“No one is entitled to commendation or praise when fulfilling one’s fundamental duty towards their homeland and fellow man.”
John Latsis
2022 in numbers
~229,000 individuals benefited directly from initiatives funded by the Foundation in the areas of:
126 non-profit organisations and institutions received grants for their activities
7 collaborative initiatives were implemented in partnership with 21 charitable foundations and Civil Society institutions
57,948 students and 6,016 educators participated in skills development programmes
12,926 individuals toured the exhibition of the Neraida Floating Museum, among which 5,473 students, who participated in the Museum’s educational activities
100 scholarships were awarded to young students at all levels of education
40,630 individuals benefited from donations to healthcare services providers
8,428 individuals were supported by social protection and inclusion programmes
Education & Skills
Having identified education as a key sector for a modern and cohesive society, the Foundation supports targeted programmes and actions at all levels, aiming to create a high-quality educational ecosystem to match the new educational and professional reality. In this context, the Foundation partners with CSOs for the development of digital and soft skills for students and teachers, as well as for enriching the educational process at primary and secondary level, supporting, among other actions, initiatives that promote Youth Entrepreneurship, Social Innovation and Active Citizenship, as well as actions aimed at upgrading Vocational Education and Training.
At the same time, its main goal being the enhancement of access to education, the Foundation continues its long tradition of awarding scholarships for postgraduate studies, with a view to addressing more effectively the current professional challenges posed mainly by the global digital transformation.
An additional part of the Foundation’s activities is the operation of the Neraida Floating Museum, which, among other things, offers free educational programmes and activities for primary, secondary and high school students, with the aim of introducing them to Greek shipping and coastal shipping, as well as familiarising them with maritime professions.
Postgraduate Scholarships Programme
Its main goal being the enhancement of access to education for young people, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation continues its long tradition of awarding scholarships, thus consistently supporting the dreams and efforts of students who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in universities in Greece and abroad, through the implementation of its annual Postgraduate Scholarships Programme. For the academic year 2022-2023, the Postgraduate Scholarships Programme focused on scientific fields of Engineering and Applied Sciences that are linked to the 4IR (Industry 4.0), such as: Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Machine Learning, Robotics, Quantum Computing, Programming Languages, Cybersecurity etc. The evaluation process takes into account several criteria, placing particular emphasis on academic achievement, the quality of the postgraduate curriculum, as well as the educational development and future aspirations of candidates, having regard to their social and economic situation.
“The people at the Foundation believed in me, offering not only practical and valuable support but also enhancing my faith in achieving my dreams. When I began my studies at the University of Copenhagen, I couldn’t imagine how much this experience would benefit me. Just 8 months into my studies, it has significantly broadened my horizons. The University environment, along with the country as a whole, have instilled in me dreams, plans, and a profound sense of inspiration to make the world a better place, utilising the tools of artificial intelligence in which I practice every day. Whatever I achieve in the future, I will always remember that it was the Latsis Foundation that gave me the initial, major boost.”
Rikianta-Alexandra Rontogianni
MSc in Information Technology and Cognition, University of Copenhagen Copenhagen, Denmark
“In a society that is constantly undergoing technological changes, continuous education is increasingly considered paramount. In this context, the Latsis Foundation has provided me with the opportunity to receive training in cutting-edge technologies, such as machine learning and data analysis, at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies (CIM) at the University of Warwick. Through the Postgraduate Scholarships Programme, an unattainable dream –participating in internationally renowned postgraduate programmes– can come true. In my case, I’ve had the chance to discover a new scientific world, meet people from all over the globe, stand on my own feet, and ultimately, become fully equipped to face the future with confidence.”
Emmanuel Xagoraris
MSc in Big Data and Digital Futures, University of Warwick Coventry, United Kingdom
“The Latsis Foundation scholarship has been vital for me in terms of continuing my studies, given that without it, I wouldn’t have been able to take this step. I now have the opportunity to engage with the latest technologies in Computational Linguistics on a daily basis and acquire new knowledge within a supportive and collaborative community of fellow students and professors. I feel immense relief for the support I receive from the Foundation, which allows me, for the first time, to fully dedicate myself to my studies, free from the burden of financial anxiety. I would like to express my gratitude to the Latsis Foundation for believing in my abilities and helping me pursue my dream!”
Victoria Filippatou
Master in Language Technology, University of Gothenburg Gothenburg, Sweden
“The Latsis Foundation scholarship has been crucial to continuing my postgraduate studies, as it allowed me to fully focus on my studies without the stress of financial uncertainty. Through the scholarship, I gained access to additional resources and opportunities that facilitated the development of both my scientific and personal interests. It provided me with a valuable and unique educational experience abroad. The Latsis Foundation will forever be an integral part of my educational and professional journey!”
Sotirios Ftiakas
MSc in Data Science for Decision Making, Maastricht University Maastricht, Netherlands
THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF GREECE
“Latsis Foundation Study Abroad Scholarships” Programme
The second year of implementation of the “Latsis Foundation Study Abroad Scholarships” Programme, a joint initiative of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation and Deree – The American College of Greece, has been successfully completed. The Programme provides deserving undergraduate Parallel Studies students (Deree students, who study in parallel at Greek Public Universities) and full-time undergraduate Deree students the opportunity to pursue scholarships that will enable them to travel and participate in study abroad programmes at renowned universities around the world during the summer or Fall/Spring semester. In this framework, scholars have the opportunity to enhance their academic experience, to acquire useful skills and to broaden their horizons and develop their role as global citizens through the multicultural nature of leading universities around the world.
“I consider this experience as an opportunity for personal development, which involves decision-making, budgeting, understanding my priorities, and evolving through facing challenges in a new country. I also learned to appreciate the uniqueness of each culture and realised how my own cultural background influences the way I perceive the world. It was a great opportunity for me to grow as a student, enhance my skill-set in a new environment and strengthen my abilities while enjoying a new level of self-confidence.”
Anna Kiritsi
Global Business Summer Programme, Audencia Business School Nantes, France
“I am extremely grateful to the Latsis Foundation for the opportunity it offered me, making an absolute dream come true and creating the most memorable summer of my life.”
Despina Pantazi
Introduction to Data Science and Machine Learning, The London School of Economics and Political Science London, United Kingdom
BRITISH COUNCIL GREECE
“Skills Clubs | Youth skills for the 21st century” Programme
Having identified education as a key sector for a modern and cohesive society, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation supported the implementation of a new educational programme by the British Council Greece, entitled “Skills Clubs – Youth skills for the 21st century”, during the school year 2021-2022. The Programme aims to support secondary education students (aged 14-18) in developing skills that will help them cultivate their awareness of social innovation, inclusivity, active participation in Civil Society, and youth entrepreneurship, while also empowering them in view of their future integration into the labour market and society. As part of the Programme, a special educational activity manual was created and made freely available in both the Greek and English language, while train-the-trainers workshops, educational seminars for teachers, and educational workshops for students were also conducted.
“Both the participation and the final outcome of our school team highlighted the need to prioritise creativity and the awareness of social innovation and civic engagement as essential skills for the citizens of the 21st century. Such initiatives make the school environment more appealing to students and educators, helping schools shift away from the sterile role of mere examination centres.”
Dimitris Konetas
Educator,
“Konstantinos Asopios” General High School of Eleousa, Ioannina
1st Prize, National Competition for Social Innovation Ideas “Skills Clubs”
“Four meetings exposing students to new concepts through an experiential learning experience, reflection, case studies, and creativity. One always benefits from being open to new experiences.”
Panagiota Porfyri
Educator, 2nd General High School of Nea Smyrni
2nd Prize, National Competition for Social Innovation Ideas “Skills Clubs”London, United Kingdom
“In the third place I’ve been and I’ll take this as a win!”
Student Team 1st General High School of Aegio
3rd Prize, National Competition for Social Innovation Ideas “Skills Clubs”
“In our organisation, we believe that creativity, awareness of social innovation, and participation in public affairs are essential skills for the citizens of the 21st century. Schools play a crucial role in nurturing these skills and preparing students for their integration into society, higher education or vocational training and entering the workforce. For this purpose, we joined forces with the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation to design and implement the ‘Skills Clubs’ programme because we wanted to offer the Greek educational community a tool and a programme aiming to foster innovation.”
