UNICEF commits to strengthen support for vulnerable children and families in Crete
The UNICEF Representative in Greece discussed with the Crete Regional Governor on a partnership to achieve results for children
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ATHENS/HERAKLION, 28 January 2025 – The UNICEF Representative in Greece Ghassan Khalil met with the Regional Governor of Crete, Mr. Arnaoutakis on Thursday in Heraklion, to discuss a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing support for vulnerable children and families in the Region of Crete. The meeting highlighted UNICEF's commitment to align its program priorities with the Region’s strategic planning, emphasizing shared objectives concerning a number of areas, such as employability, education, child poverty and child protection.
This partnership aims to leverage resources effectively to achieve greater outcomes for vulnerable populations. Key areas of support include:
- School Initiatives: Implementing pilot programs addressing anti-bullying and testing models that support the Government's "open schools" initiative.
- Child Labour Prevention: Developing strategies to prevent and combat child labour.
- Mental Health Promotion: Fostering well-being and good mental health among children and youth.
- Violence Prevention: Addressing violence against children and promoting alternatives to institutional care.
- Capacity Building: Enhancing the skills of social workers in the region, in collaboration with the Hellenic Association of Social Workers (SKLE).
"Our collaboration with the Region of Crete is a unique opportunity to co-create and implement innovative, evidence-based programmes that will substantially improve the lives of children. Our focus will be on issues such as bullying prevention, elimination of child labour and mental health, always with a child-centred approach," said UNICEF Representative in Greece, Ghassan Khalil.
UNICEF has previously supported projects such as community centers, shelters for women and services for addressing gender-based violence and early childhood development services for children with disabilities. UNICEF remains committed to working closely with local authorities to ensure that every child in Crete has access to essential services and is given the opportunity to thrive.
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The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child around the world. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, and all children, everywhere.
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