National implementation in Greece by ACTIONAID HELLAS

We are pleased to share the results of the Citizens Xelerator Pilot Action and Citizens Xelerator Igniting Events, successfully implemented in Greece by ACTIONAID HELLAS.

This initiative marked a significant achievement in empowering citizens, fostering social change, and promoting sustainable community development. During the national implementation phase, a series of activities engaged diverse local stakeholders, showcasing 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:
  1. Social Security: “Preventive actions for the protection of the community”
  2. Cleaning our City
  3. Recording Obstacles in Accessing Sidewalks – Collage Workshop
  4. Training on First Aid for the Community
  5. Green Solutions for Social Prosperity
  6. 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:
  1. Sustainability Literacy
  2. Social Empathy
  3. Diversity and Inclusion Awareness
  4. Democratic and Civic Participation
  5. Career Management Skills

Citizens Xelerator Igniting Events

Our recent events have successfully advanced the goals of adult education and civic engagement. These gatherings served as dynamic platforms to disseminate information about the project and its objectives, foster collaboration and inspire civic and democratic engagement and establish valuable partnerships and expand our network.

Igniting events Agenda:

  • The online event featured sessions on project contextualization, action lab exercises, experimentation with resources, and invitations for partnerships.
  • In-person events included presentations on the project, demonstrations of the CX Model and Kit, interactive activities to develop personal and social skills, participatory discussions on citizenship-related topics, and satisfaction surveys

Results:

  • 43 participants from 31 organizations and institutions,
  • participants included individuals from NGOs, public authorities, policy makers, and VET providers, with a majority being women.

Through these efforts, we have created opportunities to exchange best practices, engage stakeholders, and strengthen training and networking opportunities.