Local initiatives working towards SDGs in Thessaloniki

Photo collages presenting the work of two local organizations: Wave & Thessaloniki Pride

by Luise Meerheim & Iryna Stryha

In the previous article we explored Sustainable Development Goals. As mentioned before –SDGs operate on different levels: international, national, and local. Every individual’s contribution is crucial to the achievement of the goals.

In an attempt to find ways that local people can contribute to Sustainable Development Goals –we researched some of the organizations that rely on and accept help from civil society in Thessaloniki. Some of the organizations that we found are:

Save Your Hood

An environmental group that organizes cleanups and educational activities promoting community spirit for achieving the goal of cleaner, greener, and healthier neighborhoods. It operates in different cities of Greece (including Thessaloniki) and Cyprus. “Volunteering is the lifeblood of Save Your Hood.” They started with 7 volunteers and 3600 liters and now they are at 46994 volunteers and 11 million liters of trash.

The goals this organization covers are 11 –sustainable cities and communities, and 13 –climate action.

You can get involved by joining cleanups, or becoming a member of the community. You can find more information on their website (saveyourhood.gr).

Naomi

A German organization operating in Greece, focused on helping asylum seekers and refugees. They organize educational workshops, provide Emergency Aids (food, medicine, hygiene items, etc.) for those in need, create a safe space for women and children, organize integrational measures.

One of the initiatives they have is a Textile Academy, where refugees (particularly those most unprotected — women and single mothers) can get the access to a holistic educational program — training on sewing skills, career counseling, Greek language, soft skills, and environmental awareness. Naomi is empowering attendants to participate in social and economic life. Professionals get trained and prepared for a new labor market boosting the Greek textile industry, in need of skilled workers. Non-professionals learn to be able to work for their own needs and if possible generate an income by sewing for others. This project addresses the lack of access to training, counseling, fair jobs, and income for those belonging to the social groups of asylum seekers and refugees in Greece.

The goals this organization covers are 8 – decent work and economic growth, 10 – reduced inequalities, and 12 – responsible consumption and production.

You can get involved by volunteering for the organization, making donations, or buying items produced in the Textile Academy (shop.naomi.gr). You can find more information on their Facebook page (NAOMI Workshop Thessaloniki).

SolidarityNow (Blue Refugee Center)

A Greek Non-Profit, humanitarian organization, created to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups of our society, without discrimination. It aims to bring together different groups of people to address common challenges. They operate 3 Solidarity Centers for vulnerable populations; offer free services to all; empower unaccompanied minors; deliver educational and social inclusion activities; and support access to the labor market.

The goals this organization covers is mostly 10 – reduced inequalities.

You can get involved by donating, or becoming a member of the organization — they are looking for workers, volunteers. You can find more information on their website (solidaritynow.org).

After exploring several local initiatives, we decided to focus our photo story on Wave and Thessaloniki Pride. Through interviews and photography, we aimed to showcase their activities and impact as well as provide insights into their work.

Read and discover how these initiatives are contributing to our local community!

If you are interested in getting involved – you can scan the QR code on the right top corner of the collage.

Keep in mind: By participating and supporting these and other organizations working towards Sustainable Development Goals — you make your own footprint in making this world a better place for all!