With a modest and moving ceremony in the presence of H.E. the President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, took place the opening of the new six floors building of Group’s Social inclusion Structures for UNESCO Piraeus and Islands and of the “Cultural and Social Solidarity Space Marianna V. Vardinoyannis” situated at the fifth floor of the building, in recognition of the long lasting offer and assistance of Mrs. Vardinoyannis at the structures work.
The President of UNESCO Piraeus and Islands, Ioannis Maronitis and Mrs. Vardinoyannis have welcomed the President of the Republicat the entrance of the new building where Mrs. Sakellaropoulou unveiled the plaque of the “Cultural and Social Solidarity Space Marianna V. Vardinoyannis”.
After that, they went on the fifth floor of building where it is located the “Cultural and Social Solidarity Space, Marianna V. Vardinoyannis” for the opening ceremony.
There were present, the Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Mrs. Domna Michaildiou, as Government’s representative, the District Governor of Attica Mr. Georgios Patoulis and the Mayor of Piraeus, Mr. Yiannis Moralis.
The representative of His Eminence Bishop of Piraeus, Mr. Serafeim Pateras , Nifon Kapogiannis has served the blessing and then the President of UNESCO Piraeus and Islands, Ioannis Maronitis, has unfolded the way of Structures operation at Piraeus which, from the first day of their operation and until to date, have offered roof to more than 550 homeless people, covering their needs for housing, food, medical treatment and education having as purpose, their inclusion into the society.
“It is not enough to offer food to these people. The most important is to come in touch with the civilization and be educated in such a way enabling them to be integrated once again at the society by standing on their own feet. This is the reason why we are so proud today because we open, through those structures, the “Cultural and Social Solidarity Spacew, Marianna V. Vardinoyannis”. We have already scheduled programmes for foreign languages learning in order to enable them to be employed at the sector of tourism, lessons of cutting-tailoring and a series of skills in order to find an employment. It is a great honor for us, this space, to be named after Mrs. Marianna Vardinoyannis, who is for us our guard-angel. She is always here in any available way. Her assistance and love is giving us, for many years now, strength and courage. Nothing should have been achieved without her. She is always at our side in whatever we need. We thank her because she is at our side with all her heart” said Mr. Maronitis.
The President of the Republic has spoken about the hard reality that, our homeless civilians experience, emphasizing on how important is their inclusion into the social community: “They experience lives that suffer the social exclusion, invisible lives pushed to the fringes of society, deprived from any social, family, friends communication, without any access to the employment, going through a financial devaluation and from the feeling also of lack of skills and social degradation. A structure like that (with restaurants, grocery, pharmacy, social medical offices and rooms for sleep) and the creation as well of cultural space strengths the skills of homeless creating the conditions for their professional activation. I gladly make the opening this new building with the hope to operate as the first station for the return of the poor, homeless and outcast people at the normal social life. I warmly congratulate the Region. Government, Municipality and especially Mrs. Marianna V. Vardinoyannis for her continuous offer”.
Mrs. Michailidou has also spoken how important is the social support and solidarity pointing out among others: “This today’s event marks the expansion of the social protection network with new structures, new actions, new people in civilization and work. We want to walk at your side at this effort”. While addressed to Mrs. Vardinoyannis said: “You are not only an Ambassador of Good Will but an Ambassador also of culture, humanity and of a work with companion effects. Your assistance at this effort is valuable and determinative. It makes us more optimistic and strengthens our faith and dedication to this common purpose”.
The Regional Governor of Attica, Mr. Georgios Patoulis referred to “a human structure” and assured for the assistance of Region at this work in the future: “It is opening today a specially designed, operative, human and modern space with the procedure of Open Day Center and Night Shelter as well. The operation of the said structures has commenced since 2017 and we are examining the expansion and strengthening of structures in order to create more possibilities. We are proud for the opening of this human structure and all of us must applaud these efforts. But I must admit that, Mrs. Vardinoyannis, who is a supporter of this work, is not only an Ambassador of Good Will, she is also an National Benefactor though the social actions and benefits of people who are in need”.
The Mayor of Piraeus, Mr. Yiannis Moralis, referred to the great effort of Self-Government to create a network of social solidarity in cooperation with other entities: “We have all together achieved to build up a network of humanity and solidarity for Piraeus. We cannot reach of course the offer of Mrs. Vardinoyannis which is a national matter. Whatever she has done for the country and the children are really invaluable”
Right after that, they visited the spaces of structures, teaching rooms, night shelters, the spaces of creative engagement, kitchens, pharmacy and the social grocery.
The President for the Republic and Mrs. Vardinoyannis had the opportunity to speak with the benefited of structures, hear their difficulties and problems and exchange warm wishes for the holy days.
Mrs. Vardinoyannis has assured the President of UNESCO Piraeus and Islands, Mr. Maronitis that she will always stand next to these people while she has taken care, as she does every year, to send presents, food and first need items for all people of structures.
