UNHCR and Inditex celebrate “ALMA”, opening pathways to employment and belonging for refugees in Greece

Eight refugees living in Greece are taking confident new steps towards self-reliance, supported by ALMA, an employment initiative jointly implemented by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in Greece and Inditex Hellas, aimed at promoting equal access to work and inclusive workplaces in the fashion retail sector.

The initiative combined UNHCR’s expertise in refugee protection and integration with Inditex’s global retail experience, demonstrating how partnerships with the private sector can deliver tangible results for refugees and host communities alike.

Through ALMA, refugees were equipped with the skills, confidence and support needed to access stable employment in the fashion retail sector. Today, all eight participants are working in Inditex stores in Athens and Piraeus, including Zara, Zara Home, Pull&Bear, Stradivarius, Bershka and Massimo Dutti.

Before entering the stores, participants attended a two-week training delivered jointly by UNHCR and Inditex. Inditex provided practical and theoretical training tailored to the retail environment, while UNHCR focused on essential soft skills such as communication, confidence-building, stress management and teamwork. In parallel, UNHCR trained Inditex in-store coaches on refugee protection, cultural awareness and inclusive communication, ensuring a supportive working environment from day one.

“Employment is not only about earning a living,” said Petros Mastakas, head of the Solutions team at UNHCR Greece at an event last month at Bright Space in Athens, where the initiative was presented. “It is about dignity, independence and feeling that you belong. Through ALMA, refugees are not only entering the workforce – they are becoming part of a team, part of a community.”

“We feel privileged to be part of this collaboration,” said Ilias Malamas, Country Director of Inditex Hellas. “We are in a position where we can offer opportunities. I hope you take them and fly even further”, he told the participants.

The event also featured an inspirational address by Keita Alassane, mentor for unaccompanied children at the Ministry of Migration and Asylum, who reminded that integration begins with trust and everyday human connections. “Hiring someone is not enough. People must feel part of the team. The more we know each other, the less fear there is,” he said.

An experience “not only for work but also for life”

Several refugees shared how the experience strengthened their confidence and sense of belonging.

Rezwana, from Afghanistan, highlighted the lasting impact of the training: “I learned so many things, mostly how to work in a big team and how we can move forward together”.

Faith from Kenya, who combines her studies with part-time work, described ALMA as a “big feeling”, saying it gave her confidence, a sense of belonging, and valuable lessons “not only for work but also for life”.

Abdul from Pakistan, who has long dreamed of working in fashion, described the programme as a turning point. Speaking six languages, a skill he now uses daily to assist customers from diverse backgrounds, he said that working at the store makes him feel both useful and valued. “Refugees need opportunities like this to build a future”, he said.

The ALMA project illustrates a win-win model:
– For refugees, by recognising skills, building confidence and supporting social and economic integration;
– For companies, by strengthening employee engagement and corporate social responsibility;
– For society, by promoting diversity, reducing stereotypes and contributing to social cohesion.