Urban Innovative Actions
“Curing the Limbo” is a program aiming to implement a dynamic and innovative model for integration that allows refugees to become socially active. This can be achieved through attending courses in Greek, English, Creative Expression and ICT, gaining access to affordable housing, and receiving professional counseling services tailored to their needs. Refugees are thus integrated in the life of the city, by interacting with active citizen groups and participating in public events held in the neighbourhoods of Athens. In coming together, the refugees and the city exit their “limbo” state, boosting activity, cooperation, and co-existence.
“Athens has been addressing the refugee issue in an exemplary manner, which first and foremost honors and respects human rights. At the same time, our chief concern lies in ensuring the orderly functioning of the city and the residents’ everyday life. In this light, the “Curing the Limbo” program aspires to bring together active citizens and refugees who have received asylum through mutually beneficial joined initiatives. Blending educational courses, affordable housing, and citizen-led activities across the neighbourhoods of Athens forms a novel, meaningful relationship between new and existing residents, thus realizing social cohesion. ”
#CuringtheLimbo is hosted to social media via synAthina of the city of Athens
Curing the Limbo (2018-2021) is a European pilot program of the City of Athens implemented with the strategic partnership of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (UoA), the Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and the Athens Development and Destination Management Agency (ADDMA). This project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the Urban Innovative Actions (UIA) initiative.
