The Region of Central Macedonia has launched a €3 million programme aimed at strengthening the social inclusion and empowerment of Roma children and families across seven municipalities.
Regional Governor Athina Aidona signed the funding decisions for the initiative, which is financed through the region’s ESPA (European Union structural funds) programme.
The programme will be implemented in the municipalities of Ampelokipoi-Menemeni, Kordelio-Evosmos, Pavlos Melas, Chalkidona, Veria, Naousa and Serres, where significant Roma communities live.
The initiative focuses on children aged 2 to 12 years and their families, delivering integrated services designed to promote education, social inclusion and family support.
Planned measures include:
- Experiential learning and creative workshops.
- Municipal summer camp programmes.
- Academic support and school attendance assistance.
- Psychosocial counselling.
- Parenting guidance and family empowerment.
- Intercultural mediation and social welfare services.
- Mobile and community-based intervention units.
The programme aims to strengthen children’s educational participation, prevent early school dropout and encourage positive parenting while improving social cohesion within local communities.
Aidona said the interventions form part of Greece’s National Roma Strategy 2021–2030 and align with local municipal action plans.
“Our goal is to support Roma infants, school-age children and parents through targeted programmes that strengthen social inclusion and empower Roma communities,” she said.
She added that the projects reflect the Region of Central Macedonia’s broader social policy, using significant European funding to support vulnerable groups and reinforce social cohesion across the region.