In the past decades, Greece had a high standard of living, and ranked consistently high in the quality of life surveys. However, the Greek economy faced a severe crisis at the end of 2009 and its full impact was felt by the Greek population.
At the start of the crash in 2010, the governmental debt was one of the highest among the European Union (EU) member nations. The Greek government received bailout packages from the EU and the International Monetary Fund on condition that it introduced a series of austerity measures which included cuts in public spending and tax increases.
The situation, however, did not improve – by 2015 the economy had shrunk to a quarter of its previous size and the government debt had risen to over €300bn. In January 2015, the anti-austerity coalition, headed by the Syriza party, came to power. The failure to reach an agreement on further support from the EU caused a major crisis in June and July 2015. At the time of writing, Greece’s future remains uncertain.
Greek families are deeply affected by unemployment and poverty
The recent economic and political changes have had a devastating effect on the majority of Greek families. Due to the rise in taxes and unemployment and the fall in welfare payments, the strain of poverty has led to an increase in divorce, depression and suicide.
The Greek official unemployment figure stands at nearly 27 per cent, though in some areas of the country it is much higher. Many have not had a steady income in years; initially they could receive social security benefits but their situation has become more and more desperate as benefits have stopped and their savings have been depleted.
Nearly one third of Greeks has no access to medical care. The health services were hard hit by the cuts in governmental spending. The public healthcare system has practically collapsed, with non-governmental organisations trying to fill the gap, often with voluntary staff and donated medicines. Families have been unable to afford basic treatment or preventative measures such as vaccinations for the children.
There has recently been an increase in the cases of malnutrition. As the price of food has gone up, many families haven’t been able to feed their children the nutritious food they need. The number of people visiting food banks and soup kitchens has risen.
Two in every five Greek children live in poverty
There are around 1.9 million children under the age of 18 living in Greece. The lives of children have worsened: child poverty rates have more than doubled since 2008, and nowadays over 40 per cent of children live in poverty.
The present conditions and general uncertainty about the future has led to increased tensions in families. Although at first, extended family networks were able to help each other, after years of struggling many have exhausted their resources. They are no longer able to meet the material and emotional needs of their children. Neglect of children, abuse and violence are often the result of long-term difficulties, and there is a need for increased support to avoid such outcomes.
An increasing number of families have been seeking the help of SOS Children’s Villages. In 2012, these were low income families, but in the last three years those with middle-incomes have also sought support.
SOS Children's Villages in Greece
Family Strengthening Programmes which work directly with families, many of which are single-parents looking after children on their own. Our support includes parental counselling, material, social and emotional support for children and parents.
Care for young children and their families. In Maroussi (near Athens) the SOS-Eliza Home provides short-term care (up to 18 months) for up to 20 young children under the age of five while the parents receive psychological and social support.
Care in families: If, in spite of all assistance, children cannot live with their families, they can find a new home in one of the SOS Children’s Villages.
Support for young people: Over 50 per cent of young adults under the age of 24 do not have a job. We ensure that young adults receive the right kind of education and training so that they can make a living.
Assistance for refugees:
- Support for children: In our "Child-Friendly Spaces" in Athens (Eleonas Refugee Camp) and on the island of Lesbos (Moria and Apanemo) we provide around 440 children with psychosocial support and they can take part in activities such as music, sports and storytelling. Furthermore, we offer shelter to unaccompanied minors in Thessaloniki and Serres, and help reunite them with their families.
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- Psychological and educational support in refugee camps: In Eleonas and Diavata, we provide support and classes, activities to bring people together. We also teach children, many of whom haven’t been able to attend school for months, if not years.
Website of SOS Children's Villages Greece
(available in Greek)