I.CO.N (Inclusion in COmmuNity), is a Greek non-governmental and non-profit educational organisation in Rodos, Greece. It was founded in 2011 in order to offer a broad spectrum of educational and social activities in Greece and involve in educational and European issues.
ICON Greece was initiated as an informal group of educators and students aiming to enhance inclusion in the school community –for students with special skills, different cultural backgrounds or belonging to vulnerable groups as Roma, foreign, repatriate, refugee. ICON Greece started by implementing volunteer activities and educational projects at Secondary Schools in Rodos at the context of extra curricular activities such as Environment, Culture, Health Promotion, Creative Assignments, Social Inclusion, Skills Development, Social and Emotional Learning or Career Guidance.
ICON Greece's vision is to focus on the image of the other; hence „icon“ means image in Greek language. ICON designs activities that promote empathy, through the image we have of ourselves and others around us. ICON aims to hug all the images and enhance a mosaic of diversities.
ICON implements activities in collaboration with public and private organizations. It broadens its scope of activities by designing and conducting training programmes, by consulting with organisations, by partnering with governmental and non-governmental organizations, by participating in European programmes and transnational cooperations.
ICON Greece is active in the fields of education, youth work, culture, inclusion and social cohesion. ICON promotes and enhances civic action and civil society’s interconnectedness. ICON empowers youth and increases employment opportunities through training, skills development and civic and social participation. ICON fosters interpersonal and intergroup relations to enhance intercultural understanding as a means of social inclusion.
Mission of ICON Greece:
- Inclusion in community regardless of the images and stereotypes that each group has of each other
- Inclusion of individuals together with their families and friends who support them, special projects for vulnerable groups
- Promotion of empathy and respect for people of all backgrounds and abilities
- Providing support and guidance to vulnerable groups for social inclusion
- Mentoring and life coaching of young people for the creation of a life plan
- Assistance to young people in perfecting their skills, obtaining knowledge and increasing qualification, thus having better career prospects
- Promotion of volunteering, cooperation, democracy and active citizenship
- Participation of young people in initiatives at local, regional and European level
- Enrichment of European cultural diversity
- Promotion of alternative and sustainable tourism and development
- Implementation of cultural events as a means of social cohesion and inclusion in community
Target groups:
- Young people especially from rural or geographically remote areas
- Educators and trainers employed in formal and non formal education
- Vulnerable social groups as Roma, foreign, repatriate, refugee
- Young people willing to participate in youth exchanges
- Young people willing to perform voluntary work
- Local groups and associations in the field of youth activities
- Authorities and public organizations
Activities
- Erasmus KA1 training seminars
- Erasmus KA2 partnerships
- Erasmus Youth
- Training programmes and seminars
- Conferences and festivals
- Consulting
- Voluntary and internship programs
- Vocational education and training programs
- Implementation of local activities based on youth initiatives at regional/national level
- Surveys
- Information and awareness campaigns
- Creation of promotional material, toolkits and guides
Website www.icongreece.gr