solidarity

Badal, Iqbal and their teacher Chrysa – Tribute: “Before the bell rings”

Posted on Monday September 5th, 2022

Badal, Iqbal and their teacher Chrysa share their educational experience with us just “before the bell rings” at SolidarityNow’s “Homework and Creative Activities Center” in Serres as well.

Badal Ridhwan, 11 years old from Iraq

What have you learned so far at the HCAC?
I like the HCAC because I learn different languages, like Greek and English. Also, I am getting better in mathematics, which is great!

What’s your favourite thing about going to the HCAC?
I like getting help with homework for school. I feel happy because I can learn and have fun at the same time.

Iqbal Rayan, 14 years old, Pakistan

What have you learned so far at the HCAC?
I learn many languages, how to behave and I meet new people. It is very important because I can gather knowledge and a certificate for future career. Also, this school helps me with my H/W and, I really like that we do maths that I can understand.

What’s your favourite thing about going to the HCAC?
It’s more fun! You can be with your friends, discuss about different topics and watch videos that help you learn in a more fun way.

Chrysa Paradisou, teacher from Greece

What are the Centers doing for refugee children that wasn’t being done before?

In HCAC of Serres, we hold classes that support formal education and strive for inclusion. At the same time, the program includes psychosocial integration activities, aiming to socialize children and help them develop life skills. For this reason, we use co-teaching methods to achieve intersectionality.

Do you have an example of a child who has responded well to the teaching at the HCAC?

The 11-year-old Redwan is a student, residing in Serres camp for the past two years. When he started coming to our classes, he could not speak Greek at all. But, with his desire for learning, combined with our rich educational program, he managed to develop language skills and to achieve a satisfactory level. He is now even more active in classes. There is no greater satisfaction than seeing children being happy and gaining linguistic and social skills.

*The project “All Children in Education” (ACE) is implemented by SolidarityNow with support and funding from UNICEF.

Ramazan’s mother sees the positive impact of education on him – Tribute: “Before the bell rings”

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Three people involved in a story where the positive impact of education is more than obvious! Response from the SolidarityNow’s “Homework and Creative Activities Center” in Nea Kavala.

Ramazan, 15 years old from Afghanistan

What have you learnt so far at the HCAC?
I attend English, Greek, science and homework classes. We also have workshops about many interesting topics. I have learnt to speak better English and Greek.

What’s your favourite thing about going to the HCAC?
My favourite thing is when we solve maths problems!

Sabrmha, mother of Ramazan, Afghanistan

What difference have you seen in your child/children since they start going to the Center?
He is coming back from school running, so he can quickly eat and go to his lesson in HCAC – “please mom have the food ready” – he says to me. He is so much happier!

How do you think the HCAC will help your child stay in school and do well academically?
He is doing so much better in Greek language, and this motivates him to go to school

Charis Poulikidis, teacher from Greece

What are the HCACs doing for refugee children that wasn’t being done before?

They offer substantial support for the formal school education of students that adapts to their individual needs. It also promotes and facilitates parental involvement in their children’s education.

Do you have an example of a child who has responded well to the teaching at the HCAC?

Little Emran is a 6-year-old student from Afghanistan with zero or limited prior schooling experience. Due to his first days on the ACE program little Emran was too scared and uncomfortable to attend the language & creating activity courses. The fact that he was lacking friends and his low performances during the lessons prevented him from having his first happy schooling experiences. A few weeks later of attending SolidarityNow’s HCAC courses little Emran turned into a happy and active student. Emran has managed to make many new friends quickly, while his performance and participation during the lessons were increased. A person’s first school memories accompany him in the rest of his life, which is why we must all help to create happy and pleasant memories for all children.

*The project “All Children in Education” (ACE) is implemented by SolidarityNow with support and funding from UNICEF.

