An Erasmus+ initiative that has significantly improved the lives of unaccompanied refugee children and young people in Greece.
We are happy to share the incredible journey of the project “Lighting Their Way Through Sports”, in which the fairplay initiative at VIDC is a partner organization. The project aims to promote the social inclusion, integration and active participation of unaccompanied refugee children and young people in organized sports through training, awareness-raising, capacity building and cooperation between refugee communities, civil society organizations and stakeholders in the sports sector.
Our Goal:
To foster social inclusion, integration, and active citizenship through the power of sports.
What We Did:
- Sports Training: Provided bi-monthly sports training sessions, covering a variety of sports like soccer, basketball, table tennis, swimming, and running.
- Life Skills Development: Conducted life skills sessions on emotional awareness, anger management, building healthy relationships, and conflict resolution.
- Training of Sports Coaches: Held workshops for sports coaches on how to better understand and support refugee youth in organized sports.
- Integration Event: Organized a culminating integration event, bringing together refugee and local youth for a day of sports, fun, and friendship.
Our Impact:
- Engaged 132 refugee children and youth from diverse backgrounds.
- Enhanced physical fitness, improved sports skills, and increased self-confidence among participants.
- Equipped participants with essential tools for personal and social development.
- Created a more inclusive and supportive environment for refugee youth in organized sports.
- Fostered social interaction, cross-cultural exchange, and a shared sense of community.