The Public Employment Service (DYPA) and the Foundation for Youth and Lifelong Learning (INEDIVIM), as part of their joint actions to strengthen the participation of young people in education, training and the labor market, proceeded with a new cooperation initiative for the free distribution of the European Youth Card to students of the schools of DYPA.

The initiative was presented at an event held on Friday, October 31, at the Vocational School (EPAS) of Apprenticeship Piraeus, in order to inform and distribute the first cards to students.

The event was graced by the presence of the Minister of Labor and Social Security, Niki Kerameos and the Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Domna Michailidou, underlining the importance that the government attaches to supporting young people and the interconnection of education, employment and social participation.

During the event, students were informed about the benefits of the European Youth Card and the possibilities of using it, while they had the opportunity to obtain it on the spot through the special platform of INEDIVIM.

Through this specific action, the two bodies seek to strengthen the participation, mobility and learning and professional development opportunities of young people, while contributing to their connection with the European community.

The European Youth Card is a valuable tool for young people aged 13 to 30, as it offers privileges, discounts and opportunities to participate in education, culture, tourism and mobility activities in 37 European countries. In Greece, the organization responsible for its implementation and distribution is the Youth and Lifelong Learning Foundation (INEDIVIM), with the support of the Council of Europe and the European Youth Card Association (EYCA).

The Director of DYPA, Gianna Hormova, and the President of INEDIVIM, Anna Rokofyllou, symbolically handed over the first European Youth Cards to DYPA EPAS students, underlining the importance of the initiative for expanding the possibilities and privileges of young people.

As part of the cooperation between the two organizations, the goal is for more than 20,000 students of EPAS and SAEK of DYPA to obtain the European Youth Card for free, making use of its benefits for their daily life and professional development.

The Minister of Labor and Social Security, Niki Kerameos, stated:

“Three thoughts come to mind as to why this day is so important. The first and most important of all, is that the European Youth Card gives students many opportunities for new possibilities, for discounts on a range of services related to education, training, culture, sports, transport. The second reason is the cooperation between the Public Employment Service and INEDIVIM. For us who have the responsibility of these bodies, it is very nice to have this osmosis, so that all together we can give more supplies, more possibilities to our young people. And the third reason is because we are all investing today in what is most precious to us, our young people, the future of Greece”.

The Minister of Social Cohesion and Family, Domna Michailidou, stated:

“Young people, today, are called to plan their future in an environment that evolves at a rapid pace and requires knowledge, resilience, flexibility and creativity.
The cooperation of the Youth and Lifelong Learning Foundation with the Public Employment Service serves exactly this direction. The European Youth Card responds to the desire of young people to travel, meet, better understand the world and connect with Europe in practice. And it supports learning, mobility, exchange. The presentation of the card to twenty representatives of the new generation – students of the Piraeus Vocational School, conveys a strong message. It symbolizes our trust in young people and our belief that knowledge, experience and extroversion are the real guarantees of social cohesion and progress”.

The Director of DYPA, Gianna Hormova, said:

“Our collaboration with INEDIVIM constitutes another step in the direction of empowering young people, who are the most valuable capital of our society. DYPA, through the education and training programs it offers, gives young people the resources to develop, acquire skills and stand confidently in the labor market. With the European Youth Card, we offer an additional tool that enhances access to opportunities, experiences and networks, within a Europe that supports its youth in practice. DYPA will continue to work with consistency and vision to be at the side of every young person who takes his first steps in his professional and personal path”.

The President of INEDIVIM, Anna Rokophyllou, said:

“Today’s event is another milestone in the continuation of a successful collaboration between INEDIVIM and DYPA. The Youth and Lifelong Learning Foundation has a clear goal: To stand by the new generation with actions, not just words. In the context of this mission, the European Youth Card is becoming even more important today. Because it is a tool that opens roads, offers opportunities, enhances mobility, gives incentives for extroversion and participation”.
Addressing the students who received the card, she emphasized: “The European Youth Card is now in your hands. Use it. Claim it. Travel. Create networks. Don’t wait for “the moment to come”. You create the moment.”