ABSTRACT
Immigration has been initially documented as reaching a peak in the late 1980s and early 1990s (Kiprianos, Balias and Passas, 2003), simultaneously illustrating the lack of a legislative framework to properly support, manage and control immigration (Triandafyllidou, 2009). The recent European migrant crisis in 2015, characterised by the increased flight of refugees and migrants to European countries via the Mediterranean Sea or Southeast Europe, further gave rise to the necessity of support for and adjustment of immigrants and refugees (UNHCR, 2015) and more specifically, the political, social, economic and educational inclusion of immigrants and refugees, if they reside in Greece.
It is plausible that this 35-year movement of immigrants to Greece has produced second- and third-immigrant generations – of differing ages, including young people – to their host country. It would therefore be interesting to investigate their integration and adjustment, identity formation, as well as psychosocial challenges and views for their future in relation to their educational experiences and support from non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Thus, the focus of this chapter is twofold, firstly to illustrate the point of view of NGO volunteers regarding the challenges and opportunities immigrant youth face within the Greek public educational system. Secondly, to investigate the contribution of Supporting Organisations in assisting immigrant youths in the psychosocial and educational challenges they face, contributing to their adjustments and quality of life in the host country.
