1st Online Meeting of the Social Alliance for Children: “The Next Steps for the Operation of the Network”

PRESS RELEASE

Athens 4/8/2025

1st Online Meeting of the Social Alliance for Children:

“The Next Steps for the Operation of the Network”

The Regional Network of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace became a reality:

Online Meeting of the Regional Network of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace for the Protection of Children

The 1st online meeting of the Regional Network of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (EMT) was successfully held, focusing on planning the next steps for the effective protection and support of children, young people, and families in the Region. The meeting was chaired by the Regional Governor, Mr. Christodoulos Topsidis, in cooperation with the Organization “The Smile of the Child”, and with the active participation of all competent bodies.

The session was opened by the Regional Governor, Mr. Christodoulos Topsidis, who underlined the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation led by “The Smile of the Child”, in order to record needs and design a common operational plan. He pledged his support for the initiatives, stating:

“We will stand by the efforts so that the proposals are transformed into technical tools. It is important that ideas and suggestions are heard, which we will jointly implement with The Smile of the Child as coordinator, while also seeking the necessary funding.”

Key Interventions and Proposals from Participants

Education & Prevention

• The Deputy Regional Governor for Education, Mr. Stylianos Katsogridakis, proposed the training of teachers to identify and manage potential risks for children in a timely manner.
• The General Secretary of the Municipality of Paggaio, Mr. Giorgos Kallinikidis, suggested organizing information sessions for teachers in cooperation with the Network.
• The Organization’s coordinator, psychologist Ms. Ioanna Hardaloupa, presented certified educational tools for prevention and crisis management: The psychoeducational programs aim at both primary and secondary prevention, as well as immediate intervention in crisis situations.”

Health & Medical Care

• The President of the Medical Association of Drama, Ms. Olga Vassiliou, stressed the need to provide preventive medical services in remote areas and proposed the creation of a volunteer doctors’ registry.
• The Deputy Governor of the 4th Health District, Ms. Alexandra Titopoulou, emphasized collaboration with Primary Education and appointed psychiatrist Mr. Foundoulakis as liaison.
• Physician Ms. Christina Tsigalu, representing the Medical Association of Evros, confirmed the continuation of support for preventive medical actions of the Organization in EMT.

Protection & Social Welfare

• The Deputy Mayor of Orestiada, Mr. Antonios Tsobanidis, presented the Municipality’s fully organized child protection department, operating on a 24-hour basis.
• Ms. Antasia Konstantá highlighted delays in responding to cases involving children with disabilities, requesting stronger support for this group.
• The Deputy Mayor for Social Welfare of Xanthi, Mr. Konstantinos Gagalidis, noted the lack of temporary accommodation structures for children in crisis, proposing connections with facilities in other regions through the Network.

Participation of Authorities & the Church

• The Deputy Regional Police Director, Mr. Alympios Nalias, expressed the Police’s support, emphasizing the importance of prevention: “Sensitive issues concerning children require special handling by trained personnel and collaboration with experienced organizations.”
• The representative of the Coast Guard of Xanthi, Mr. Dimosthenis Venitis, declared availability for 24-hour support whenever needed.
• On behalf of the Holy Metropolis of Maroneia and Komotini, Father Anthimos underlined the Church’s contribution both in material and spiritual support for children: “The Church provides assistance for daily needs, but above all, spiritual guidance and support.”

The Smile of the Child at the Center of Cooperation

The President of “The Smile of the Child”, Mr. Costas Yannopoulos, described the meeting as “decisive for the local community”, stressing the need to create a unified incident management manual, with designated officials available on a 24-hour basis from each body. At the same time, he provided participants access to the Organization’s 10 Service Centers, which include:

• Scientific personnel
• Technological infrastructure
• 30 years of experience in managing child-related cases
  
  “Problems do not take vacations. The only hope is continuous effort at the local level. If we succeed, it will serve as a model for the entire country.”

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with strong commitment from all stakeholders for immediate and coordinated action. Participants agreed to establish stable structures of cooperation with shared tools, goals, and human resources, ensuring the holistic protection of children in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. This initiative aspires to become a model for other regions of Greece.