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Migrant children in Athens will have the opportunity to attend a special summer program of classes as part of an initative by the NGO Civis Plus.

The 26th Primary School of Athens, which is located at 63 Fokionos Negri street in the central neighborhood of Kypseli, will host around 70 children - and their parents - for summer lessons and activities. 


Fun for children and parents

Under the name "After School Social Tutorial for Children of Migrants and Refugees,'" the project is part of the Greek capital's open schools program, with courses taking place four times a week until July 28."The children that come are from refugee accommodation structures in Athens, from immigrant communities, as well as local residents; they come with excitement and enthusiasm because there are plenty of kids who do not have much to do during the day," Civis Plus education officer Ioanna Tsetika told reporters.She added: "Lessons are pleasant activities focused on the creative use of their leisure time. They see it as fun because they learn through language lessons, and they play and create." The whole program is being implemented by volunteer teachers, who are planning the activities according to the needs of each student. Some supportive educational material and methodology has also been provided. 

Greek language, painting, and theatre

Specifically, the summer school sessions at the school include: educational activities for immigrant and refugee children aged 6-12, Greek and booster teaching, creative play, such as crafts, painting and theatre, Greek lessons for parents, visits to art galleries and sports, linguistic and cultural exchange actions for adult refugees and immigrants, including Greeks.Additionally, Civis has also designed games for intercultural meetings and team building sessions for adult refugees and migrants, as well as vocational skills seminars (i.e. how to make a resume and send emails, etc.).Tsetika concluded: "The great thing is that the whole neighborhood has embraced our school. In fact, there are so many adult Greeks who want to participate in the linguistic and cultural exchange activities and that speaks volumes for the solidarity that is being shown on a daily basis. We are seeing the start of many friendships." (ANSAmed).