TANTEM ASTIKI MI KERDOSKOPIKI ETAIREIA

Tandem NGO is a civil non-profit organization that was founded in 2007 and its main activities are focused on providing support at the Attica’s Rehabilitation Center for Disabled Children (PAAPAV). The Rehabilitation Center (former PIKPA Voulas) is an annex of a public institution named Welfare Center of the region of Attica and is located in the southern region of the peninsula of Attica, in Voula. The center is hosting 80 children and youngsters with mental and/or physical disabilities and coming from traumatic backrounds. Even though the initial role of the Center was to offer rehabilitation and restoration programs through special therapies and medical care towards the residents, nowadays it works more as an orphanage for disabled children and youngsters, because the variety of the disabilities that the residents have combined to the lack of personnel and the lack of economic support from the state (also due to the economic crisis) make it quite difficult to continue its initial role. As volunteers in the Rehabilitation Center (former PIKPA) we are mainly motivated by the need of improving the quality of life of the children and youngsters with disabilities who live inside the Center. Also, a strong motivation is to raise the awareness of society concerning disability and social inclusion and to empower vulnerable social groups. Our regular activities are: - Coordinating local and international volunteers, guide them and improve their competences through trainings and seminars - Helping with daily caretaking of the residents of the institution (lifting, toothbrushing) - Carrying out recreational and educational activities for the children (Sewing, Sports, Handcrafts, English lessons, Dance, Music, Gardening) - Stimulation of heavy disabled children (massgage, basic stimulation) - Assisting with supported communication (Eyetracking) - Accompanying children to the beach, excursions, cultural events etc. - Organising celebrations (birthdays, namedays, holidays celebrations) - Conducting researches, seminars, trainings and campaigns on disability, human rights and solidarity manners Our particular aims are: - To promote social inclusion and equal opportunities for people with disabilities and vulnerable social groups in general, by supporting them or their families. - To promote a social model of disability. - To conduct researches and educational seminars on issues such as volunteering, disability, active citizenship and human rights. - To educate and increase the awareness of the community. - To promote volunteering and social participation. - To empower the competences and skills of young people to work with vulnerable groups - To cooperate with similar organizations on a national and international level. high quality of the support structure including regular learning reflection, professional guidence in their work and also space for own initiatives and ideas.