INKlusion, Lesvos
“INKlusion” creates tangible education and income opportunities for people seeking refuge on Lesvos – through social entrepreneurship in the creative sector. At the same time, it opens spaces for collaboration where shared work breaks down barriers and strengthens social cohesion.
The project
Thousands of refugees live on Lesvos under precarious conditions, with limited access to dignified employment and long-term prospects. Entering the labor market remains difficult due to structural barriers. Young people and women are particularly affected, often facing additional obstacles despite their skills and potential. Limited networks, insecure residency situations, and a lack of structured training opportunities further hinder sustainable integration.
INKlusion addresses these challenges through a three-year pilot project in social entrepreneurship focused on professional screen printing. At the Paréa Lesvos Community Center, participants receive quarterly training in screen-printing techniques, design preparation, production planning, and order management. The training is practice-oriented and based on real client commissions such as T-shirts, tote bags, and posters. Ensuring that learning and hands-on application go hand in hand from the start.
Creative workshops further strengthen artistic expression, visual storytelling, and entrepreneurial skills. Participants develop their own designs and messages, sharing self-determined narratives of migration and diversity through their products.
At least 180 individuals will complete structured training, leading to permanent jobs and long-term customer partnerships in Greece and across Europe.
The result is a scalable model that combines economic participation, self-efficacy, and intercultural dialogue – turning creativity into real opportunities for the future.
