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1: The number of people that can be succesfully integrated
Starting with the number of people that can be succesfuly integrated, the refugees that Tilos the island was able to integrate, made up about 14% of its population. Kozani, as a bigger community, would probably be able to take a larger number of course. In proportion to our population, which is estimated around 40.000 citizens, that number would be around 5.500 refugees. -
2: Accomodation
As for their accomodation, by following the example of Tilos, we could build a well-established camp which will provide them all the necessities, such as food, water, clothing, a place to live, heating and a variety of activities to pass their time. For instance, the old hotel building in the area of Xenias could be utilised for this purpose after a renovation. -
3: The kind of entrepreneurship that can be developed
Moving on to the kind of entrepreneurship that could be developed, Kozani is undoubtedly quite famous for its saffron (crocus). Therefore, the refugees could work in fields where saffron is produced. By helping the locals, the procedures will get done faster and the refugees will have a full-time job. Some of them could also work in local shops and in this way, help the local economy. For example, they could be employed in house cleaning, in farming or at local businesses of restaurants etc. -
4: The ways your school can help
Additionally, my school could also arrange some great things to help. We could help by organizing several fund-raising events, such as bazaars, charities or balls in order to provide school supplies for the refugees. Some of the teachers could also offer free lessons of modern greek, because getting to know the local language would certainly help them in all areas of their adaptation. -
5: The potential benefits for local community
To conclude, the local community of Kozani could benefit a lot from this integration too, as the locals will get to know foreign cultures and become more open-minded if they develop friendly relations with the refugees. Also, as said in paragraph 3, the refugees could help the local economy grow in many different ways.