The Municipality of Heraklion is taking a significant step toward promoting the integration of refugees and migrants by offering free Greek language classes.
This initiative, led by the Mayoralty of Social Care, aims to ease the transition of newcomers into the local community and enhance social cohesion.
The new Greek Language Learning Center, the first of its kind in Heraklion, will provide adult immigrants and refugees the opportunity to learn the local language at no cost. The program is seen as a vital social intervention by the municipal authorities, designed to accelerate the integration process while combating social exclusion and exploitation.
The centre is set to begin operations within the next month, and the Mayoralty of Social Care is actively seeking volunteer teachers to support the effort. Both active and retired teachers from primary and secondary education, as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students, are encouraged to get involved. Participants will receive a certificate of volunteer work at the end of each academic year, along with thank-you gifts from the municipality.
Classes will be held in the afternoons from 15:30 to 20:30 at the 7th Primary School "Elli Alexiou," located at 1 Knossos Avenue. Interested teachers can submit their details, including their availability, to the email address provided or contact the organising team by phone.
This initiative is a collaborative effort involving several key organisations, including the Municipality’s Council for the Integration of Migrants, UNHCR, Caritas Greece, the International Organization for Migration, and SOS Children's Villages. The project underscores the importance of volunteering and community involvement in building a more inclusive society.
(Source: To Vima)