Anastasia Andritsou
Director, British Council Greece
JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT GREECE
«Company Junior» Programme
The John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, aiming at the development of skills and a culture of entrepreneurship at all levels of education, has launched a new collaboration with the educational non-profit organisation Junior Achievement Greece, which aims to introduce experiential entrepreneurship education into the educational process. In this context, the school year 2021-2022 was marked by the implementation, with the support of the Foundation, of the “Company Junior” programme, an innovative educational programme for students aged 11-15 (5th grade of primary school to 3rd grade of secondary school). The aim of the Programme, which forms part of the Skills Workshops of the Institute of Educational Policy in the Thematic Axis: “Creating and Innovating – Creative Thinking and Initiative”, is to develop a set of competences and skills such as team spirit, good time management and taking initiatives, the cultivation of entrepreneurial thinking, and familiarisation with the concept of active citizenship. The Programme develops around a group experiential activity in which students, with the help of mentors-volunteers, are invited to create a blueprint for an innovative “virtual business” that will solve a contemporary social and/or environmental problem, combining a wide range of curricular subjects and objectives, such as IT, New Technologies and Sustainable Development.
“We are the ‘Inventors’ team from the 4th Primary School of Voula and within the framework of the ‘Company Junior’ programme we created a virtual company called ‘MPS’. Studying the rapid growth of e-commerce and after months of research we noticed the great need for a change in packaging. We designed and created the homonymous MPS (PolyMorphic Packaging System) product: a customisable packaging product consisting of sides and edges. We shared roles, became familiar with the basics of running a business and learned how to use methodologies such as Design Thinking. Through our roles we got to know the specifics and requirements of each position, and the experience gained will be a valuable asset for our future.”
George Linardakis
First Grade student, Vouliagmeni Junior High School
1st Prize, 17th Greek National Student Competition “Best Virtual Company 2022”
“On top of it being an outstanding partnership, our collaboration with the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation is also particularly constructive for the thorough continuation of our programmes. Through this partnership and the ‘Company Junior’ programme we have managed to extend our activities to the 11-15 age group, empowering children with valuable skills and creating a solid foundation for them to enter the ‘Virtual Company’ programme. We have seen, on the basis of tangible results, that the earlier we provide children with the right stimuli and tools, the more choices we create for their future and this is what we are putting into practice through the ‘Company Junior’ programme.”
Argiris Tzikopoulos
CEO, Junior Achievement Greece
THE TIPPING POINT NPO
“Empowering Vocational Education students” Programme
In the framework of its strategy to support, among other initiatives, programmes for the empowerment of students in Vocational Education, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation has collaborated once again with The Tipping Point NPO, this time focusing the TTP Programme on the country’s Vocational High Schools (“EPA.L.”). Through the initiative “Empowering Vocational Education students”, implemented during the school year 2021-2022 with the support of the Foundation, students from 10 vocational schools in both urban and remote areas of Greece, had the chance to gain an even better understanding of technical jobs through interesting discussions and useful advice by successful professionals, who act as mentors-role models. Via an experiential method and with the help of technology, the students discovered job opportunities and alternatives in their selected field of study, developed the required skills and gained a realistic understanding of the job market through networking with its representatives. At the same time, participants cultivated soft skills such as active listening, critical thinking and collaboration, and gained greater confidence in their abilities in order to prepare themselves in a structured and informed way for achieving their future goals.
“The overall interaction with the professionals brought both the students and me closer to the relevant working environments. I met professionals from the same disciplines who have taken different paths. This has contributed to the students broadening their horizons instead of just limiting themselves to one direction. It has made it easier for them to choose a profession and not just stick to one career path but expand their horizons to multiple fields and options.”
Panagiota Vletsa
Computer Science Teacher,
Evdilos Vocational High School, Ikaria
“The Programme helped me to better understand the type of work I want to do in the future and to make the right decisions. I gained knowledge about my field and in general about experiences shared with us by the mentors we spoke to.”
Secondary school student
Moudros Vocational High School, Lemnos
“The mentor was very encouraging. She urged us to dare to spread our wings.”
Secondary school student
1st Vocational High School of Vrontados, Chios
“For the first time, thanks to the support of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, it was made possible to strengthen Vocational Education in many ways and to focus on the needs of students. The extensive contact with Vocational Education has enabled the organisation to better map any shortcomings and needs in the field and to adapt the implementation output accordingly. At the same time, the project was also a case study, which helped acknowledge that Vocational Education schools are indeed in need of strengthening, empowerment, advice and guidance.”
Amalia Konstantakopoulou
Co-Founder & Director, The Tipping Point NPO
ALBA GRADUATE BUSINESS SCHOOL
“Future Leaders Series” Programme
Aiming to create a high-quality educational ecosystem to match the new educational and professional reality, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation supported an innovative programme entitled “Future Leaders Series – Thrace”, designed and implemented by Alba Graduate Business School in collaboration with the Department of Physical Education and Sports Science of the Democritus University of Thrace. The Programme, which was implemented in June 2022 at the facilities of the Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, was addressed to secondary school students (aged 15-17) attending school units in Komotini, aiming to provide them with valuable skills for the digital transformation era and the ongoing changes in the economy, society and the business sector. The aim of the Programme was to shape tomorrow’s leaders through a series of theoretical and hands-on lessons, visits to local industries, sports activities, and group exercises with stimuli from the fields of sports, business and volunteering. At the end of the summer school, students became more familiar with the professional field and with concepts such as leadership, sustainability and giving back to the community, while adopting a lifestyle based on physical and spiritual well-being.
“The Programme represents a significant effort of transformative learning, as, through the knowledge ecosystem created, it offered the High School students of Komotini the opportunity to develop cuttingedge knowledge for the future of work, to apply their knowledge and skills in the framework of a team and to share the values which they will build their future on. The experience was equally transformative for the contributors of the Programme, serving as a springboard for a fruitful collaboration between a public benefit foundation, a non-state Business School, a public university and members of the community of Komotini.”
Kostas Axarloglou
Dean, Alba Graduate Business School
“My participation in the Programme left me with the best impression and unforgettable experiences. What stood out for me was the organisation, the friendly and approachable instructors and the great vibe of the group activities. I have already shared my experience with my friends and classmates and they would love to participate in the next Programme!”
Nikoleta Kiose
Student, 3rd General High School of Komotini
SOCIAL IMPACT AND INNOVATION (SOCIALINNOV) NPO
Digital Training Programmes
Aiming to contribute to a qualitative upgrade of the educational process and to bridge the digital transformation gap, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation supported for the second consecutive year the “Tech Talent School for Educators” programme, and broadened its collaboration with Socialinnov NPO by supporting yet another initiative, the “START School of Code” programme.
The “Tech Talent School for Educators” programme is a comprehensive digital training and empowerment programme for educators, implemented by Socialinnov NPO instructors, in collaboration with a network of professionals from the fields of education, human resources and mental health. The Programme has been designed to improve teaching and experiential learning experiences using tools provided by Information and Communication Technologies (ICT); it is exclusively targeted at primary and secondary school teachers and pedagogical science students. In the framework of the Programme, educators from all over Greece became familiar with new interactive and dynamic learning methodologies, as well as innovative and user-friendly tools for the design and presentation of educational materials. The participants also attended seminars on the enhancement of mental resilience and on professional empowerment, in order to be able to deal with potential signs of burnout in good time and to deliver on their educational duties more efficiently.
At the same time, 2022 saw the launching of the 4th round of the “START School of Code: Front-End Developer Bootcamp” programme, a comprehensive programming learning programme that focuses on the modern needs of the market, offering participants the necessary skills to become Front-End Developers. The Programme, supported, among others, by the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, was structured in 3 teaching modules and, on top of the teaching of programming languages, it included professional and personal empowerment workshops, with a view to connecting the participants with the labour market. Upon completion of the Programme, the trainees participated in a “Career Day”, during which they interacted with HR professionals and became familiar with the interview process for jobs in the technology sector.
“Tech Talent School provides us teachers with the opportunity to be introduced, in a simple, understandable and clear way, to new digital tools that can improve the quality of our teaching. Tools that help us make our teaching more engaging and interesting, as well as to manage our workload. It has really been a very rewarding experience!”
Nikolia Nifora
Primary Education Teacher, 29th Primary School of the Olympic Village Participant, “Tech Talent School for Educators” Programme
“The Programme helped me understand, develop skills, and practice in the use of new technologies as well as technologies I was already familiar with. I was very pleasantly surprised because, despite being free of charge, the curriculum offered was very well-organised and structured with highly helpful instructors.”
