“Kypseli”: UNHCR teams up with IRC Hellas to empower young refugees in Athens

For many young refugees, turning 18 is not a reason to celebrate. It marks the end of the support they receive as children, leaving them with little or no resources to build a new life in dignity. A new centre in Athens, operated by the International Rescue Committee – IRC Hellas, with support from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, aims to address this long-standing need and help young refugees to become self-reliant, through targeted interventions.

The centre, named “Kypseli” (“Beehive”) reflecting both its location in Athens but also a sense of community and belonging where people work together to achieve a common goal, offers a variety of services to refugees and asylum-seekers from 18 to 21 years old, mostly former unaccompanied children. These services include Greek language lessons, psychosocial support, job counselling, vocational training, support in navigating housing, scholarships and connection to job opportunities.

“Kypseli” was inaugurated on Monday, 8 May, in the presence of representatives from the State, the EU, the diplomatic community, local authorities, civil society organizations and young refugees who already participate in the programme.

In her welcoming remarks, the Representative of UNHCR in Greece Maria Clara Martin noted the progress Greece has made in the protection of refugee children in recent years and spoke about the needs that those children continue to have, even after they turn 18. “These young people are an asset in any country”, she said. “They have demonstrated their resilience, energy, ambition and determination – and I am sure that if allowed they will make a great contribution.”

The US Ambassador to Greece, George Tsunis, highlighted the responsibility we all share to support and protect those fleeing war, oppression and violence, and noted the benefits of integration not only for refugees, but for the economy and society as a whole. “Together, we can connect young people to the knowledge, skills and relationships they need to thrive and build a stronger future for themselves and for Greece!”

On behalf of the Special Secretary for the Protection of Unaccompanied Minor (SSPUAM), Effrossyni Boutou welcomed the initiative and reminded how important the transition to adulthood is in the life of a person. She highlighted SSPUAM’s crucial role in supporting unaccompanied children to build a bright future.

According to IRC Hellas Director, Dimitra Kalogeropoulou, 30 young adults from 18 different countries already benefit from the programme while the target is to reach 85 in total. “The programme comes to bridge the gap between the protective environment the children live in as unaccompanied and the lack of support as soon as they turn 18. In Kypseli center we offer job counselling, non-formal education, skills building opportunities and support to navigate the challenging housing market.”, she said.

Greece. Inauguration ceremony of "Empowerment and self-reliance opportunities to unaccompanied children reaching adulthood" programme

How does “Kypseli” make a difference to the life of young refugees? For Maria, a young girl from Ukraine who arrived in Greece about a year ago, knowing the language of the country you live in is a huge advantage. She is studying international law and at the same time attending Greek language lessons in “Kypseli”, because she feels this is important for her personal and professional development.

Another young refugee, Alhassan, from Sierra Leone, described how he found in “Kypseli” a space and a team where he can feel safe, supported and empowered. He attends Greek language classes and other educational activities while through job counselling and support, he has identified what his interests and skills are. “My dream is to become an IT specialist”, he said.

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