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About Us
We advocate for social inclusion, an acknowledgement of a shared history, equal opportunities and a celebration of cultures and skills.
We recognise people for their skills, experiences, future ambitions and goals.
Founded in 2017 in Luxembourg & Greece
Trainings since September 2018
Dedicated team of 15 to 20 people
Over 1600 registered students
Strong collaborative network of partners
Education
We intend to strengthen the unemployed community in Athens.
We support vulnerable communities (asylum-seekers, refugees, migrants, people seeking employment,...) in Athens by offering:
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Language classes and workshops in Greek
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Sewing classes
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Crafting Careers Program for tailoring
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Workshops on upcycling and handicrafts
Ethical Manufacturing
Our social business activities offer job opportunities to experienced workers and/or former ANKAA students.
Our products reflect and promote sustainability for the people, the project and the planet.
We use upcycled, local or organic materials and try to implement the principles of circular economy in all our processes. We offer an ethical working environment and a fair wage to our makers.
Our Journey Unfolded:
The ANKAA Project Timeline
2016 - 2017: The early beginnings
Embark on the origins of ANKAA in 2016, ignited by the volunteering of our co-founders in various areas in Greece – Idomeni, Thessaloniki, Athens, and Chios. In the midst of volunteering on Chios in 2017, the idea for ANKAA Project was born, driven by a vision of creating sustainable solutions and amplifying the voices of those in need.
2017 - 2018: Athens Research Odyssey
Fast forward to a six-month period of intensive needs assessment in Athens. Through meetings, interviews, and an online survey, we explored the specific needs of displaced individuals, revealing a focus on language learning, skill development, and employment. With a clear vision, in April 2018 ANKAA rented its first space in Votanikos.
2018: Building Foundations
A dedicated team of friends and volunteers worked tirelessly to prepare and renovate our space. ANKAA officially registers as a non-profit organization in Greece after being established in Luxembourg in 2017.
2018: Building Foundations
In September 2018, we officially launched our educational programs.
2018 – 2019: Year One Triumphs
Experience our first year of operations, offering 81 diverse courses that resonated with the community, ranging from language classes to carpentry and beyond.
2019 – 2020: Navigating challenges
Until the first lockdown, we were able to offer 52 different courses. Furthermore, we had to adapt to the challenges posed by Covid-19 and started making fabric face masks to support vulnerable people and other organizations in Greece.
June 2020: Launch of our social business
This was the moment where we jumped into launching our social business. First, with selling face masks under the buy one – donate principle, and then we launched our mimycri by ANKAA collaboration and started making fashion accessories out of repurposed material.
2020 – 2021: Adaptation
We had to adapt to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and its lockdowns, offering 35 courses, adapting to the new normal.
September 2021: A New Beginning in Kypseli
After meticulous planning, ANKAA moves to a new space in Ithakis 29, Kypseli, marking a fresh chapter in our journey. It's not just a move; it's a statement—a commitment to grow and evolve and the pursuit of our mission.
2022: Environmental Sustainability
Step into 2022, a year of sustainability projects—bike repair, beekeeping, and urban gardening—designed not only to enrich lives but also generate income within our community.
2022: Cultural Creativity
Simultaneously, we proudly launched our theatre project in collaboration with Lalava and various Athens-based organizations, adding a creative dimension to our offerings and fostering a strong sense of belonging through acting, music, scenography, and costume making.
June 2023: Strategic Evolution
Experience the turning point as ANKAA evaluates its operations, pivoting towards a strategic focus on tailoring and Greek courses. It's not just a change; it's a deliberate step towards impactful, sustainable change, reflecting our commitment to meet the community where they are.
2024 and Beyond: Our Unwritten Chapters
As ANKAA continues to evolve, our story remains dynamic and ever-changing. With each passing day, we create new chapters, forge deeper connections, and work towards a future where every skill is celebrated, and every dream is realized. Join us in this ongoing journey of resilience, and sustainable impact.
2016 - 2017: The early beginnings
Embark on the origins of ANKAA in 2016, ignited by the volunteering of our co-founders in various areas in Greece – Idomeni, Thessaloniki, Athens, and Chios. In the midst of volunteering on Chios in 2017, the idea for ANKAA Project was born, driven by a vision of creating sustainable solutions and amplifying the voices of those in need.
2017 - 2018: Athens Research Odyssey
Fast forward to a six-month period of intensive needs assessment in Athens. Through meetings, interviews, and an online survey, we explored the specific needs of displaced individuals, revealing a focus on language learning, skill development, and employment. With a clear vision, in April 2018 ANKAA rented its first space in Votanikos.
2018: Building Foundations
A dedicated team of friends and volunteers worked tirelessly to prepare and renovate our space. ANKAA officially registers as a non-profit organization in Greece after being established in Luxembourg in 2017.
2018: Building Foundations
In September 2018, we officially launched our educational programs.
2018 – 2019: Year One Triumphs
Experience our first year of operations, offering 81 diverse courses that resonated with the community, ranging from language classes to carpentry and beyond.
