An initiative by the City of Athens to keep schools open after class for Greeks and refugees alike has won acclaim by the Council of Europe. Through the Athens Open Schools program, 25 public schools are kept open after class, on afternoons and weekends, hosting free recreation and development activities for residents of all ages. The aim is to revitalize neighborhoods, provide safe public spaces and opportunities for growth amid difficult conditions.
“By bringing together private sector donors, as well as companies, voluntary groups and many more actors, Athens is showing a way forward out of the crisis for Greece. Through these programs, the public sector is becoming more open, assuming a new role by leading social innovation with tangible results,” says Alexandros Kambouroglou, Executive Director of the Athens Partnership.
