Unaccompanied Minors Protection Program

Unaccompanied refugee children are one of the most vulnerable groups within the refugee population. Children without parents, without a family, become victims of exploitation, abuse, and social exclusion. Studies by international organizations highlight the situation of unaccompanied minors as inadequately addressed by EU policy.

In October 2019, Kinoniko EKAV took over three Unaccompanied Minors' Centers under the «Nefeli» initiative, and three more in December 2021 under «Kallisti». These centers are located in Athens, Piraeus, Penteli, Larissa, and Kozani. Today the program includes six Centers for boys aged 12–18, co-funded by the EU through the Asylum, Migration, and Integration Fund 2021-2027.

The minors are supported by specialized personnel: social workers, psychologists, teachers, caregivers, nurses, cooks, cleaning staff, interpreters, and administrative staff.

The six centers provide housing, nutrition, medical care, psychosocial support, education and entertainment for 208 children, plus legal support for family reunification.

Teenagers participate in vocational training workshops that prepare them for independence and their professional future.

The main objective is developing children's skills and self-confidence, with the ultimate goal of their integration into Greek society.

With this action Kinoniko EKAV fulfils its fundamental goal of combating social exclusion in all its forms.