Mission and Objectives

EKO, the Entrepreneurship and Social Economy Group, is a non-profit organisation seated in Athens, Greece, established in 2013, operating at a local and European level, with youth as its main target group.
EKO`s primary mission is to contribute to the creation of an inclusive society, free from prejudice and discrimination, which will be in the position to develop and grow sustainably. Particularly within Greece, its major concerns refer to the challenges of:

Youth and women unemployment and economic obstacles as a result of the economic crisis of the last decade and the recent Covid-19 health crisis

The xenophobic attitudes, cultural intolerance and exclusion created by the migration crisis

The need to achieve greater participation of individuals and the young generation to political and social life at a national and European level

Multiple environmental issues which affect sustainable development at a local, national and international level

To achieve this mission EKO focuses on the following specific objectives:

Youth Empowerment

Empowering youth and vulnerable social groups through non-formal education, youth work, and life-long learning, as well as through the promotion of youth and female entrepreneurship and innovation

Intercultural Dialogue

Facilitating intercultural and interreligious awareness and solidarity, especially within Greece and Europe, as well as between Europe and MENA, by providing dialogue platforms, organizing cultural exchanges and tolerance trainings

Active Citizenship

Fostering active participation and civic engagement of young people, and assisting them to address novel challenges and become agents of change in their local communities

Environment

Actively supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and environmental causes, and promoting green growth and sustainable social and economic models

International Cooperation

Strengthening cross-border civil society, through knowledge transfer and sharing of good practices, as well as through collaborative initiatives with its broad network of international partners

WHAT WE DO

EKO’s team has experience in the management and coordination of national and international projects and initiatives, including quality assurance, dissemination and sustainability planning. Our members have diverse expertise, which they utilize in conducting research, developing intellectual products and implementing trainings, on the basis of each project’s needs.

Youth Empowerment, Human Rights & Social Inclusion

Intercultural Dialogue & Solidarity

Promotion of Youth and Women Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Sustainable Development & Green Growth

Youth Work

Our Team

EKO’s team consists of experienced youth workers and a culturally diverse and constantly renewed group of young volunteers, through European Programs (ESC, EYE), while the Board Members are experienced psychologists, educators, entrepreneurs, who provide services to youth, schools, universities and institutions, chambers of commerce and industry, ministries of education, culture and labor, syndicates and related associations. Currently, EKO has 4 permanent staff members, 2 members employed on project basis, as well as 3 volunteers.

Board Members

Kitty Panourgia

President

Stivi Siozopoulou

Vice President

Laura Arsenis

Treasurer

Eleni Zeppou

General Secretary

Members

Natalia Kakourou

Human Resources

Georgios Fligkos

Project Manager & Youth Worker

Angeliki Marinou

Assistant Project Manager

Our Network

Over the years EKO has built an extended network of more than 100 partners across Europe, the Euromed basin, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. It is the founding member of the Euromed Network of Youth Organizations (Y-NEMO), as well as a founding member of the International Alliance for Peace and Development (IAPD) with members in European and MENA countries. EKO also supports the Observatory to Prevent Extremist Violence (OPEV) contributing constructively to prevent and combat violent extremism, organizing various events, info days and conferences to raise awareness on this matter.

Moreover, EKO is an active member of the network of the Anna Lindh Foundation and is honored to display the logo of the European Year of Cultural Heritage (EYCH) for two implemented Erasmus+ youth mobility projects.

At a local level, EKO maintains a special collaboration with local public bodies and municipalities in broader Athens, local Universities, Foundations working with children and youth from vulnerable socioeconomic backgrounds, Adult Education providers, as well as Art and Theater Tutors, constantly expands its network of partners and collaborations in Greece and operates a Youth Club with active members organized in local youth groups. In addition, EKO collaborates with Greek organizations in remote areas to reach out to target groups of the local societies for the promotion of equal opportunities and social inclusion.

By clicking on the titles and logos below, you may find more information!

International Alliance for Oeace and Development

Ann Lindh Foundation

Observatory to Prevent Extremist Violence

YouthProAktiv

Euromed Network of Civil Society Youth

Empowering Youth,

Building a Better Future!