Basira, Maria and education – Tribute: “Before the bell rings”

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The 15-year-old Basira from Afghanistan and her teacher, Maria, met at the “Homework and Creative Activities Center” of SolidarityNow in the open accommodation structure for refugees and asylum seekers in Kavala. What do they tell us about the educational procedure as they experience it through the “All Children in Education” program?

Basira Mohammadi, Afghanistan

What have you learned so far at the HCAC?

By joining the program, I have learned many new words. Before coming here, I couldn’t speak English at all; thanks to the classes I attend here, now I can speak! Another thing that i have learned is how to understand people in general, my teachers as well. I have learned to love people as I get a lot of love. Also, I made a lot of new friends!

What’s your favourite thing about going to the HCAC?

My favourite thing about going to the HCAC is the fact that I am able to express myself, but also listen to other people (teachers, classmates). For me it is very important as I believe that the more, we speak the better we learn.

Maria Katsikari, teacher from Greece

What are the Centers doing for refugee children that wasn’t being done before?

The Center provides a sense of normality and a safe space for children. Besides academic subjects and support to formal education, the children improve their life skills, build their confidence and practice their critical thinking.
Do you have an example of a child who has responded well to the teaching at the HCAC?

There is not just one example. Most of the students who are punctual and attend the courses have impressively improved not only in their academic skills but also in their interpersonal and social skills.

*The project “All Children in Education” (ACE) is implemented by SolidarityNow with support and funding from UNICEF.

Iliana, the student, and Louisa, the teacher speak about their encounter through education – Tribute: “Before the bell rings”

Posted on Friday September 2nd, 2022

The 12-year-old Iliana from Syria is a student of Louisa in the “Homework and Creative Activities Center” (HCAC) operating in the Blue Refugee Center of SolidarityNow in Thessaloniki. Through their answers, they share with us the positive imprint of educational procedures in their lives.

Iliana, Syria (Kurdish origin)

What have you learned so far at the HCAC?
I learned to speak Greek and English. Also, I learned that boys and girls are equally capable. The Center is like my home, I feel that I am at home.

What’s your favourite thing about going to the HCAC?
My favourite thing is when I am hugging my teachers. Also, I love doing my homework and learn new things with them.

Louisa Rousomani, Greek

What are the Centers doing for refugee children that wasn’t being done before?

ACE program promotes formal education in accordance with the Convention of children’s rights, since through the program we support and ensure the enrollment in formal education for unenrolled children. Furthermore, we provide psychosocial support and make referrals to other organizations in order to offer integrated support and balance to the children struggling multiple changes. In addition, we establish communication and cooperation among the Refugee Education Coordinators (REC), which is our basis and guide to continue supporting our students efficiently.

Do you have an example of a child who has responded well to the teaching at the HCAC?

It is worthy to mention Iliana! She is 12 years old and she now finishes the Greek primary public school. She also participates in the recreational activities organized based on students’ interests in the Blue Refugee Center’s HCAC almost every day, despite the fact that she lives with her family quite far from the Center. With our support, Iliana not only has improved her school performance, but she has also empowered her identity and boosted her self-esteem. She excels at school as one of the best students of her class and she has acquired strong social skills that support her integration. We are very proud of her and her family that stands by her side!

*The Blue Refugee Center’s operation is supported by UNICEF Greece.

*The project “All Children in Education” (ACE) is implemented by SolidarityNow with support and funding from UNICEF.

Tribute: “Before the bell rings”

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“Before the bell rings”:

What is the imprint of education in the lives of children, their parents and teachers?

This September, before the beginning of the school year, let’s read what students of the “Homework and Creative Activities Centers” (HCACs), parents and educators answered to this question, from six out of the twelve areas in Greece, where the Centers operate.

The “Homework and Creative Activities Centers” operate in mainland Greece in the context of the program “All Children in Education” program, implemented by SolidarityNow since October 2021, with the support and funding from UNICEF Greece. The program aims to facilitate the integration of refugee and migrant children in formal education through the provision of non-formal education services and other complementary activities.

