ABOUT US
We advocate for social inclusion, an acknowledgement of a shared history, equal opportunities and a celebration of cultures and skills.
We recognise people for their skills, experiences, future ambitions and goals.
Founded in 2017 in Luxembourg & Greece
Trainings since September 2018
Dedicated team of 15 to 20 people
Over 1500 registered students
Strong collaborative network of partners
Education
We intend to strengthen the unemployed community in Athens.
We support vulnerable communities (asylum-seekers, refugees, migrants, people seeking employment,...) in Athens by offering:
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Language classes and workshops in Greek
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Crafting Careers Program for tailoring
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Employability support
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Workshops on upcycling and handicrafts
Ethical Manufacturing
Our social business activities offer job opportunities to experienced workers and/or former ANKAA students.
Our products reflect and promote sustainability for the people, the project and the planet.
We use upcycled, local or organic materials and try to implement the principles of circular economy in all our processes. We offer an ethical working environment and a fair wage to our makers.
OUR
PILLARS
OUR
STORY
March 2016 - August 2017
Volunteering experiences
The founders of ANKAA have volunteered in Greece (Idomeni, Thessaloniki, Athens, Chios) doing emergency support (clothes distribution, food preparation and distribution for camps and homeless people, children activities, boat landings, etc.)
August 2017
The idea was born
During our volunteering on Chios, the idea to create a project with long-time impact that can support people in creating their own sustainable solutions was born.
September 2017 - April 2018
Research in Athens
Through numerous meetings and interviews, we identified the needs and gaps in Athens: language learning, skill-development and employment.
April 2018
Rental contract signing
We signed the contract of our first space located in Votanikos, close to Eleonas camp.
April 2018 - September 2018
Preparation and registration
A strong team of friends and volunteers worked closely together to prepare and renovate the space. After registering in 2017 in Luxembourg as NPO, ANKAA registered as a NPO in Greece in July 2018.
September 2018
The opening
After many months of work, sweat and joy, ANKAA Project opens its doors to the first students. Many volunteers support the project all along the way.
September 2018 - August 2019
First year of operations
In our first year, we offered 81 different courses ranging from English and Greek lessons, to carpentry, electricity workshops to hairdressing courses.
September 2019 - August 2020
Second year of operations
In our second year, we offered 79 different courses, as well as started making fabric face masks to support other organisations and projects.
September 2020 - August 2021
Third year of ANKAA operations
In our third year, we offered 35 different courses, as we had to adapt to the Covid-19 pandemic, while continuing mask production and starting the mimycri by ANKAA collaboration.
September 2021
Welcome to Kypseli!
After long weeks and months of planning, we moved to our new space in Ithakis 29, Kypseli.
February 2022
Launch of the theatre project
We are proud to launch our new theatre project, in collaboration with Lalava and many other Athens based organisations.
June 2023
Refocus of activities
ANKAA has taken the time to evaluate it's operations and has shifted its strategic focus to tailoring and Greek courses.
WHAT DOES ANKAA MEAN?
The Ankaa star is the brightest star in the constellation of Phoenix,
a symbol of rebirth, renewal and hope.
From Arabic and Latin roots, Ankaa stands for the 'star of the skiff', guiding the way for travellers of the sea.
Together we want to light a new path for travellers fleeing war and persecution, as they continue to write their stories and build their futures.
