A journey through time: How did the ANKAA adventure start?

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It’s 2016, and what the media called the ‘refugee crisis’ is flooding the headlines. Like thousands of volunteers, we, the co-founders of ANKAA, arrived in Greece driven by a strong will to act. Our journey began on the island of Chios, where we all met, witnessing firsthand that the emergency response measures, though essential, weren’t enough. There had to be something more—something that gave people a chance to rebuild their lives with dignity, stability, and hope for the future.

This is where ANKAA was born, not just from a desire to help but from a commitment to doing things differently. Our vision was to create lasting opportunities for displaced individuals to learn, work, and thrive. We envisioned a space where people could actively participate, reclaim their agency, grow, and take charge of their futures. It wasn’t just about providing help—it was about amplifying voices and opening access to education and employment opportunities that could lead to real, sustainable change.

Our vision was to create lasting opportunities for displaced individuals to learn, work, and thrive.

Of course, the concept was just the start. We knew we needed a deep understanding of what was truly needed on the ground. So, over a six-month period, we conducted a comprehensive needs assessment in Athens—meeting with organizations, interviewing community members, and gathering data. The results were clear: people faced significant barriers to employment due to language skills and a lack of professional training. Many felt trapped, despite their qualifications and past experiences.

The results were clear: people faced significant barriers to employment due to language skills and a lack of professional training.

In September 2018, ANKAA Project officially opened its doors and the journey truly began. We started with vocational training in areas like tailoring, IT, carpentry, and language classes in English and Greek. We experimented with various programs, from carpentry to metal welding, from barbershops to electricity workshops. If we could dream it up, we made it happen.

And then the pandemic hit.

Like many organizations, we had to rethink our activities. The world was changing fast, and ANKAA had to adapt just as quickly. Online classes were a challenge. Not only was the technology difficult to access for some, but the personal connection that made ANKAA special seemed to disappear behind computer screens. 

So, we shifted gears. Our team began producing reusable face masks, and with the help of volunteers, ANKAA transformed into a full-fledged ethical manufacturing lab. The masks were more than just protective gear—they symbolized opportunity. By 2021, we had produced thousands of masks, creating jobs and building skills, even during the global crisis. But more importantly, we had laid the foundation for something bigger: a sustainable, ethical manufacturing space.

As the world reopened, ANKAA faced its next challenge: moving to a new space in the heart of Kypseli. Relocating wasn’t easy—we carried boxes, furniture, and even a professional kitchen. There were moments of exhaustion, laughter, and determination as we transitioned from an industrial area to the vibrant residential neighborhood we now call home. With this move, we made a strategic decision to focus on our core programs: language classes and tailoring. We streamlined our offerings but deepened our impact. I’m sure our current neighbors are relieved we decided not to set up a woodworking workshop in their backyard.

If we could dream it up, we made it happen.

In 2022, ANKAA launched a sustainability program with projects like urban gardening, bike repair, and beekeeping. These weren’t just skill-building programs; they were designed to generate income within the community. But even with new initiatives, our mission remained clear: provide pathways to education and employment.

2023 was a turning point for us. We made the decision to refocus our efforts on two key areas: Greek language courses and our tailoring program. We launched the “Crafting Careers” program, an intensive tailoring course that combines technical sewing skills with language learning and career counseling. The goal was simple: to equip people with the tools they need to succeed in the Greek workforce.

We made the decision to refocus our efforts on two key areas: Greek language courses and our tailoring program

But this journey isn’t just about statistics or programmatic successes—it’s about people. It’s not about handing out help; it’s about creating spaces where people can help themselves.

As we move forward, we know ANKAA is more than just a nonprofit, we are a community. We have evolved into a social enterprise—a movement focused on creating jobs, producing ethical, sustainable products, and telling stories through our work. Our ethical manufacturing lab continues to grow, crafting upcycled fashion items that address environmental and social challenges. Each product carries the story of the hands that made it, symbolizing hope and resilience.

[...] our mission remained clear: provide pathways to education and employment.

This transition into a social business isn’t only about generating income—it’s about sustainability. By creating more jobs and crafting products that tell meaningful stories, we’re ensuring that our educational programs continue to flourish. Every item produced in our lab contributes to the larger goal of creating dignified employment opportunities for displaced individuals, all while tackling pressing global issues like waste reduction and ethical production. 

Each product carries the story of the hands that made it, symbolizing hope and resilience.

Looking forward, ANKAA is on the path to something even greater. With over 1,500 students having passed through our programs, we know the impact we’ve had. But there’s still so much more to do. But every stitch sewn, every word learned in our language classes, is a step toward a more dignified future for those who have been displaced.

We remain committed to building something that lasts—something that creates real change. We’re not just another nonprofit; we’re a social business, a community with a clear vision for the future.

As we move forward, we know ANKAA is more than just a nonprofit, we are a community.