SolidarityNow invests in education since its establishment, recognizing its fundamental role both in the smooth social integration and the creation of independent and empowered adults. Through specific programs and actions, the organization creates and offers opportunities to vulnerable population groups – Greeks and non-Greeks- to enhance their educational and life skills by providing them with access to non-formal education activities.

Just “before the bell rings” we give the floor to Iliana, Louisa, Shevin, Mr. Ali, Elpida, Basira, Maria, Ramazan, Ms. Sabrmha, Charis, Badal, Iqbal, Chrysa, Hasti, Kosar and Alexandra!

*The project “All Children in Education” (ACE) is implemented by SolidarityNow with support and funding from UNICEF Greece.

TEACHER (MATHEMATICS & SCIENCE)

Posted on Thursday September 1st, 2022

Submit until: 14/09/2022
Location: Athens

Starting Date: 1.10.2022

Status: Full Time

Child Safeguarding Policy: Level 3 – The job holder will have regular contact with children

Generic responsibilities

Provide after-school Math and Science classes according to refugee and migrant population needs
Expand and build on the existing educational curriculum, targeting and addressing the needs of different age groups of children and youth
Provide homework support for the children who attend formal education
Oversee distributions of teaching and learning material according to the population’s needs
Update and maintain effective workplans
Ensure on-going monitoring, tracking and reporting of classes
Develop and maintain effective filing systems, both electronic and hardcopy
Support education, recreational and various activities
Contribute to the identification of vulnerabilities and facilitate access to available aid
Engage with parents, schools and communities in order to improve attendance and address students’ needs

Qualifications

Essential

Degree – Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics/Science (eg Physics, Chemistry or any other relevant field)
Excellent Greek and preferably English
At least 1 year of professional experience in educational programs for refugees or rural/vulnerable communities
Strong analytical and administrative skills in the management of educational programs and mainly primary education
Excellent Computer skills
Driving License (B’ category)

Desired

Masters or Bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Education will be an advantage
Experience teaching non-native speakers
Proven knowledge of training, curriculum development, implementation and educational administration
Experience in training of trainers/facilitators skills
Knowledge of report writing
Knowledge of Arabic or Farsi will be an advantage

If you are interested in applying, please send your CV and motivation letter to recruitment@solidaritynow.org mentioning in the email subject “Math & Science teacher_location of your interest)”.

SN is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with disabilities and from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Recruitment processes reflect SN’s commitment to keeping children safe from harm and abuse. Employment is subject to SN Child protection standards, including background checks and adherence to SN Child Safeguarding Policy.

Due to the urgency of recruitment, SN reserves the right to complete the process as soon as the suitable candidate has been identified. Interested candidates should submit their applications (CV and motivation letter) not later than by September 14^th , 2022.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Remarks: Before submitting your CV, please read carefully the employees’ privacy notice on the processing of personal data pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and the respective Greek legislation.

For roles that will have regular contact with vulnerable populations SolidarityNow is obliged to seek information about criminal convictions and offences, and selected candidates will be requested to provide a recent copy of criminal record.

Following the preventive measures against COVID-19, holding a vaccination certificate or undergoing Covid-19 antigen tests as per government directions is mandatory.

TEACHER (MATHEMATICS & SCIENCE)

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Submit until: 14/09/2022
Location: Oinofyta

Starting Date: ASAP

Status: Part Time

Child Safeguarding Policy: Level 3 – The job holder will have regular contact with children

Generic responsibilities

Provide after-school Math and Science classes according to refugee and migrant population needs
Expand and build on the existing educational curriculum, targeting and addressing the needs of different age groups of children and youth
Provide homework support for the children who attend formal education
Oversee distributions of teaching and learning material according to the population’s needs
Update and maintain effective workplans
Ensure on-going monitoring, tracking and reporting of classes
Develop and maintain effective filing systems, both electronic and hardcopy
Support education, recreational and various activities
Contribute to the identification of vulnerabilities and facilitate access to available aid
Engage with parents, schools and communities in order to improve attendance and address students’ needs

