Thessaly launches 10 million euro program to combat child poverty

The Region of Thessaly has announced a new social protection initiative with a budget of 10 million euros to combat child poverty and social exclusion. Funded through the Thessaly 2021–2027 program and the European Social Fund, the project aims to provide a holistic support framework rather than fragmented interventions.

A central component of the program is the distribution of vouchers to eligible children. These vouchers will be used to cover various needs, including educational, athletic, and creative activities, as well as other essential services. The initiative will be implemented in collaboration with local municipalities, which will act as the final beneficiaries of the program's call for proposals.

The program comes in response to alarming statistics from the Hellenic Statistical Authority, which indicate that approximately 29.6% of children up to age 17 in Greece are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. In Thessaly, it is estimated that more than 38,000 children may be at risk, a figure influenced by the region's recent experiences with natural disasters. Specific criteria regarding income levels and the exact voucher amounts are expected to be released in the upcoming official call for proposals.