June 26, 2025

“Together for Children” equips 56 schools and 4 public health units in Thrace for the 2024–2025 school year

“Together for Children” continues to stand by the children of Thrace, implementing interventions during the 2024–2025 school year in 56 public schools and 4 public health units, along with actions promoting mental health.

These initiatives were carried out as part of the “Together in the Borderlands” program, which since 2019 has been supporting equal access for children and young people in remote and border areas of Greece to education, sports, healthcare, and mental health services.

Education

Through the program, “Together for Children” implemented interventions in 56 primary and secondary schools in the regions of Xanthi, Avdira, Topeiros, Myki, Komotini, Iasmos, and Alexandroupoli, supporting 6,494 students and 841 teachers with over 19,000 pieces of equipment and educational materials.

The equipment provided addressed the specific needs of each school, following site visits and needs assessments conducted by the “Together for Children” team in collaboration with educators.

Specifically:

  • 16 STEM classrooms were established
  • 22 libraries and reading corners were enhanced
  • 6 computer labs and 5 science labs were modernized
  • 1 robotics classroom and 1 reception class were upgraded
  • 25 classrooms and 1 sensory integration room were renovated

These interventions fostered collaboration, creativity, innovation, digital literacy, and engagement with modern sciences, contributing to the development of students’ knowledge and life skills.

The program also included special education support:

  • One inclusion class at Toxotes Primary School was upgraded
  • Two special education schools (the Special Kindergarten of Sminthi and the Special Primary School of Echinos) were equipped with adapted educational materials and tools for developing daily living and motor skills
  • A sensory integration room was created at the Special Primary School of Echinos

Sports & Play

Special emphasis was placed on play and physical activity, with 30 schools receiving psychomotor education materials and games for the upgrade of indoor and outdoor play areas. Additionally, the gym at the 4th & 6th Secondary Schools of Xanthi was modernized.

These educational and athletic interventions were made possible thanks to the generous support of: Trafigura Foundation & Trafigura Maritime Ventures, PPC (Public Power Corporation), Skroutz, Piraeus Bank, and Ms. Kyveli Alexiou.

Healthcare and Mental Health

“Together for Children” donated medical equipment to the General Hospital of Xanthi and the Health Centers of Echinos, Avdira, and Stavroupoli, providing upgraded healthcare services to 2,500 children across 101 settlements. These contributions strengthen local healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that every child and family has access to quality and effective care.

This healthcare support was made possible through the contributions of: Trafigura Foundation & Trafigura Maritime Ventures and PRODEA Investments.

Recognizing the importance of mental health, the scientific team of “Together for Children” organized 17 free psychoeducational seminars—both in person and online—attended by 725 parents. The aim was to empower and support parents and educators in Thrace with issues of prevention and the emotional development of children. Seminar topics included: adolescence, anger management, self-esteem, sibling relationships, anxiety recognition and management, and family communication.

In collaboration with the Regional Directorate of Education of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace, a lecture was successfully held by Dr. Argyrios Striggaris, MD, PhD, FRCPsych—Scientific Director of “Together for Children”, Professor of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and University College London (UCL)—on the topic “Anxiety & Anger in Adolescence”, attended by over 200 educators, students, and university attendees in Komotini.

Finally, the scientific team of “Together for Children” provided online training to 98 school social workers in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace on the topic “Adolescence and Its Challenges”.

These free psychoeducational seminars were made possible thanks to the support of Eurobank, PPC (Public Power Corporation), and Trafigura Foundation & Trafigura Maritime Ventures.

As Ms. Tatiana Moulouli, Program Coordinator for “Together in the Borderlands,” stated:

“Thrace is so much more to us than just a destination. For six years, we’ve stood consistently beside the children and educators of the region, and this bond has become a vital part of the heart of ‘Together for Children’. We’ve seen schools transform, classrooms come to life, and educational communities grow with new possibilities and tools. Each time we return, we are reminded that all children deserve an environment that inspires, supports, and allows them to flourish. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, who are invaluable companions on this journey of giving and meaningful change.”

👉 Watch the related video HERE