Qualifications

Essential

Degree – Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics/Science (eg Physics, Chemistry or any other relevant field)
Excellent Greek and preferably English
At least 1 year of professional experience in educational programs for refugees or rural/vulnerable communities
Strong analytical and administrative skills in the management of educational programs and mainly primary education
Excellent Computer skills
Driving License (B’ category)

Desired

Masters or Bachelor’s degree in Intercultural Education will be an advantage
Experience teaching non-native speakers
Proven knowledge of training, curriculum development, implementation and educational administration
Experience in training of trainers/facilitators skills
Knowledge of report writing
Knowledge of Arabic or Farsi will be an advantage

If you are interested in applying, please send your CV and motivation letter to recruitment@solidaritynow.org mentioning in the email subject “Math & Science teacher_Athens)”.

SN is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with disabilities and from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Finance/Accounting Officer

Posted on Wednesday August 31st, 2022

Submit until: 13/09/2022
Location: Athens

Starting Date: ASAP

Status: Full Time

Key Accountabilities

Prepares and submits financial reports to the donors along with the relevant reporting documentation (contracts of personnel, payment of salaries expenses etc.)
Performs accounting entries, updates ledgers, and reconciles expenses accounts with bank accounts per donor
Inspects all expenditures according to the procurement and Finance policies (documents PRs, Pos, GRNs) and according to donors Guidelines.
Checks the Financial Reporting & Documentation of Grants to other Organizations.
Supports the preparation and coordination of the audit process, as well as the internal financial controls and procedures. Liaises with donor auditors for audits and verification visits.
Provides timely information and cost reports to management regarding project expenditure.
Monitors the implementation of the financial procedure as per the Financial Manual and donor requirements.
Performs ad hoc duties as they are assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance
3 years of relevant working experience
Familiar with ERP (Navision experience preferred)
Knowledge of Greek GAAP
Excellent use of MS Office Suite (particularly Excel)
Fluency in Greek and English, both oral and written

Skills

Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail and strong organizational skills while prioritizing
Able to perform under pressure and deliver results
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Ability to challenge processes and implement improved working methods

If you are interested in applying, please send your CV and motivation letter to recruitment@solidaritynow.orgmentioning in the email subject “Finance/Accounting Officer”.

SN is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with disabilities and from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Recruitment processes reflect SN’s commitment to keeping children safe from harm and abuse. Employment is subject to SN Child protection standards, including background checks and adherence to SN Child Safeguarding Policy. Due to the urgency of recruitment, SN reserves the right to complete the process as soon as the suitable candidate has been identified. Interested candidates should submit their applications (CV and motivation letter) not later than by 13/09/2022.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

FEMALE FRIENDLY SPACE FACILITATOR

Posted on Tuesday August 30th, 2022

Submit until: 7/09/2022
Location: Serres

Starting Date: ASAP

Status: Full Time

Child Safeguarding Policy: Level 3 – The job holder will have regular contact with children

Reports To: Project Coordinator

Job Overview

The Female Friendly Space Facilitator acts as the coordinator of the space for women and girls. She facilitates access and ensures overall smooth functioning of the space; she conducts tailored psychosocial activities, identifies protection needs and works with other team members in providing support (including referrals); she encourages the participation of women and girls in group and individual activities (including awareness-raising on SGBV issues, among other themes, and skills-building sessions), so as to facilitate their overall integration and wellbeing in Greece.

Generic responsibilities

Maintains a comfortable and safe environment where women and girls can participate in psychosocial activities and receive appropriate support, while also including toddlers with their mothers in the services provided
Prepares and implements structured activities for women, girls and mother-child, including the design of weekly schedules and timetables, through a participatory approach, tailored to their needs, skills and cultural diversities
Identifies protection and other support needs and refers them to respective colleagues or/and other service providers
Carries out awareness raising sessions focusing on gender issues/GBV, Health/Hygiene, Nutrition, Livelihoods, Skills-building etc. Other group activities may include informal trainings, group discussions, information-sharing, art therapy, leisure time activities, playtime etc.

