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, νwhile train-the-trainers workshops, educational seminars for teachers, and educational workshops for students were also conducted.

• During the school year 2021-2022, the Programme was implemented in 60 school classrooms throughout Greece, with the participation of 1,500 students and 373 educators.
• 27 action plans with social impact were submitted to the 1st National Competition for Social Innovation Ideas, which took place at the end of the school year.
• 3 teams from Ioannina, Athens, and Aegio stood out for the innovation and sustainability of their ideas and received monetary prizes to support their school units.

“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” 

“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” 

We wanted to offer the Greek educational community a tool and a programme aiming to foster innovation “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