Launch of the Citizens Xelerator Pilot Action: National implementation in Greece by ACTIONAID HELLAS

We are excited to share the launch of the Citizens Xelerator Pilot Action under WP3, organized in Greece by ACTIONAID HELLAS. This initiative marks a significant step forward in empowering citizens, fostering social change, and promoting sustainable community development. The national implementation phase, with a series of activities designed to engage diverse local stakeholders, demonstrated the potential for grassroots innovation in adult learning and citizen-driven solutions.

Capacity Building for Adult Education Professionals

The Capacity Building session for Adult Education Professionals was a pivotal part of the launch. This 6-hour session involved 13 participants, who explored tools and strategies to integrate sustainability and civic engagement into adult education. The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive:

💬 “The tools are very easy to use.”

💬 “You can use the resources in different contexts.”

💬 “Very nice presentations and discussions!!”

These testimonies highlight the effectiveness of the resources provided, which can be adapted across a variety of learning environments to inspire educators and empower communities.

Citizens Xelerator Action Labs

The Citizens Xelerator Action Labs played a fundamental role in engaging local citizens, with several key activities designed to encourage creativity and practical action. The Action Labs were composed of:

3 “Think Tank Brainstorming” sessions brought together 25 participants, where 6 ideas were identified. These brainstorming sessions offered an opportunity to explore new, innovative solutions to local challenges. One participant shared their excitement about the process:

💬 “This was something completely new! I have never done something like that.”

6 “Create Your Action” activities involving 45 participants, allowing them to actively shape the future of their community. The actions that were implemented covered a wide range of issues, each aiming to improve local well-being and create positive change. The identified actions include:

Social Security: “Preventive actions for the protection of the community”
Cleaning our City
Recording Obstacles in Accessing Sidewalks – Collage Workshop
Training on First Aid for the Community
Green Solutions for Social Prosperity
The Revolution of Cleaning – Theatre Play

Participants shared the importance of continuing these efforts:

💬 “We need more actions that will give us information and a space to speak.”

💬 “We have to do this again to make more changes in the neighbourhood and increase accessibility.”

These actions reflect a strong commitment from the local community to address pressing social and environmental challenges.

2 Citizens Xelerator Days were celebrated with 41 adult participants with unmet needs, including 8 who were directly involved in organizing the evenst. The first Xelerator Day celebrated International Women’s Day, and the second focused on World Mental Health Day. Feedback from participants highlights the personal growth and empowerment experienced:

💬 “I really liked making the jewelry! I never thought I could do it!”

💬 “It helped me think seriously about making my dream true… to open my shop.”

These events not only promoted awareness of important social issues but also provided a space for personal expression and the pursuit of individual dreams.

Throughout the project, 12 Microlearning sessions reached 152 participants, covering topics critical to empowering individuals and fostering community engagement. The following sessions were promoted:

Sustainability Literacy
Social Empathy
Diversity and Inclusion Awareness
Democratic and Civic Participation
Career Management Skills

Feedback from participants reflected on the challenges and rewards of these sessions:

💬 “At times it was really challenging… but it was so rewarding seeing people so engaged and happy!”

💬 “It was really important to see people who were alone and kind of introverted become members of the group and participate in the actions.”

These microlearning initiatives helped individuals build crucial skills while fostering social connections, making a tangible difference in their communities.

Financial Literacy

The “LifeComp Cards” were used by more than 37 participants engaging in at least four occasions. The LifeComp Cards have proven to be an invaluable tool in building critical competencies such as social and civic engagement, cultural awareness, and the development of a responsible digital identity.

Looking Ahead

The Citizens Xelerator pilot action has proven to be an incredibly valuable experience, not only for the participants but for the entire community. With ongoing commitment and collaboration, we look forward to seeing these actions grow and evolve into sustainable, long-term changes.

We are grateful for the active participation and feedback from all involved, and we are excited to continue working together to build a more inclusive, engaged, and sustainable future.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to move forward with the Citizens Xelerator initiative!

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