UNiZENS Program gets a kick start

UNiZENS Program gets a kick start

The preparatory meeting of UNiZENS program was a success, signaling the kick start of the program. The preparatory meeting took place in Lehaina, under the au spices of the Mayor and all the partners of Andravida-Kyllini Municipality.

During this first meeting the organizers in every city were selected, the groups of those who will participate and their profile was outlined, all the events and further actions were programmed, while all real event details (such as tickets, venues, accommodation, etc.) were taken care of. All promotion details were also taken into account.

UNiZENS program includes workshops and events in vivo, promoting collaborative action in mixed groups of citizens. The program focuses on people with special needs, composing of a clear message against racism and social discrimination.

The UNiZENS program events are scheduled to take place during the weekend of 26 and 27^th of July 2014, during the weekend of 2^nd and 3^rd of August 2014, and one from Friday, the 29^th of August until Sunday, the 31^st of August 2014. The Municipality of Andravida-Kyllini hosts the UNiZENS program, along with its European partners who are the following: Municipality of Stare Mesto (Czech Republic, www.staremesto.uh.cz), Municipality of Cellino San Marco (Italy, www.csm.br.it), Municipality of Guimaraes (Portugal, www.cm-guimaraes.pt), Nantes Metropole (France, www.nantesmetropole.fr), Municipality of Salzburg (Austria, www.stadt-salzburg.at), Municipality of Pablona (Spain, www.pamplona.net), South Bublin Country Council (Ireland, www.sdcc.ie), Municipality of Gdynia (Poland, www.gdynia.pl), Municipality of Velenje (Slovenia, www.velenje.si), Municipality of Bijeljina (Bosnia and Herzegovina, www.sobijeljina.org) and Municipality of Smolyan (Bulgaria, www.smolyan.bg). 

About UNiZENS program

UNiZENS program includes 4 three-day and one two-day workshops focused on exchange of views, values and experiences related to the fundamental rights and equal opportunities for all in the EU, along with 2 one-day events in vivo, utilizing sports as a model and best practice bringing together diverse people, migrants, elderly, women, handicaps, etc. The program sensitizes civil society on issues concerning anti-discriminative behavior, motivates citizens to participate in unified groups, highlights that accessibility means all citizens should have access on an equivalent basis in public goods and more, and supports disabled participants to develop physical skills and integrate in a society. The program leads to long friendships among participants and lays the basis for more sustainable networks of collaboration in Europe. Visit www.unizens2014.eu for more information.

About Andravida-Kyllini Municipality

This Western Greece Municipality was created through “Kallikratis Program”, uniting former Andravida, Voupracia, Kastro-Kyllini, and Lehaina Municipalities. The total area that is covered by the new Municipality is now 354,12 square kilometers, hosting a population of 26.333 residents, according to the data gathered in 2001. Lehaina is the city hosting the Municipality headquarters, while Varda is the historical headquarters. In the mostly lowland Municipality there is a wide agricultural production, along with fishing businesses due to the fact that it faces the Ionian Sea. There are a lot of beaches, tourist attractions, lots of sightseeing, Kyllini Port, and the Andravida Military Airport. Visit www.andravida-kyllini.gr for more information.