Dimitrios Zafiris
Graduate of the Department of Computer Engineering and Computer Science, University of West Attica Participant, “START School of Code” Programme
“Since day one, Socialinnov aims to address digital and technological illiteracy, tackle social inequalities in education, and combat youth unemployment. Through its two Programmes, Socialinnov provides an opportunity for young people to receive free training in sought-after programming skills, and for educators to enhance their digital skills.”
Stella Psarrou
Director, Socialinnov
GOULANDRIS NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
“Climate Change and Us” Exhibition
With a vision to play a primary role in raising awareness and educating the public about environmental protection, the Goulandris Natural History Museum is implementing a large-scale programme on Climate Change, a key component of which is the exhibition entitled “Climate Change and Us”. The Εxhibition, permanently hosted at the GAIA Centre for Environmental Research and Education, was made possible, among other factors, with the major support of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation and aims to inform visitors about the effects of Climate Change and their impact on everyday life, to suggest ways to address them, and to raise awareness among the younger generation in order to shape their environmental consciousness. This is the first interactive exhibition to be implemented in Greece on the topic of Climate Change; it includes innovative digital applications, original educational exhibits, and informational videos about the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. The objective of the Εxhibition is to offer a well-documented and entertaining approach to the consequences of and means for combating Climate Change, highlight the usefulness of renewable energy sources, and encourage constructive dialogue on major environmental issues.
“One of the best, if not the best programme we have attended! Hands-on! Ideal for children.”
Educator, “Hartaetos” Kindergarten
“An exceptional visit with a hands-on approach and profound lessons, in an environment full of enthusiasm.”
Educator, 1st Primary School of Papagou
“Only international cooperation can achieve the mitigation of the impacts of Climate Change. The Goulandris Natural History Museum participates in the global discourse on critical issues concerning the preservation of life, implementing significant initiatives.”
Fali Vogiatzaki
Chair of the Board of Directors, Goulandris Natural History Museum
GREEK YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Musical Performances & Educational Activities
Following the founding grant for the establishment of the Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra (GYSO) in 2017, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation supported the Orchestra’s operation and the organisation of its concerts during the 2021-2022 artistic season. GYSO, which was founded by conductor Dionysis Grammenos and is a member of the European Federation of National Youth Orchestras (EFNYO) and the MusXchange programme, comprises young musicians from all over Greece, as well as Greek musicians living abroad. Its primary goal is to identify, guide, train and promote talented young musicians in the symphonic and operatic repertoire under the guidance of internationally renowned soloists and principals of Greek and major European orchestras. Participation in the orchestra is free of charge, following an audition, while all travel and accommodation expenses of the musicians are covered.
At the same time, another main characteristic of GYSO’s activity is the implementation of educational actions, aiming at introducing young people to symphonic music and the values it embodies. In this context, in 2022 GYSO presented the innovative activity “ΕλΣΟΝ VR” in Corfu, in the framework of the Corfu International Festival. Through the use of state-of-the-art virtual reality technologies and specially designed 360° audiovisual materials from live orchestra performances, students from all educational levels had the opportunity to discover the world of classical music in an experiential way. The “ΕλΣΟΝ VR” mask allowed students to wander around the orchestra’s young musicians during the concert, as they performed important works from the repertoire of composers such as Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, Weber and Schubert. In addition, the Athens Concert Hall hosted a consultancy and empowerment educational programme entitled “Young musicians of GYSO speak to tomorrow’s musicians” for teenagers who are studying music and are interested in becoming professional musicians. As part of the workshop, participants had the opportunity to meet the performers of a concert and watch them rehearse, experiencing the vibe and challenges of a professional performance in real time.
“At a time when classical music as a concept may seem somewhat distant, incomprehensible or even completely unfamiliar to a large part of our society, it is now more than ever necessary that we come up with new, creative ways to coexist and engage with the public. ‘ΕλΣΟΝ VR’, our Orchestra’s input to the contemporary music scene, is one of the ways to make the musical masterpieces of another era accessible to today’s audiences. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, and while adhering to safety and public health regulations, we invite the audience to experience a live symphony concert, while showcasing the immense talent and potential of the new generation of Greek musicians.”
Dionysis Grammenos
Founder & Artistic Director, GYSO
“Throughout the years that I have been a member of this exceptional orchestra, we have embarked on many different musical journeys. GYSO, an orchestra unique to our country and its young musicians, has not only offered us immense musical experiences, but has also enabled us to connect with remarkable people who make each project unforgettable. The collaboration and connection among us breathe life into the music pieces and drive us to evolve and discover something new every single time. With these wonderful memories, repertoire, and skills that GYSO has gifted us so far, I look forward to discovering the new places it has yet to take us in the coming years.”
Efstratia Chaloulakou
Cello, 25 years old Codarts University for the Arts, The Netherlands
“My participation in the Greek Youth Symphony Orchestra is a thrilling musical journey that offers me new knowledge and experiences. As a member of the orchestra, I am constantly evolving as a musician and have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with a multitude of talented people. The initiative of our conductor, Dionysis Grammenos, has resulted in a vibrant, enthusiastic and high-level orchestra that has much to offer. I am particularly delighted as I can participate in these unique GYSO concerts, creating a beautiful outcome with this exceptional group of musicians.”
Maria Tsogia-Razakova
Violin, 24 years old Reina Sofía School of Music, Spain
Neraida Floating Museum
Operation of the Museum
The Neraida Floating Museum is berthed at Flisvos Marina and admission is free for the general public. Its visitors have the opportunity to tour the vessel and get to know the Museum’s collection, which tells both the story of the vessel itself, namely the passenger ship “Neraida”, one of the symbols of Greek coastal navigation which sailed in the Saronic Gulf from 1950 to 1974, as well as the chronicle of its reconstruction into a modern and seaworthy floating museum. A second central narrative of the exhibition is dedicated to the business career of its owner, John Latsis, which runs through the entire 20th century
In 2022 the Museum participated in the anniversary events for the celebration of the International Museum Day with the theme “The Power of Museums”. By choosing this particular theme, the International Council of Museums (ICOM) aimed at highlighting the potential of museums as agents of social change and sustainable development, focusing on three key issues: Sustainability, Innovation – New Technologies – Accessibility, and Empowerment of Social Cohesion through Education. In this context, the Neraida Floating Museum focused on the issue of Sustainability, designing and implementing a hybrid group of actions mainly focusing on the topic of the Environment: a thematic live guided tour in the Museum, a children’s workshop for ages 5-10, and an online social media campaign providing daily information about the history of the ship.
Educational Programmes & Activites
Seeking to actively participate in school life and remain close to the student and teaching community throughout Greece, the Neraida Floating Museum carried on with the implementation of a diverse range of activities, both on-site and online, targeted at primary school students. In this framework, in 2022:
Testimonials of students who participated in the educational activities of the Neraida Floating Museum.
“Thank you very much for the wonderful hospitality and tour! It was my first time on a ship, and I was amazed.”
Dimitris
3rd Primary School of Corinth
“I really enjoyed the Neraida Floating Museum, and I would love to travel with it.”
Charalampos
Primary School of Kandila, Arcadia
“My beloved Neraida Floating Museum, I had the most wonderful experience with you! I hope we can take this journey again soon!”
Anna-Maria
3rd Primary School of Corinth
4th Conference of Seaguards
In October 2022, the 4th Conference of Seaguards, organised by Safe Water Sports non-profit organisation, was held online at the Neraida Floating Museum with the support of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation. During the Conference, schools from each region of Greece and schools from Cyprus were given awards for excelling in the e-learning educational programme of Safe Water Sports during the school year 2021- 2022 and were gifted complimentary educational materials on safety at sea and water.
The following schools stood out and received awards:
The winning schools will act as programme ambassadors, so that the relevant information-education can reach as many students as possible, in order to help them become familiar with water safety rules.
