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1. The number of people that can be successfully integrated
Tilos, an island that is known for actively welcoming refugees has managed to provide good lives to all of the refugees currently living there. That is possible because the number of refugees is in good proportion to the island's permanent population meaning that about 14% of the people living there are refugees. Similarly, if a city like Kozani were to host refugees of similar proportions to the current population, 67.000 people, the refugees that could be smoothly integrated are almost 9.400. -
2. Accomodation
The refugees that will come to Kozani will need a pace to sleep and stay for a while. To solve that problem a camp with portacabins, communal showers and shared cooking space could be installed. Another idea is for the local municipality to renew old or abandoned buildings that could offer more comfort. Lastly, local hotels could offer a few rooms to accommodate some of the refugees . -
3. The kind of entrepreneurship that can be developed
Having fled their country, the refugees will be in need of some kind of income, thus a job. Just like Tilos, that created a cheese factory with the help of the refugees, the ones in Kozani could work in agriculture as farmers for crops like saffron and peaches, providing the manpower needed. They could also work as waiters and waitresses in cafés and restaurants or as cleaners. -
4. The ways your school can help
In the beginning, the refugees will be in immediate need of financial and psychological support. This is where schools can help. Schools in Kozani could inform the students and urge them to help by donating money, old clothes and toys, food and other everyday items. The students can also help refugee children learn the Greek language , perform everyday chores, invite them to birthday parties or go out to play with them and feel welcome. -
5. The potential benefits for local community
It is important to remember that not only the refugees will benefit but also the city's local community and economy. For example, with the refugees spending their allowance money in local shops and by providing manpower in agriculture the local economy can develop and become independent of the factories that produce electricity that are programed to be shut down. Also, there could be an exchange of traditions and ideals between the locals and the refugees.