaced individuals on their journeys to brighter futures.

This year, our team expanded to include:

• 4 language teachers, 2 teaching volunteers

• 3 social workers,

• 1 lawyer,

• 1 administrative manager, and

• 1 administrative assistant.

We are also grateful for the contributions of our dedicated team of 5 long-term volunteers, most of whom come from the local community. Their commitment and expertise have been instrumental in supporting our students and community members.

Achievements in 2024 We are proud to share some of the milestones we reached this year:

• Delivered 1,806 learning sessions to community members.

• Enabled 17 individuals to complete accredited Basic Care and Support vocational training.

• Helped 38 people earn internationally recognized language qualifications.

• Secured 132 job offers for community members through the efforts of our integration team.

• Provided legal support to 240 individuals.

• Conducted 392 integration counseling sessions, offering personalized guidance to help individuals navigate their paths.

 We are excited to highlight two major additions to our offerings:

1. ECHO HUB Computer Room This year, we launched a fully equipped computer room with six PCs at the HUB. Community members now have access to the internet and the resources they need to send emails, create CVs, and improve their computer skills—empowering them to take critical steps towards independence and professional growth.

2. Basic Care and Support Training We’ve begun the application process for our fourth cohort of the Basic Care and Support Training program. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and the caliber of applicants makes the selection process both challenging and exciting. This training provides participants with foundational skills to care for individuals with impaired health, whether at home or in care facilities.

Thank You for Supporting Our Giving Tuesday Campaign Thanks to your generosity, the funds raised will support the services we provide at the HUB, including language classes, integration services, and vocational training. Your support continues to transform lives and strengthen our community.

Looking ahead as we celebrate these successes, we remain focused on our mission and are eager to achieve even more in the year ahead. Together, we are fostering resilience, building opportunities, and creating a community where everyone can feel safe and appreciated. 

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. We couldn’t do it without you.

In solidarity,

Gabriella with Catharina and Gabi 
and the Athens HUB Team