“KEAN”

“KEAN” was founded in 2004 in Athens, Greece aiming the development and implementation of humanitarian programs for the protection of the social and physical environment. Its ultimate goal is upgrading the lives of young people and vulnerable social groups, combating social exclusion and poverty, promoting a better organized society with respect for human rights and the environment and promoting volunteering spirit and familiarity with the new technologies. It is a non profit association, a legally constituted organization founded by natural persons and operating independently of any government and which expressly prohibits the distribution of any profit. It operates in 5 Greek cities and it has 31 paid staff, 50 official members and around 80 active volunteers. Specifically, the main purposes of the association are: 1. The provision of support services for vulnerable groups such as the unemployed, third-country nationals, Roma, disabled people, victims of trafficking, ex-users of addictive substances, either psychosocially or professionally aiming at the groups’ empowerment and social inclusion. 2. Promotion of the solidarity spirit through active participation in the design and implementation of social programs and actions aiming at vulnerable and not just population groups in order to combat their socio-economic exclusion. 3. Creating networks of volunteers for their further education and engagement in actions promoting values such as equality, solidarity, democracy, environmental awareness, human rights. 4. Protecting and promoting the rights of the child and developing their educational, livelihood and intellectual level. The provision of all possible support for children's problems. 5. Participation in welfare programs for combating unemployment, poverty and promoting entrepreneurship. 6. Provision of services for environmental education, new technologies, alternative crops, sport, school bullying, discrimination, racism and violent behavior, diversity and culture. 7. Cooperation with other organizations such as municipalities, Universities, Public Bodies, private bodies, businesses, research centers, transnational bodies, other NGOs and with the aim of improving the standard of living of citizens. 8. Promoting environmental protection and environmental awareness and education. To achieve the above-mentioned purposes, the organization’s activities were divided in 4 main axes undertaken by different but interrelated smaller departments within the organization: Main axes: 1) Environmental protection, awareness and education. 2) Social inclusion, solidarity and Human Rights. 3) Employment, entrepreneurship and New technologies. 4) Well being, sports and health. For meeting the above aims, KEAN implements a range of activities such as strategic partnerships, educational and training workshops, scientific research and analysis, advocacy, round table discussions, volunteering activities, sport events, dissemination, visibility and awareness raising activities. Since its foundation in 2004, KEAN has gained substantial experience in projects and activities at national and European level, establishing reliable partnerships and collaborations with a range of organizations from the public and private sector. In addition, the organization has actively participated in national programs, designed and managed by national authorities. KEAN has gained significant experience in the development and implementation of educational programs, both at National and European level. It boasts an energetic and rich history of actions and activities and has developed organizing skills for the preparation and realization of a diverse range of projects, including co organisation of transnational partnerships with other NGOs & Institutes, worldwide promotion of human values and joint actions for the protection of vulnerable groups. KEAN devotes special attention to activities for the support of social minorities and disadvantaged social groups in their