ECOGENIA NPO
Environmental Education Pilot Programme
In autumn 2022, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation launched a new collaboration with Ecogenia, a non-profit organisation aiming to introduce the “Active Citizenship” model in Greece through participatory educational programmes. In this context, with the support of the Foundation, a pilot after-school educational programme on sustainable development was implemented in Chania, having a threefold impact: on the team members, on the participating students and on the local community. The 10-week programme was based on the “train-the-trainers” model, training 10 members as part of the “Local Green Heroes” course developed by Ecogenia and subsequently taught to children through hands-on exercises and entertaining activities. Through this interaction, the children learned about sustainability, sustainable development, volunteering and civic engagement, while the team members gained experience, knowledge and professional training. The Programme culminated with the first family and kids-friendly Climathon in Greece, aimed at engaging young people in a brainstorming marathon, proposing sustainable collaborative solutions to address their city’s major environmental challenges: sustainable transportation, sustainable tourism and sustainable waste management.
“Our first educational pilot project in Chania exceed my hopes and expectations. The love we received from the children and their eagerness to learn how to become heroes of the planet and save the environment made every minute of stress, redesigning, and hard work worth it.”
Eleni Antoniadou
Educational Programme Coordinator, Ecogenia NPO
Innovation & Sustainable Development
Fostering an entrepreneurial culture as well as enhancing innovation are integral to the Foundation’s strategic objectives and are achieved through supporting actions aimed at strengthening, developing and ensuring extroversion of the Greek start-up ecosystem, promoting networking and collaboration between academic, research and production actors at national and global level, as well as providing support to innovative and small-scale pilot initiatives related to the social and solidarity economy and sustainable development.
MIT ENTERPRISE FORUM GREECE (MITEF GREECE)
“MITEF Greece Startup Competition”
Cultivating an entrepreneurship culture and supporting technological innovation are key components of the funding strategy of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation. In this context, the Foundation supported the organisation of the “MITEF Greece Startup Competition 2022”, a competition aiming to strengthen the country’s technological ecosystem and promote the acceleration of Greek startups at international level, especially those innovating in fields of cutting-edge technology. The Competition is the flagship acceleration programme of MITEF Greece, combining high-level hands-on knowledge with global networking and visibility to newly established startups. As part of the Programme, participants had the opportunity to attend workshops in key aspects of entrepreneurship, such as Strategic Planning, Investment Readiness, and Digital Marketing, develop useful skills and receive hands-on coaching from internationally renowned professionals. The winners received cash prizes and awards consisting in the provision of services that will significantly contribute to their business enjoying a stronger competitive advantage, as well as opportunities for exposure and networking with the MITEF international network of investors, academics, and partners.
“Since 2015, the year we ran our first cohort, we have accelerated more than 200 startups! 30% of those businesses continue to grow globally, having raised more than $200 million in capital, creating more than 900 new jobs, with total annual revenues of over $50 million. It is worth noting that 8 out of the 26 participating teams, i.e. a percentage of 30% of participants, have been founded by women entrepreneurs!”
Antigoni Molodanof
Executive Director, MITEF Greece
“The programme has been an inspiration for a significant change. It is not merely about brainstorming new ideas, as we have received invaluable guidance and constructive feedback on how to transfrom these ideas into actions.”
Terje Eichelmann
CCO, LightCode Photonics
1st Prize (Track: General & Transport), MITEF Greece Startup Competition
“Through this programme we have had the opportunity to refine all aspects of our business. We feel that following this Competition, our team is ready and confident to get a step closer to the market.”
Apollon Konstantopoulos
CTO, Ensight 1st Prize (Track: Energy),
MITEF Greece Startup Competition
MINISTRY OF DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENTS
National Awards for Young Entrepreneurs “Elevate Greece”
Aiming at strengthening and developing the Greek start-up ecosystem, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation participated in the second National Awards for Young Entrepreneurs in December 2022, awarding the “Social Contribution” Prize to Docandu, an innovative startup in the field of digital health, which combines first-rate traditional medicine with the latest and most user-friendly digital technologies. Through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and telemedical consultation services, the goal of Docandu is to offer digital health services connecting users with reliable medical information, their healthcare data and doctors at any time. Through Greece’s National Start-up Registry, the Greek State now has access to a clear mapping of the innovation ecosystem, being for the first time able to draw policies tailored to the specific needs of the start-up ecosystem. Elevate Greece has now become a substantial tool and point of reference for the targeted support of start-ups and their promotion at national and international level.
“The grant given by the Foundation played a significant role in the development of Docandu’s services. It helped us strengthen our position in the digital health sector, allowing us to delve deeper into applied research to improve the services we have developed and offer them to the public free of charge. In particular, we have optimised the Dermacare platform by introducing a more user-friendly process for dermatological screening. Additionally, we are currently developing a pilot version utilising image recognition technology to assist our dermatology team in providing an even safer and more reliable assessment of dermatological issues.”
Dr Petros Pandis
Founder and CEO, Docandu
“Elevate Greece has come to be an essential tool connecting the different pieces of the ecosystem with the aim of continuously providing further incentives to young scientists and talented entrepreneurs in order to create and become increasingly competitive at international level. The Elevate Greece Start-up Awards are already an established institution aiming to reward start-ups, innovation and creativity in general.”
Christos Dimas
Deputy Minister of Development and Investments
DIAZOMA” ASSOCIATION
D-HUB – An Incubator in Support of Cultural Tourism Programmes
As part of its strategy in supporting innovative initiatives that promote sustainable development, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation has developed a long-term partnership with the “DIAZOMA” Association, supporting its overall work, and in particular the operation of the recently launched “D-HUB” incubator. The Association aims to promote contemporary cultural creation and to place cultural and natural monuments at the very centrer of society, connecting them with sustainability, entrepreneurship and the digital world. In this context, “DIAZOMA” has designed and implements holistic programmes, such as “Cultural Routes and Parks”, the “POLIS” Programme, the “Avenues of Nature and Culture” Programme and the “Reconstruction Plan for Northern Evia”. Two new pioneering initiatives were introduced to ensure the efficient operation and sustainability of these programmes: the business cluster and the Destination Management and Marketing Organisation (DMO), along with the “D-HUB” incubator, which provides integrated support for all these initiatives. Through “D-HUB”, the necessary know-how, guidance, and support is provided to Regions and Municipalities, enabling them to successfully implement coordinated programmes tailored to their respective territories.
“The ‘Ancient Theatres of Epirus Cultural Route’ programme has been designed and developed by the Region of Epirus and the Ministry of Culture and Sports, following a proposal by the ‘DIAZOMA’ Association. It is an innovative programme, not only on a European, but also on a global scale, as it consists a specialised and branded cultural tourism product, based on a specific common thread, i.e. the five ancient theatres of Epirus. The ‘D-HUB’ incubator team, in excellent cooperation with the Tourism Directorate of the Region of Epirus, supported us throughout our efforts to gain approval for the Programme, in order to promote the route to all visitors who want to experience the natural and cultural monuments of the Prefecture of Epirus up close.”
Ioulia Markoula
Director, Directorate of Lifelong Learning, Employment, Trade and Tourism, Region of Epirus
“In view of the need to support integrated cultural tourism programmes, we have created a new initative at DIAZOMA, implemented by young and talented people – the ‘D-HUB’ incubator. We provide support, where needed, to all public institutions in the design and implementation of programmes necessary for the development of their respective territory. Through our daily work, we strive to connect three worlds that have never, so far, conversed in our country: the world of nature and cultural monuments, the world of economy and the world of agriculture and food.”
Evdokimos Fregoglou
Coordinator of Development Programmes, “DIAZOMA”
Association Head, “D-HUB” Incubator
HELLENIC INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED STUDIES
In July 2022, the inaugural Symposium of the Hellenic Institute of Advanced Studies (HIAS), entitled “Bridges in Education, Science, and Innovation”, was held at the Eugenides Foundation with the participation of top researchers and distinguished scientists from Greece and the diaspora, who discussed STEM-related topics and activities. The aim of the Symposium, which was co-funded by the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, the National Technical University of Athens, and the Eugenides Foundation, was to create a meeting ground between science and society, to foster networking and collaboration between the academic and research community in Greece and the diaspora, and to promote research, innovation, and entrepreneurship in Greece. The Symposium explored the role of engineering in solving societal challenges, presented new trends in artificial intelligence, highlighted the importance of early education in the field of innovation for addressing the risk aversion of young researchers, discussed the incentives for establishing a collaboration between the industry, Research Centres and Universities for the transfer of know-how, and highlighted the urgent need to address the climate crisis.
