Celebrating strength and new beginnings: 30 refugee women graduate from the Refugee Women Academy programme
Celebrating strength and new beginnings: 30 refugee women graduate from the Refugee Women Academy programme
Graduates of the Refugee Women Academy alongside representatives of UNHCR, Piraeus Bank, METAdrasi, and IWCA during the programme's graduation ceremony.
In an event filled with emotion, pride, and hope, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, Piraeus Bank, METAdrasi, and the International Women Coffee Alliance (IWCA), celebrated the graduation of 30 refugee women from the latest cycle of the Refugee Women Academy programme. The Refugee Women Academy is an initiative of Piraeus Bank and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in Greece, implemented within the framework of Piraeus’ Corporate Responsibility EQUALL under the pillar of Gender Equality.
The ceremony marked the fourth year of the programme, a journey that has touched the lives of many women, supporting them to rebuild their confidence, develop new skills, and create pathways towards employment and independence. More than a training programme, the Academy has, since its launch in 2023, become a space of encouragement, growth, and opportunity for 273 refugee women to date.
During the event, the 30 graduates who completed courses as kitchen assistants, hotel employees, and baristas/coffee experts received their certificates of participation, in recognition of their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to shaping a better future for themselves and their families. With many of them being mothers, childcare support during the classes proved to be a catalytic element, removing a key barrier to participation and enabling them to fully engage in and benefit from the upskilling opportunity.
Speakers highlighted the importance of collaboration in making the programme a reality, as well as the vital role of the private sector in creating opportunities for refugee communities. The continued support of Piraeus Bank over the past four years was recognized as the cornerstone of the initiative, demonstrating how meaningful partnerships can lead to real, lasting social and economic impact.
As Mrs. Angeliki Bouki, Head Corporate Responsibility Unit at Piraeus Bank, mentioned: “The Refugee Women Academy reflects what we, at Piraeus Bank, believe corporate responsibility should be in practice: not simply a declaration of intent, but a commitment that delivers tangible and measurable results. Since 2023, 273 refugee women have received professional training in the tourism and food sectors, and almost one in three participants found employment within six months of completing the programme. These are not merely statistics; they represent lives transformed, opportunities created, and new beginnings made possible. This initiative lies at the heart of our Corporate Responsibility EQUALL framework, under the Gender Equality pillar.”
“This initiative would not have been possible without partners like Piraeus Bank, who not only supported it but were also open to ideas from the refugee participants themselves, allowing for meaningful innovations, such as providing childcare while mothers attended the lessons,” UNHCR Representative, Ms Laura Lo Castro highlighted.
Ms. Marilena Kouidou (L), President of IWCA, and Ms. Lora Pappa, President of METAdrasi, address participants during the Refugee Women Academy graduation ceremony.
Edil, refugee from Somalia, is one of the 30 graduates of the fourth cycle of the Refugee Women Academy, proudly holding her certificate of participation.
Ms. Angeliki Bouki (L), Head of Corporate Responsibility Unit at Piraeus Bank, and Ms. Laura Lo Castro (R), UNHCR Representative in Greece, reaffirm the importance of partnerships in creating opportunities for refugee women.
The expertise and dedication of METAdrasi and the International Women Coffee Alliance were equally acknowledged, as they have worked closely with participants, offering not only training, but mentorship, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.
“When refugee women are given the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute, everyone benefits: the women themselves, their families, and our country, which faces a significant shortage of skilled workforce. This opportunity is called the Refugee Women Academy. Piraeus Bank sets an outstanding example in corporate social responsibility, supporting refugee women — an example we hope others will follow”, stated METAdrasi’s President, Ms Lora Pappa.
“If one cappuccino prepared during this programme can open a door, create an opportunity, or help change the life of even one of you, then that is what we consider real success,” Ms. Marilena Kouidou, President of the Greek Chapter of IWCA, mentioned, stressing the significance of such opportunities.
At the heart of the ceremony were the voices of the graduates, whose stories reflected both the challenges they have faced and the strength they carry.
“As a refugee, it wasn’t easy for me to start all over again—especially since I’m a single mother of three daughters,” Rahaf, refugee from Syria, shared. “Thanks to the programme and the skills I gained, I will be able to find a job and finish my studies.”
Rim, refugee from Syria, who had arrived as an unaccompanied minor, speaking with courage and honesty, shared: “I always try to do my best for myself. I’ve been living alone in Greece for the past four years. I’ve seen some very bad things, and I didn’t want my life to turn out that way. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to build something different.”
These testimonials capture the essence of the Refugee Women Academy: a programme not only about skills, but about restoring hope, and a sense of direction.
“Education is the key to maintain our dignity,” as Oleksandra, refugee woman from Ukraine noted.