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First of all it is important to decide the number of refugees that Kozani is ready welcome. Establishing a realistic and sustainable number is a crucial first step toward ensuring the successful social and economic integratio. If we take into account Tilos example, which indicates that about ten precent of the population of a region is the ideal number of refugees this region can successfully integrate, we can say that Kozani, with a population of 41.066 is able to integrate about 4.000. -
For accommodation I believe that portacabins could be a temporary solution. They can be installed quickly, provide basic living conditions and allow the for the immediate shelter apon the refugees arrival. However the most efficient and long-term choice whould be to renovate abandont buildings like the hotel "Xenias" and other unused public infrastructures around the city. This can be achieved with the help of NGOs that are willing to udertake the cost and coordination of the renovations. -
Kozani's rural surroudings and traditions make it an ideal region for diveloping agriculture and food production aimed especially at high-value local products such as saffron. The fertile land combined with the local expertise and the manpower from the refugees provide exellent conditions for organic and high-quality farming. This in conjunction with food processing and branding could create a cooperative brand exporting saffron, herbal teas and the famous peaches of Velvedo internationally. -
My school can play a vital role in supporting the integration of the refugees into the local community. More specifically, it si able to contibute through providing education and language learning to the refugees. Furthermore, the students and the teachers can donate old clothes, book, school supplies, toys and food. Last but not least, the school chould help the children have a stable invironment and feel safe welcome and included, which is something really important for their mental health. -
Refugees can stengthen our local economy in multiple and lasting ways. Some of them are by increasing labor supply, entrepreneureships and tax revenue in the near future. Furtheremore, many refygees can bring valuable skills and professional experience that can cotribute to the economic growth of our region. As for now, they spent their allowance on local shops and thus support them. Therefore, their impact on the community is significant as the can boost the ecinomy both now and in the future.