It is of great importance for Greek scientists of the diaspora, as well as young Greek scientists, to witness the commitment of public benefit institutions in Greece in building bridges of cooperation “The support of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation was significant, not only because it covered the operational expenses of the Symposium, but also because it demonstrated the willingness of a distinguished Foundation to support the challenging endeavour of HIAS. It is of great importance for Greek scientists of the diaspora, as well as young Greek scientists, to witness the commitment of public benefit institutions in Greece in building bridges of cooperation.”
Prof. Andreas G. Boudouvis
Rector, National Technical University of Athens, Greece Board Member, Hellenic Institute for Advanced Studies (HIAS)
“ATHENA” – RESEARCH & INNOVATION CENTRE IN INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION & KNOWLEDGE TECHNOLOGIES
ECITO Research Project
As part of its activities, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation supports innovative initiatives aiming to come up with sustainable solutions to address the challenges related to climate change. In this light, the Foundation supported the implementation of a research project entitled “Effects of Climate Change in the Old City of Chania”, which was completed in October 2022. The aim of the Project has been to raise public awareness about the increasing impact of climate change on the city of Chania by developing an engaging digital tool that visualises the historic port and illustrates the effects of climate change on the city. After carrying out modeling based on coastal data, Augmented Reality (AR) technology was used to create an interactive application with specially designed software that simulates sea-level rise in the port of the old city of Chania and illustrates the relevant effects of climate change.
“The Project focuses on creating an interactive visualisation of the estimated future sea level rise in the coastal area of the old city of Chania, using augmented reality technology. In particular, various sea level rise scenarios have been formulated for up to the year 2100; users are able to select different scenarios, control the year range and activate 3D water simulations on different locations along the area, in order to witness the sea level rise impact on site and in real time. Through the Project, scientific data is communicated to the public in a clear and effective way, offering a captivating experience for understanding and assessing future environmental changes.”
Dr Dorina Moullou
Archaeologist
“The Project contributes significantly to the local community of Chania, because it provides information on a potential setback in the region, using real data and creating scenarios on sea level rise. There is a clear message that every citizen must understand, which is that climate change is not a distant and theoretical issue, but a concern for each and every one of us. The information is presented in such a way that it is easy to grasp for everyone and it can be used to educate and inform children and adults about the changes in the coastal zone both in the immediate future and later on.”
Dr Lemonia Ragia
Scientific Officer & Coordinator, ECITO Research Programme
RESEARCH CENTRE FOR THE HUMANITIES
Research Programmes and Activities
Once more, in 2022, the John S. Latsis Public Beneft Foundation has kept providing its support to the operation and multifaceted work of the Research Centre for the Humanities (RCH), the main purpose of which is the support and funding of research in the Humanities through a wide range of activities, in order to serve as a springboard for young scientists who are preparing their own research initiatives. In addition, RCH organises workshops, conferences and meetings with the aim of further disseminating research results to both the scientific community and the general public.
In 2022, with the support of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, the development of the RCH Digital Library progressed. The RCH Digital Library is an innovative publishing endeavour of RCH in collaboration with the National Documentation Centre. The organisational infrastructure of the RCH Digital Library was transferred to a new server of the National Documentation Centre, maintaining the material organised and interconnected to its database. In addition, the research programme “The Greek Revolution of 1821: Digital Archive” is constantly growing with the addition of new material resulting from the collaboration with universities, archives, and research institutions in Greece and abroad. The digital exhibits of the 1821 Digital Archive are also significant, as they present interesting aspects of the Greek Revolution in a modern and comprehensible manner through narratives used for the material interconnected in the Archive. Moreover, aiming to study the practice of participation in the fields of Public and Digital History, RCH collaborated with the Department of History & Ethnology of the Democritus University of Thrace, implementing an Original Crowd-Sourcing Initiative, in the framework of which the general public is given the opportunity to contribute a piece of their personal history, the history of their family, or their birthplace, to the overall narrative of the Greek Revolution.
Finally, with the aim of supporting young researchers by offering them a space where they can meet, network and have their work unfold, the RCH has established the new “Research Fellows” initiative, which will allow researchers to join RCH and receive scientific guidance, practical and technical support, as well as financial support during the development of their research proposals. The aim of this new initiative is to create a community that shares common objectives, exchanges ideas and develops activities based on mutual support and collaboration.
“The Research Fellow initiative, introduced by RCH, offers significant support to young researchers who are trying to secure funding from European and national institutions and programmes. The support we have been receiving while preparing our research proposals is not only financial but also psychological. A systematic effort is made for us to obtain adequate information and expertise and to establish appropriate research networks in order to significantly increase our chances of success, thus contributing to an overall more successful academic career.”
Dr Kleoniki Alexopoulou
Research Fellow, Research Centre for the Humanities
“The Research Fellow initiative is based on mutual support, one of the fundamental principles of communities. Through participatory processes, we aim for younger researchers to benefit from the experiences, knowledge and support of the senior ones.”
Dr Ada Dialla
Professor, Athens School of Fine Arts
Chair of the Board, Research Centre for the Humanities
Social Action & Solidarity
The support of socially innovative projects that promote social inclusion of vulnerable social groups and contribute to the fight against exclusion and inequality remains at the very core of the Foundation’s activity. In an effort to respond effectively to current complex social issues, the Foundation designs and implements programmes and initiatives aimed at equal participation of all people in social life as well as the upgrading of the infrastructure and equipment of healthcare service providers in Greece. At the same time, by supporting capacity building activities for Civil Society Organisations, the Foundation aims to promote networking and transparency in the Third Sector, and to contribute to further strengthening the ecosystem. The Foundation is always open to joining forces with public and private actors to help better manage crises and emergencies, through the design and implementation of ad hoc programmes that address the impact of any crisis and provide relief to affected social groups.
Wildfires Response Extraordinary Programme
In the aftermath of the wildfires that struck Greece in August 2021, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation implemented an emergency grants programme aimed at contributing to the long-term upgrading of prevention and firefighting mechanisms for wildfires, enhancing national fire readiness, providing immediate relief to those affected, and restoring the fire-stricken areas. Through thorough investigation and prioritisation of existing needs, the Foundation decided to implement a comprehensive bundle of targeted interventions along three areas: Prevention/Repression, Restoration, and Relief for fire-stricken areas. In this light, within 2022, the Foundation put into action the following grants:
“The support given by the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation and the Athina I. Martinou Foundation is an act of recognition of the work of the Fire Service, and the donation of personal equipment for the protection of our volunteers greatly assists us in our work. Especially in recent years, volunteering has emerged as a key pillar in dealing with disasters. Ensuring a high degree of readiness for our volunteers strengthens the Fire Service, the main operational arm of Civil Protection in our country.”
Lieutenant General George Pournaras
Chief, Hellenic Fire Service
“This Programme has covered essential and long-standing shortcomings faced by our club and will result in a better and comprehensive contribution to our social work, as well as to the natural environment of our island that has been so severely affected by forest fires in the past.”
Vassilis Zavitsanos
President, Volunteer Firefighters Club of Pythagorio Samos
“Our involvement in the Programme, the knowledge gained in the specialised workshops on how to prevent and respond to forest fires, as well as the forest firefighting equipment, enhance our effectiveness in the field and contribute to the safety of our members when operating in fire incidents as a ground unit.”
Vassilios Raptis
President, Club of Greek Commandos of Preveza
“This aid has already proved to be of great importance, both for us and the safety of our members, and in terms of our assistance to the Fire Service. This so, especially during periods when limited transport options make it difficult to receive help from elsewhere. This action offers not only practical support to volunteers but also vital support to border island residents.”
Angelos Lymperis
President, Association of Volunteer Firefighters of Agios Kirikos, Ikaria
“Ι am extremely grateful for having been selected to participate in the 1st ISEC in Northern Evia. I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with fellow students and engaging with the academic staff in the beautiful location of Aidipsos. Such interdisciplinary dialogue is an opportunity for knowledge exchange and contemplation. It is a life experience that I was fortunate to share with peers who have now become friends. Such opportunities are rare, as well as the chance to meet distinguished academics and researchers from around the world.”
