Having identified education as a key sector for a modern and cohesive society, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation supported for the third consecutive year the implementation of the educational programme by the British Council Greece entitled “Skills Clubs – Youth skills for the 21st century”. The Programme aims to foster entrepreneurial thinking and prepare secondary education students (aged 14-18) for the modern labour market and the 21st-century society by developing essential soft skills such as creativity, problem-solving, teamwork, and digital literacy. At the same time, through the educational workshops, students also have the opportunity to become familiar with entrepreneurship, to engage actively in their community, and to cultivate a sense of social responsibility and inclusion.

For the first time, during the 2023-2024 school year, the Programme was also supported by Samsung Electronics Hellas, which offered complementary workshops using the “design thinking” methodology through its educational initiative “Solve for Tomorrow”, as well as prizes for the winners of the Competition, consisting of equipment for their schools with a total value of €3,000. The grand prize for the most comprehensive idea was awarded to the Intercultural General High School of Evosmos and its team “There Is Space for Everyone”, which sought to address the problem of illegal parking in spaces reserved for Persons with Disabilities. The remaining prizes were shared among the teams of the 1st Junior High School of Toumba, for the most sustainable idea regarding the creation of bicycle parking spaces in schools; the 2nd Arsakeio Junior High School, for the most innovative idea involving the design of jewellery functioning as a panic button for women in danger; and the Junior High School of Rio, for the idea with the greatest social impact, related to multiple support mechanisms for students with learning difficulties.

• During the school year 2023-2024, the Programme was implemented in 127 school classrooms from 51 school units across Greece, with the participation of 3,175 students and 244 educators.
• 42 action plans with social impact were submitted to the 3rd National Competition for Social Innovation Ideas, which took place at the end of the school year, where 3 teams from Thessaloniki, Athens, and Patra stood out.
• As part of the Programme, the special Activity Manual was distributed, including a series of educational activities that can be implemented in schools by the teachers themselves.

“It was a fantastic experience. Beyond the games and meeting new people, we learned through the presentations of other students about some of the problems they face and how they can be solved. This Programme offered us both knowledge and experience. The encouragement we received from our teachers and the British Council trainer was especially helpful, as was the presentation simulation we did for our classmates.”

Students of the Τeam “There Is Space for Everyone”

Intercultural General High School of Evosmos

Award for “Most Comprehensive Idea,” 3rd National Competition for Social Innovation Ideas 

“At the British Council, we believe that developing and strengthening essential life skills such as collaboration, creative thinking, and active citizenship is vital for both the workplace and society, creating a solid foundation that can serve as a compass for young people towards social change and inclusion. Through the Skills Clubs programme, we aim to support Greek schools in this effort, supporting students to prepare for their integration into society, higher or vocational education, and employment. We are happy to have valuable partners by our side in this endeavour, such as the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation and Samsung Hellas.”

Anastasia Andritsou

Director, British Council Greece

“Corporate responsibility lies at the heart of Samsung. This way we can contribute to building a better society worldwide. But we cannot do this alone. We must work together with governments and international organisations that have the vision and expertise to truly make a difference. In Greece, we are honoured to collaborate with the British Council and look forward to giving children across the country equal opportunities to succeed. Children are the life of our society. And as today’s leaders, we must all work together to cultivate a bright future for the leaders of tomorrow.”

Han Soo Kim

President & CEO, Samsung Electronics Hellas