Carries out community mobilization around the FFS by disseminating clear messages on its role and objectives
Liaises with other service providers onsite and follows referral pathways, upon consent of the beneficiaries
Keeps accurate attendance records and reports in a timely manner, following respective deadlines and procedures
Performs other position-related duties as assigned, pending on setting.

Qualifications

Essential

University Degree in Social Work/Psychology/Social Sciences/Humanities
Minimum one-year professional experience in implementing activities for women and girls
Good understanding of human rights, gender equality, child-marriage, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in regular and emergency situations
Experience in community mobilization
Cross-cultural awareness and flexibility
Excellent interpersonal, communication, listening and observation skills, including ability to create trust, support, respect and interact with women and girls of all ages, background and diversity.
Strong team player and able to handle pressure well.
Well organized and efficient
Fluency in Greek and English required
Proficient with MS Outlook, Excel, and Word business software
Good report writing skills
Adhere to and promote GBV guiding principles
Possess empowering imagination

Desired

Experience in case management procedures
Demonstrated commitment to women’s empowerment and protection through previous assignments (volunteer or paid) in women’s groups, or other relevant experience.
Field working experience in camps/temporary settlements of refugee/migrant population
Engagement in refugee focused projects

If you are interested in applying, please send your CV and motivation letter to

thes-recruitment@solidaritynow.org mentioning in the email subject “FFS Facilitator_ Serres”.

SN is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with disabilities and from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Only short-listed candidates will receive a written reply.

INTERPRETER UKRAINIAN – FEMALE FRIENDLY SPACE

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Submit until: 11/09/2022
Location: Serres

Starting Date: ASAP

Status: Part or Full Time

Reports To: Project Coordinator

Child Safeguarding Policy: Level 3 – The job holder will have regular contact with children

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Provides clear and accurate interpretation services, during FFS activities;
Provides clear and accurate interpretation services, during protection related informative sessions, briefings, trainings etc;
Provides written translation of documents to English or Greek;
In coordination with other team colleagues, contributes to the identification of particular vulnerabilities and other protection-related issues;
In coordination with other team colleagues, assists in the accompaniment of particularly vulnerable individuals to other service providers;
In coordination with other team colleagues, participates in field-trips and other external activities;
In coordination with other team colleagues, ensures that all beneficiaries feel comfortable and safe to share their concerns freely, as well as participate in activities;
Respects the code of conduct of the organization, with emphasis on confidentiality;
Performs other position-related duties as assigned by the respective Team Leader.

Qualifications–Essential

Excellent command of Ukrainian
Excellent command of Greek and/or English;
Minimum one-year professional experience as an interpreter or cultural mediator and/or in providing supporting services to vulnerable individuals, including refugee population and particularly children and women;
Familiar with protection issues related to refugee children, families and female survivors of gender-based violence;
High professional ethics;
Excellent interpersonal, communication, listening and observation skills, including ability to create trust, support, respect and interact with children of all ages, background and diversity;
Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in multi-ethnic environment; Cross Culturally Aware and flexible;
Strong team player;
Computer literate;
Well organized and efficient, flexible, able to handle pressure well and adapt in different working environments;
Adhere to and promote Child Protection and Child Safeguarding guiding principles;

Desired:

Previous working experience with local or international NGOs will be considered an asset
Field Working Experience in Camps/Temporary Settlements of refugee/migrant population
Women will be prioritized because of the nature of the project

Interested candidates should submit in a single document their Resume/CV with an introductory text in English to: thes-recruitment@solidaritynow.org mentioning in the email subject “Ukrainian Interpreter_ Serres”.

SN is an equal opportunity employer. Persons with disabilities and from vulnerable and disadvantaged groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.