Villi Ieremia
Student, KU Leuven, Belgium
“ISEC is organised in Evia with the aim to draw the attention of Greek student participants to the interdisciplinary dialogue that has been going on for several years abroad, but also of foreigners to the beauty of Greece, which, however, finds itself in the eye of the environmental crisis storm. During these 6 days in Evia, we expanded our scientific horizons, witnessed the beauty of the part of the landscape not destroyed by the devastating fire, analysed the causes that led to this complex disaster, and experienced the anxiety of the people for their land – a land that was already in decline in terms of population and economy before the major catastrophe hit. ISEC is one of the few, if not the only interdisciplinary programme on environmental issues held in Greece. It offers to its Greek participating students both educational and scientific benefits. Additionally, ISEC creates added tourist value in the region of Northern Evia, which has been environmentally and economically affected by the major wildfire in the summer of 2021.”
Dr Konstantinos Drosatos
Professor of Medicine, University of Cincinnati
Organising Coordinator, Interdisciplinary School for Environmental Crisis (ISEC)
Vice President, “ARISTEiA” Institute
“I am a burn victim from the fire in Sidirounta, Chios, in August 2016. I underwent 10 major and numerous minor surgeries, and I am still fighting for my recovery to this day. Leaving the hospital, I felt like a shipwreck survivor swimming in the ocean without a life jacket. Without guidance, support, and assistance from the government. At Salvia, I felt like I found a family.”
Artemis Kapsyli
Burn Victim
“I became involved in burn and burn victim support as a volunteer after the fire in Mati. I witnessed many challenging cases and realised how isolated burn victims feel with their injuries, as well as how much below the standards of other countries and international standards our hospitals fall. With my partner, Alexis Andronopoulos, we envisioned to making burns ‘visible’ to the State, ‘invisible’ in the statistics through prevention, via information and awareness programmes, and empowered burn victims becoming guides and role models for new burn victims. The Foundation was there for us and burn victims from our early steps as volunteers back then, believed in our vision, encouraged us and supported us in its implementation. Behind every smile of a burn victim, behind every personal ‘victory’, lies the support of the people of the Foundation, and personally, I will always be grateful to them for the opportunity they gave us.”
Marina Karyda
Co-Founder, Salvia Burn Association NPO
“I am a relative of a person who needs regular blood transfusions on a monthly basis. There have been several occasions where I had to donate blood myself, as well as ask friends and acquaintances to donate. I learned about ‘Blood Donation 365’ at the Blood Donation Centre in Syros after a visit as a donor. Many of my questions were answered, and I was able to inform friends and acquaintances who believed that they couldn’t donate blood for various reasons, that they actually can donate even if they take medication for blood pressure or thyroid conditions.”
Blood donor
Syros General Hospital “Vardakio and Proio”
“After the placement of the ‘Blood Donation 365’ posters, both the medical and paramedical community showed particular interest, especially in the ‘Did you know that blood expires?’ poster. It became apparent that many doctors, as well as citizens and even blood donors, were not aware of the shelf life of blood units. The Programme helped us attract more blood donors to our Blood Donation Centre – donors who have shown interest after reading the leaflets and also the continuous posts on social media.”
Blood Donation Department Staff Member
Syros General Hospital “Vardakio and Proio”
“The healthcare system of every country relies on blood transfusions, and patients in need expect that there be sufficient and safe blood available to meet their needs. However, this is not always the case. Understanding what motivates and discourages potential blood donors is vital for the successful recruitment and retention of volunteer blood donors. This goal, which is closely linked to the education of volunteer blood donors, was the impetus behind the ‘Blood Donation 365’ initiative, which consists the first scientific approach to analysing the motivation and education of volunteer blood donors. Public education about blood donation, addressing any fears or questions of donors, and developing the skills of recruiters have the potential to motivate donors and eliminate barriers to voluntary blood donation.”
Isidora D. Mytilineou
Social Researcher, “Blood Donation 365” Programme
GENERAL HOSPITAL OF ATHENS “G. GENNIMATAS”
Donation for the Refurbishing – Renovation – Upgrading of the Emergency Department
In 2022, the project of refurbishing, renovating and upgrading the Emergency Department of General Hospital of Athens “G. Gennimatas” – one of the country’s most critical E.D.s – was completed. This project has been implemented following a donation from the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation; it was inaugurated in October 2022 and it is expected to contribute significantly to the modernisation of the hospital’s emergency care services, to an improved assistance of patients and their companions, as well as to better working conditions for the hospital staff. The donation of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation focused on the design and implementation of a complete rebuilding, at construction and electrical/mechanical level, of the entire E.D. building complex (1,192 m2 ), its surrounding area (1,600 m2 ) and the new canopy (350 m2 ), as well as the supply and installation of state-of-the art medical technology and other equipment. The functional and spatial redesign of the E.D. ensures its smooth operation and increases the overall efficiency of the hospital, with a view to meeting modern healthcare needs.
This donation forms part of a bundle of actions falling within the scope of the Upgrade of the National Health System Programme (budgeted at €5,000,000) – a programme announced by the Foundation back in 2018, in memory of those who lost their lives in the wildfires of July 2018 and expressing the Foundation’s commitment to contribute to the collective effort to support the affected citizens and assist in the restoration of the affected areas and their infrastructure. Through the programme’s targeted interventions, the Foundation aimed to meet urgent needs in the Public Health sector that were related to the handling of emergency cases, given that the Health sector constitutes an established, critical link in the chain of civil protection and management of any state-of-emergency situation.
“The upgrading of the Hospital’s Emergency Department, operating in the patients’ interest and for the patients’ safety, regardless of their socio-economic status, enables us to pursue an early diagnosis of a patient’s health problem, its effective treatment, the provision of high-quality care, providing such care promptly and efficiently, as well as developing and contributing to the progress of medical research, training and specialisation of our medical staff. This project will also greatly benefit all health professionals in the Hospital. Through the donation we aim to offer them a decent work environment, ensure their safety and create the necessary conditions for them to carry out their work efficiently and at the same time gain the respect and trust of patients and their families in the performance of their work.”
Eleftherios Boulias
Director, General Hospital of Athens “G. Gennimatas”
“Collaborating for Health” Programme
The “Collaborating for Health” Programme is a joint initiative of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation and the Greek Shipowners’ Social Welfare Company SYN-ENOSIS, which has been implemented since 2018 and consists in the financing of small and medium-scale projects, its aim being to meet urgent needs of the public health sector and to improve the services of healthcare providers in Greece, through the supply of medical equipment and the upgrading of their infrastructure.
Following the 3rd round of the Programme and taking into account the particularly increased needs of healthcare providers caring for children and infants, the 4th round of the Programme, too, targeted Children’s General Hospitals, General Hospitals and University Hospitals aiming to upgrade their Pediatric Clinics/Departments/Units, Health Centres, for the upgrading of their Pediatric Clinics, as well as non-profit legal entities active in the health sector in Greece.
The selected pediatric health care providers to be supported were announced in March 2022 and the implementation of the following donations was set in motion:
“The fully renovated, autonomous space hosting the Children’s Emergency Department clinic no longer resembles the previously stark and impersonal examination room and short-stay unit for adults and children. The space has been re-designed into a warm and cozy environment, ready to welcome our young patients, enhancing the feeling of safety and trust. I would like to make special mention of the high-quality equipment we have procured, thus ensuring the provision of upgraded health services at primary pediatric care level and securing further reliability for our diagnoses at pediatric emergency level. This contribution to a regional health care institution such as ours, located away from secondary and tertiary health care facilities, an institution where doctors rely on clinical observation and reliable clinical examination results for an accurate diagnosis, has been both an intervention of major importance and a practical demonstration of the human-centered nature of the Programme.”
Katerina Stergiou
Junior Registrar of Pediatrics, Health Centre of Mantoudi, Evia
“This donation significantly upgrades the services we provide to our young patients. In our current challenging era, this generous contribution gives us the strength to keep up our difficult work.”
Georgios Mantsos
Director, General Hospital of Florina
“Both our medical and nursing staff and I would like to express our gratitude for the immediate response, sensitivity, determination, and promptness in responding to our request. This equipment will greatly facilitate and improve the services we provide to the newborns of Crete and the Southern Aegean in our care.”
Marina Koropouli
Director of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, “VENIZELEIO-PANANEIO” General Hospital of Heraklion, Crete
GIVMED NPO
Medical Supplies Donation Programme
GIVMED is a non-profit organisation that aims to provide immediate and effective coverage of the pharmaceutical needs of socially vulnerable groups, through coordination of drug donation activities, information and education campaigns for citizens, and advocacy for the proper management of medicines. In order to achieve its objectives, the organisation has developed the first online network for the employment and donation of surplus medicines, in collaboration with 179 public benefit organisations (social drugstores, social grocery stores, etc.), pharmaceutical companies, and public bodies.
