Study visit to the City of Athens by Municipalities of England, Northern Ireland and Wales

On February 14, 16 teachers, social worker, civil society workers and employees from municipalities from Northern Ireland, Wales and England visited the Migrant Integration Centre of Athens (KEM) to learn about the activities and services provided by the Migrant Integration Centre of Athens and the Athens Coordination Centre for Migrant and Refugee issues (ACCMR), emphasizing on the management and integration of refugee children in the Greek educational system.

The meeting was organized by the ACCMR in collaboration with the British Council, within the framework of a study visit of the specific workers from the UK between 13-16 February 2023 in Athens, with the support of the British Ministry of Education.

The visitors conveyed to Mrs. Melina Daskalaki, Special Advisor to the Mayor of Athens for Migrants and Refugees, their dedication to strengthening the knowledge and skills of refugees and immigrants as well as intercultural understanding.

The experience of the City of Athens in this field offers useful information for teachers and other professionals in other countries. KEM presented their services and activities regarding the integration of migrant and refugee populations in Athens, along with specific educational services for migrant and refugee children. ACCMR followed by presenting its role as a coordination hub between civil society, the City of Athens and central government, as well as its tools of achieving this successful networking, like the ACCMR working committees and the ACCMR Digital Platform. Finally, the Cities Network for Integration (CNI) was highlighted as a useful mechanism promoting the exchange of experience and know-how between Greek municipalities.