16 OCT 2024

“Focus on the Person” A program to combat discrimination and promote inclusion

Athens, Greece – 16 October 2024 – For the third consecutive year, METLEN Energy & MetalsMETLEN») supports the innovative educational program "Focus on the Person" aimed at strengthening the culture of inclusion, accessibility, social acceptance, equality, and equal opportunities.

In collaboration with the Association of Social Responsibility for Children and Youth - SKEP, 5,695 students in 87 general education schools in Attica and Lamia have learned to treat people with disabilities as equals, respecting diversity. The educational program fosters empathy and activates social consciousness among students, with the ultimate goal of enabling them to act as future drivers of social change and inclusion.

SKEP evaluated the program through a questionnaire answered by 83 educators from schools in Attica and Lamia. According to this evaluation, 94% considered the program "extremely useful," while the remaining 6% rated it as "very useful." All educators (100%) would recommend it to other colleagues and schools.

Meanwhile, METLEN, through the organization Equal Society for a society of equal opportunities, measured the social impact of the educational program since the beginning of its collaboration with SKEP in 2022 and 2023. The results reveal their strong impact on schools in Boeotia in 2022 and in Attica in 2023:

  • 4,849 students from 79 school communities
  • 95 lectures from 2 speakers

For every €1 invested in the program, at least €4.13 is returned in social value, confirming the significance of this initiative for social cohesion and the inclusion of people with disabilities.

This METLEN initiative is implemented within the framework of strategic partnerships it develops with key social actors to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 10 and 17).