The multilayered collaboration between GIVMED and the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation continued in 2022, launching a new programme for the expansion of private donations to include all medical products. As part of the initiative, an awareness campaign was launched to inform the public about the donation of medical articles other than medicines, such as orthopaedic equipment, sanitary products and parapharmaceuticals, while, at the same time, GIVMED undertook the coordination and support of individuals wishing to donate medical supplies, as well as of the public benefit entities receiving such supplies to complete the relevant process.
“The public discourse around GIVMED’s area of activity often focuses exclusively on the lack of basic goods such as clothing, food or medicines, the donation of which falls within the scope of GIVMED’s activity. However, at GIVMED we have also noticed that medical supplies – including the most common ones needed on daily basis (such as bandages, wet wipes, bands, disinfectant lotions) – are essential for our network’s organisations and their beneficiaries, and also hard to find. This programme aims to offer an alternative by making the general public aware of the problem and inviting individuals to contribute to its solution.”
Ioanna Dimitrakopoulou Koutava
Director, GIVMED
HUMANE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
“Patients Hub” co-working innovation and patient empowerment space
Focusing on the support of socially innovative actions that promote the empowerment and social inclusion of vulnerable social groups, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation made a founding donation to support, among others, the “Patients Hub” initiative, the first collaborative patient hub in Greece focusing on innovation and patient empowerment designed by “Humane”, a network for the empowerment of people with disabilities and chronic diseases. Based on the principles of co-design, the “Patients Hub” is a significant social entrepreneurship project, where patients act as experts in multidisciplinary teams, contributing to the “redesign of Health” through the implementation of innovative and personalised care services that are in line with the current challenges of the digital transformation of Public Health. In addition, the fully accessible and equipped space of the “Patients Hub” hosts networking events, information and awareness-raising activities, and education and training seminars; furthermore, it provides consultancy services, aiming at the long-term development and empowerment of the patient ecosystem, the patients’ associations in Greece, as well as the partner institutions in the field of Healthcare.
“I recently participated in the health policies seminars at Patients Hub; what a great experience it has been. One of the things that all participants learned was how to communicate effectively with our healthcare providers and also to better understand how the healthcare system works. Through the discussions and interactive character of the seminars, we gained new insights and experiences about our role as patients in advocacy issues, as well as how to run our associations more effectively. I felt like I was part of a community where everyone was supportive and willing to share their experiences and knowledge; knowing that I am not alone in my journey has been reassuring.”
Katerina Koutsogianni
Vice-President, Greek Patients Association
“Patients Hub is finally a reality. Patients now have access to a modern collaborative space that has the capacity to accommodate the modern needs of patient representatives in terms of co-working and networking. Patients Hub is a community where patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals come together to share their knowledge and experiences from different therapeutic fields. I am grateful that the project found supporters from the very beginning, people who believed that patients can innovate and participate in Health Policy making on an equal footing. Our vision is to ‘redesign Healthcare’ in an innovative way, where value is returned to the patient.”
Dimitris Kontopidis
Co-Founder & Director, Humane Social Enterprise Founder, Patients Hub
Vice-President & Head of Digital Health, Greek Patients Association
NOSILIA – INDEPENDENT PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE ORGANISATION
“Palliative Care at Home” Programme
With 22 years of experience in the field of primary healthcare and in-home care, “NOSILIA” NPO aims to offer pain relief by providing free in-home medical, psychosocial, and physiotherapeutic care services to patients with chronic illnesses who face socioeconomic problems and mobility difficulties. In the second half of 2022, with the support of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, the second round of the “Palliative Care at Home” programme was implemented. This programme offers personalised comprehensive care to chronically ill patients through an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, while also focusing on the education and better support of caregivers and their family members. The main purpose of the programme is to improve patients’ health and quality of life by addressing the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of patients, who are often dealing with multiple chronic conditions, as well as mental disorders such as depression and severe anxiety. In this context, in addition to their actual treatment, patients receive in-home palliative care (medical, nursing and psychosocial care, physical therapy, and mental support), telemedicine services (personalised medical care through the Digital Clinic), as well as over-the-phone guidance, counseling, and information about other useful services, such as the procurement of healthcare supplies and medicines from the organisation’s Social Warehouse.
“I would like to thank ‘NOSILIA’ for the support it has given me all this time. I have had multiple sclerosis since 1993 and my health condition has deteriorated, I cannot move, I have a 90% disability, I am not working and my financial situation is very difficult. Since I started receiving services from ‘NOSILIA’, free of charge, it feels like an immense weight has been lifted off my shoulders. They have supported me with psychotherapy and counselling sessions that gave me strength, and ways to cope with the difficulties that my family and I are experiencing. Physiotherapy helps me strengthen my body and gives me hope for improvement. I believe that ‘NOSILIA’ carries out significant and essential work and I am grateful that it exists and helps all of us in need of its services.”
Georgia Vassilaki
Patient with multiple sclerosis
“From our very first contact with ‘NOSILIIA’, we noticed great interest in our problem. They helped us a lot, both at psychological and practical level, with regard to our father’s condition; he suffers from dementia and has been bedridden for the last year. All services are always offered to us with kindness, a smile and with great empathy for the difficult situation we are experiencing. We are so relieved to have contacted them, as we are already seeing a difference in our mother, who is our father’s sole caregiver and has been quite overwhelmed.”
Vina & Irene Nomikou
Patient family members
“My collaboration with ‘NOSIILIA’ started during the 2nd round of the Programme that provides services significantly improving the quality of life of patients and their families who are required to continue hospitalisation at home. Particularly among the vulnerable social groups targeted by ‘NOSIILIA’, it has been observed that physical weakness and relapses can rapidly lead to the psychosocial isolation of patients and their families. The psychological trauma resulting from the diagnosis of an illness and the transition to a new type of life can be overcome when patients feel that they have a support network, similar to that of ‘symbolic parents’. Because receiving guidance, information/ knowledge, support and care prevents patients from feeling retraumatised and increases the mental resilience of their caregivers and families.”
Andreana Tsoutsoura
Psychologist
ATHENS ALZHEIMER ASSOCIATION
Digital and Cognitive Empowerment Programme
Aiming to increase the level of digital literacy of elderly people with dementia and their caregivers, as well as their access to technological tools, the Athens Alzheimer Association implemented, with funding from, among others, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, a yearlong programme entitled “Stay Connected” – an innovative home-based intervention for people suffering from various forms of dementia, memory problems, and mild cognitive disorders, as well as for their caregivers/ family members. Through the Programme, participants were able to cope with the social distancing brought about by the pandemic, develop useful digital skills and enhance their cognitive abilities, while staying in touch with their loved ones and strengthening the bond between them. As part of the intervention, each family received a tablet device with internet access and participated in weekly home-based training sessions on its use and the use of selected applications, through cognitive exercises available on the organisation’s digital platform. At the same time, the beneficiaries received personalised psychological empowerment services in order to lead more active and independent lives, while each family kept the tablet after the end of the Programme, with a view to maximising the beneficiaries’ familiarity with and use of technology.
“My participation in the Programme was very beneficial. I already knew quite a bit about computers, but within the framework of the Programme we did things that caught my interest even more. My husband suffers from advanced dementia, but I can take care of him because I can play music, show him pictures, and let him engage in games.”
Caregiver of a person with dementia
“The Programme was innovative in that it provided the beneficiaries with the opportunity to cope with the home confinement and the mandatory social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while simultaneously enhancing their cognitive abilities by helping them stay in touch with their loved ones through the development of digital skills. Following completion of the Programme, we are now in a position to design even more effective online service programmes for people with dementia, having identified the difficulties they face as remote users. Last but not least, the Programme has been key in combating the stigma, social exclusion and isolation experienced by people with dementia.”
