Portfolio of Solutions: Greece
Hello Europe in Action
Because of its key geopolitical location, Greece has long been one of the most important migration countries in Europe. Refugees and migrants remain among the most vulnerable populations, facing major humanitarian challenges and significant barriers to integration, including limited access to medical, psychological, legal, and counselling support. At the same time, migration also presents an opportunity for growth, renewal, and social innovation in Greece—especially when people on the move are recognized as active contributors and architects of the solutions to the challenges they face.
To better understand the realities of the sector, the Hello Europe team conducted a series of visits and discussions with civil society actors and local authorities across Greece in October 2018. These exchanges highlighted a shifting context: Greece had become a medium- to long-term destination for people on the move, requiring more coordinated efforts for inclusion; organisations were already adapting and innovating, particularly in civil society; and there was a growing need for stronger collaboration, exchange of practices, and connections with international initiatives.
Based on these findings, the Hello Europe was officially launched in Greece in June 2019 to support local and international initiatives that empower newcomers and host communities to build a better society together. The programme created three main entry points for participation: an Impact Scaling Accelerator focused on sustainability, collaboration, strategy, and systems change; the promotion of international collaborations linking Greek organisations with Ashoka’s global network and Hello Europe’s portfolio of solutions; and a broader programme of actions and events designed to strengthen co-creation among organisations, funders, decision-makers, and representatives of refugee and migrant communities across the public, private, and social sectors.
Ecosystem of Solutions
HABIBI.WORKS | Founded by Florian Horsch & Mimi Hapig
THE PROBLEM
While waiting for asylum decisions, thousands of people remain in limbo for years without access to education, employment, psychological support, or society. Life in refugee camps creates severe practical and emotional challenges, including lack of income, disrupted family structures, limited opportunities, and deteriorating mental health.
THE SOLUTION
Habibi.Works creates platforms for education, empowerment, and connection. Through 11 working areas—from carpentry and textile ateliers to advanced technology in a MediaLab—people in refugee camps and local communities can build, repair, learn, and share knowledge. It enables individuals to regain agency, develop skills, and take first steps toward integration.
THE IMPACT
Since its inception, Habibi.Works has supported more than 3,000 people directly and up to 9,000 indirectly. By providing access to tools, materials, and shared spaces, it has significantly improved living conditions while enabling access to non-formal education and skills development. The initiative has had a strong impact on mental health and identity rebuilding, fostering a sense of purpose and belonging. At the same time, it has built diverse, cross-cultural communities and contributed to raising awareness across Europe about both the challenges and the resilience of people on the move.
HESTIA HELLAS | Founded by Lauraine Velez & Dimitris Basoukos
THE PROBLEM
Asylum seekers and Greeks alike face complex trauma, while public health services remain underdeveloped and overburdened. There are critical gaps in psychosocial support, livelihoods, and integrative services.
THE SOLUTION
Hestia Hellas is a community-based mental health and wellbeing centre offering integrative therapies for both Greeks and asylum seekers. It provides personalized support through mind-body therapies, creative arts, child-friendly spaces, parenting support, and job assistance—fostering self-empowerment and community.
THE IMPACT
Since 2017, Hestia Hellas has supported more than 2,000 individuals, providing long-term tools for resilience and mental wellbeing. Its work has helped rebuild trust and enable healing, while strengthening community cohesion by bringing together asylum seekers and local populations in a shared, supportive environment.
HETERART | Founded by Anna Vafiadou & Anastasia Karoussi
THE PROBLEM
Over 1,000 unaccompanied minors in Greece face barriers in education and integration. Both migrant and local youth are marginalized, and current systems fail to create meaningful connection or shared understanding.
THE SOLUTION
HeterArt uses art as a universal language to bridge cultures. Through co-designed educational programs, workshops, and creative methodologies, it fosters communication, critical thinking, and inclusion—merging science, art, and social innovation.
THE IMPACT
HeterArt has created platforms such as the Art2Tech youth team and developed over 30 case studies and multiple workshops fostering intercultural dialogue. Many participants have secured part-time jobs within three years, while the initiative has also enabled cross-country cultural collaboration and developed innovative tools for inclusion and creative expression.
INTERVOLVE / IRIDA WOMEN’S CENTER | Founded by Chloe Kousoula | Represented by Christina Calbos
THE PROBLEM
Refugee women face systemic barriers including trauma, exclusion from the labour market, and lack of safe spaces for integration. Few initiatives support both refugee and local women together.
THE SOLUTION
Irida is a safe, participatory community centre for women in Thessaloniki. It offers education, skills development, psychosocial support, and community-building opportunities, while also supporting families through partnerships.
THE IMPACT
Irida has engaged more than 350 women from over 12 countries, offering a wide range of programmes including language learning, skills development, and job support. Its work has increased access to education and employment while fostering strong cross-cultural connections and building a supportive community for women and their families.
OFFICE OF DISPLACED DESIGNERS | Founded & Represented by Shareen Elnaschie
THE PROBLEM
In Lesvos, tensions between local and displaced communities are high due to economic strain, lack of communication, and limited opportunities for connection and employment.
THE SOLUTION
The Office of Displaced Designers is a creative integration agency using design to bring communities together. Through co-working, workshops, and collaborative projects, participants co-create solutions and build skills in design and cultural understanding.
THE IMPACT
Since its establishment, the initiative has engaged more than 1,200 individuals through over 100 workshops and collaborative activities. It has contributed to improved wellbeing, confidence, and employability among participants, while also building strong partnerships and fostering greater understanding between communities.
SOCIAL HACKERS ACADEMY | Founded by Damianos Vavanos | Represented by Aggelina Mila
THE PROBLEM
Digital skills gaps and unemployment prevent vulnerable groups from integrating into society and the workforce, especially in a rapidly digitizing economy.
THE SOLUTION
Social Hackers Academy provides digital skills training—including coding, programming, and soft skills—to refugees, migrants, and vulnerable populations, enabling them to access employment and participate in the digital economy.
THE IMPACT
Since its establishment, Social Hackers Academy has trained more than 150 individuals in IT skills, with at least 29 participants securing jobs in the tech sector. Through partnerships with over 30 NGOs and expansion into other European cities, the initiative continues to scale its impact by increasing access to employment and reducing digital exclusion.