2019 – 2020: Navigating challenges
Until the first lockdown, we were able to offer 52 different courses. Furthermore, we had to adapt to the challenges posed by Covid-19 and started making fabric face masks to support vulnerable people and other organizations in Greece.
June 2020: Launch of our social business
This was the moment where we jumped into launching our social business. First, with selling face masks under the buy one – donate principle, and then we launched our mimycri by ANKAA collaboration and started making fashion accessories out of repurposed material.
2020 – 2021: Adaptation
We had to adapt to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and its lockdowns, offering 35 courses, adapting to the new normal.
September 2021: A New Beginning in Kypseli
After meticulous planning, ANKAA moves to a new space in Ithakis 29, Kypseli, marking a fresh chapter in our journey. It's not just a move; it's a statement—a commitment to grow and evolve and the pursuit of our mission.
2022: Environmental Sustainability
Step into 2022, a year of sustainability projects—bike repair, beekeeping, and urban gardening—designed not only to enrich lives but also generate income within our community.
2022: Cultural Creativity
Simultaneously, we proudly launched our theatre project in collaboration with Lalava and various Athens-based organizations, adding a creative dimension to our offerings and fostering a strong sense of belonging through acting, music, scenography, and costume making.
June 2023: Strategic Evolution
Experience the turning point as ANKAA evaluates its operations, pivoting towards a strategic focus on tailoring and Greek courses. It's not just a change; it's a deliberate step towards impactful, sustainable change, reflecting our commitment to meet the community where they are.
2024 and Beyond: Our Unwritten Chapters
As ANKAA continues to evolve, our story remains dynamic and ever-changing. With each passing day, we create new chapters, forge deeper connections, and work towards a future where every skill is celebrated, and every dream is realized. Join us in this ongoing journey of resilience, and sustainable impact.
2016 - 2017: The early beginnings
Embark on the origins of ANKAA in 2016, ignited by the volunteering of our co-founders in various areas in Greece – Idomeni, Thessaloniki, Athens, and Chios. In the midst of volunteering on Chios in 2017, the idea for ANKAA Project was born, driven by a vision of creating sustainable solutions and amplifying the voices of those in need.
2017 - 2018: Athens Research Odyssey
Fast forward to a six-month period of intensive needs assessment in Athens. Through meetings, interviews, and an online survey, we explored the specific needs of displaced individuals, revealing a focus on language learning, skill development, and employment. With a clear vision, in April 2018 ANKAA rented its first space in Votanikos.
2018: Building Foundations
A dedicated team of friends and volunteers worked tirelessly to prepare and renovate our space. ANKAA officially registers as a non-profit organization in Greece after being established in Luxembourg in 2017.
2018: Building Foundations
In September 2018, we officially launched our educational programs.
2018 – 2019: Year One Triumphs
Experience our first year of operations, offering 81 diverse courses that resonated with the community, ranging from language classes to carpentry and beyond.
2019 – 2020: Navigating challenges
Until the first lockdown, we were able to offer 52 different courses. Furthermore, we had to adapt to the challenges posed by Covid-19 and started making fabric face masks to support vulnerable people and other organizations in Greece.
June 2020: Launch of our social business
This was the moment where we jumped into launching our social business. First, with selling face masks under the buy one – donate principle, and then we launched our mimycri by ANKAA collaboration and started making fashion accessories out of repurposed material.
2020 – 2021: Adaptation
We had to adapt to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and its lockdowns, offering 35 courses, adapting to the new normal.
September 2021: A New Beginning in Kypseli
After meticulous planning, ANKAA moves to a new space in Ithakis 29, Kypseli, marking a fresh chapter in our journey. It's not just a move; it's a statement—a commitment to grow and evolve and the pursuit of our mission.
2022: Environmental Sustainability
Step into 2022, a year of sustainability projects—bike repair, beekeeping, and urban gardening—designed not only to enrich lives but also generate income within our community.
2022: Cultural Creativity
Simultaneously, we proudly launched our theatre project in collaboration with Lalava and various Athens-based organizations, adding a creative dimension to our offerings and fostering a strong sense of belonging through acting, music, scenography, and costume making.
June 2023: Strategic Evolution
Experience the turning point as ANKAA evaluates its operations, pivoting towards a strategic focus on tailoring and Greek courses. It's not just a change; it's a deliberate step towards impactful, sustainable change, reflecting our commitment to meet the community where they are.
2024 and Beyond: Our Unwritten Chapters
As ANKAA continues to evolve, our story remains dynamic and ever-changing. With each passing day, we create new chapters, forge deeper connections, and work towards a future where every skill is celebrated, and every dream is realized. Join us in this ongoing journey of resilience, and sustainable impact.
What does ANKAA mean?
The Ankaa star is the brightest star in the constellation of Phoenix, a symbol of rebirth, renewal and hope.
From Arabic and Latin roots, Ankaa stands for the 'star of the skiff', guiding the way for travellers of the sea.
Together we want to light a new path for travellers fleeing war and persecution, as they continue to write their stories and build their futures.
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