Patra Blekou
Communications Officer, Athens Alzheimer Association
PEOPLE BEHIND NPO
University of the Third Age
Aiming to support initiatives that promote the integration of socially vulnerable groups and their equal participation in social life, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation supported the implementation of a series of workshops offered by the “University of the Third Age” of the People Behind NPO. The organisation’s mission is to mobilise individuals aged 65+ through lifelong learning, digital education, intergenerational contact, and participation in the community, based on the guidelines of the European Union for the promotion of Healthy and Active Ageing. The “University of the Third Age” is an empowerment programme for individuals over the age of 65, which, through a special platform, offers a variety of workshops allowing participants to gain knowledge, share thoughts and experiences, exercise their bodies and minds, socialise, and ultimately improve their quality of life. With the support of the Foundation, workshops were implemented in four thematic areas, namely Digital Empowerment, Physical Exercise, Counseling, and Philosophy. In the framework of theses workshops, participants were introduced to computer use, the digital environment of social media, online banking, and digital services provided by the government, and discussed internet safety and online shopping. Additionally, they improved their well-being and physical condition through exercises focusing on balance, strength, flexibility, and breathing techniques; furthermore, through the sharing of experiences, they trained in anxiety management, anger management, grief management, and interpersonal communication. Lastly, they studied the evolution of human thought throughout the centuries, enhancing their personal and collective self-awareness.
As a child of the civil war times, I grew up in prison with my mother and entered society with negative feelings towards people. Through my travels to many parts of the world, I met disadvantaged children and read about millions of children living permanently in war-torn areas, which helped me create a happy family. During these months, with the lessons and exercises offered by the facilitators, I delved into myself without fear, in a quest to identify my negative emotions (e.g. anger), and I realised that they are insignificant, almost non-existent. I can talk to my grandchildren about my life without feeling pain as if I read it in a book. I owe this to the collaborators of People Behind.”
Elpida Iliou
Participant
The University of the Third Age is not only for those aged 65+, but also for those of us who make it happen every day, coming into contact with people who are hungry for knowledge and socialisation; people who often don’t have many outlets for activity, who live in an empty house alone and seek companionship through our workshops. For the whole People Behind team, this is the biggest gain: every time, in every workshop, to see yet another lonely person finding a reason to smile.”
Maria Iliopoulou
Co-Founder & Project Manager, People Behind NPO
“Points of Support” Programme
In 2022, the implementation of the fifth round of the “Points of Support” programme started; a collaborative initiative of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, the TIMA Charitable Foundation, the Captain Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation, the A. G. Leventis Foundation, the A.C. Laskaridis Foundation, the Costas M. Lemos Foundation, the Social and Cultural Affairs Welfare Foundation (KIKPE), as well as the Bodossaki Foundation. The new round of the Programme is coordinated by the Bodossaki Foundation.
The goal of the Programme is, on the one hand, to support original small-scale projects with maximum social impact and, on the other hand, to reinforce the infrastructures of and foster capacity building for Greek civil society organisations with a view to further enhance the development, effectiveness, and sustainability of their work.
The Public Call of the fifth round of the Programme was once again addressed to Greek private law non-profit legal entities, as well as to social cooperative enterprises. Out of 217 applications, a total of 30 projects were selected to receive funding; these projects were implemented by 45 organisations, 15 of which participated as partner organisations. The projects had a duration of up to 6 months and fell under one of the following thematic areas:
(John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation)
(TIMA Charitable Foundation)
(Social and Cultural Affairs Welfare Foundation – KIKPE)
(Captain Vassilis and Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation)
(A. G. Leventis Foundation)
(A.C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation)
(Costas M. Lemos Foundation)
In addition, within the framework of the Programme, the selected organisations took part in free capacity building activities, funded and implemented by the Bodossaki Foundation, through Social Dynamo. Social Dynamo is an initiative of the Bodossaki Foundation, in partnership with the Municipality of Athens (through the SynAthina platform), aimed at increasing the efficiency and sustainability of the organisations, with a focus on learning, professional support and networking.
“An initiative similar to the one we designed would have been very difficult to implement without funding from the ‘Points of Support’ programme. It essentially helped us to turn a mere idea of ours into action.”
Vassilis Poulopoulos
Co-Founder, O Sporos NPO Action “Kalamata for All”
With funding from the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, the implementation of the following initiatives began during the period 2022-2023:
HIGHER INCUBATOR GIVING GROWTH AND SUSTAINABILITY (HIGGS) Support for Programmes & Initiatitves
The Higher Incubator Giving Growth & Sustainability (HIGGS) is an initiative aimed at empowering Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) operating in Greece, through educational and support programmes, activities and events held at its premises. With a vision to become a beacon of creation, development and open dialogue, contributing to the effective and sustainable operation of CSOs, HIGGS implemented three programmes in the course of 2022, with the support of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation and other donors, namely the “Incubator”, the “Green and Social Entrepreneurship (GSE) Incubator” and the “Accelerator” programmes, while it also organised the “Green Ideas Greece” Competition. These programmes provide CSOs with free, intensive training and specialised consultancy, along with opportunities for networking and collaboration with all stakeholders within the ecosystem.
In particular, the “Incubator” training and consultancy programme is specifically designed for CSOs which are newly established or are in the process of being established, with the aim to help them build capacity in strategic planning, establishing the organisation, commencing operations, and attracting funding. The new “Green and Social Entrepreneurship Incubator” programme is an evolution of the “Incubator”, offering seminars of a similar nature exclusively to organisations involved in social and green entrentrepreneurial activity and implementing environmental and sustainable development actions. The “Accelerator” programme is addressed to CSOs operating for a longer period of time, with the aim to provide them with support on issues related to their strategy and the development of their proposals. Finally, in 2022, the “Green Ideas Greece” competition was held to support innovative ideas for green and/or social entrepreneurship and to create sustainable partnerships among Balkan countries. In addition to the cash prize, the three winning teams received capacity building services to help them achieve their goals and represented Greece in the 11th Balkan “Green Ideas Competition”, where one of them won one of the three $10,000 prizes.
“Our participation in the ‘Accelerator’ programme has been a unique experience of gaining new knowledge, opportunities for new partnerships and inspiration for new initiatives. The guidance and expertise provided by the HIGGS team, enabled us to implement our vision in the best way possible, and this is priceless to all of us.”
Evangelia Bista
Founder, Cancer Guidance Centre (K3)
“The ‘Incubator’ programme has motivated us to think outside the box and discover new methods and tools, while at the same time providing more structure to our ideas and vision.”
Efi Langari
Marketing & Grants Manager, Assistance Dogs Greece
“The aim of HIGGS is to empower Civil Society Organisations through a holistic approach that includes training and consultancy programmes, as well as other initiatives to empower green and social entrepreneurship. The implementation of these activities would not have been possible without the valuable support of the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation, which enables our work to have a multiplier impact on society and the economy.”
Sotiris Petropoulos
Co-Founder, HIGGS
Olympic Preparation Scholarship Programme
With the common vision of supporting excellence, the Olympic spirit and the hopes of young athletes, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation has joined forces, for the sixth consecutive year, with the A. G. Leventis Foundation, supporting Greek and Cypriot athletes who continue their preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Once again, the two Foundations partnered with the Hellenic Olympic Committee, with the aim of supporting athletes representing all the Olympic Sports Federations of the country. The three institutions awarded a total of 56 scholarships to athletes who stood out for their performance in 2021.
The Olympic Preparation Scholarship Programme of the A. G. Leventis Foundation has become a well-established institution as, for the last 23 years, it has been supporting those who train hard, often in unfavourable conditions, in order to be able to deservedly compete with the global sports elite in this great celebration of athleticism, the Olympic Games. Notwithstanding the existing difficulties, Greece has a long tradition of successful participation in the Olympic Games, having, for instance, ranked 36th in the list of medals among the 206 participating countries in the previous Olympics (Tokyo, Japan – 2021)
“The scholarship I received through the Olympic Preparation Scholarship Programme has been a great honour and motivation for me! I am grateful, as it allowed me to participate in the 2022 Archery World Cup stage 1, where I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to compete without it, ranking among the top 17 athletes in the world. The scholarship also helped me prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers, where I will compete for the coveted qualification. In 2022, I managed to rank among the top 100 female athletes in the world (No. 84) and the top 50 in Europe!”
Anatoli-Martha (Anita) Gkorila
Archery athlete, Member of the Pre-Olympic and National Team
“This support has allowed me to cover part of my preparation, which takes place mainly in Orleans, France, as well as the preparations required before major competitions such as the World Cups, Grand Prix and the European and World Championships. With the support we athletes receive through the Programme, we are given the opportunity to focus on our training 100%. Besides, it is a tremendous joy to see our efforts rewarded. I am very grateful for this initiative, as to me, this scholarship means a lot more than just financial support.”
Despina Georgiadou
Fencing athlete, Member of the National Sabre Team