LAMDA DEVELOPMENT

The objective of the initiative is to meaningfully promote social inclusion and to cultivate a culture of acceptance of diversity from the very foundation of society—the school environment. Through an experiential, human-centred, and participatory approach, the initiative amplifies the voices of people with disabilities, who share their personal experiences with students and teachers, helping to break down stereotypes and strengthen empathy.

In collaboration with the NGO “Me Alla Matia” (With Other Eyes), LAMDA Development aims not only to raise social awareness, but also to drive intergenerational change in attitudes and mindsets, investing in the long-term transformation of perceptions. The project reflects the company’s strategic commitment to building a fair, accessible, and resilient society without exclusions, highlighting diversity as an asset and as a fundamental element of a sustainable social model.                    

 The initiative “Des th zwh me alla matia” ” addresses a diverse and multi-layered audience:

Primary School Students, who are introduced to values such as empathy, acceptance, and a positive attitude toward diversity from an early age. Through direct interaction with authentic stories shared by people with disabilities, their emotional intelligence is strengthened, and the foundation is laid for a more inclusive outlook on life.
Educators and School Communities, who are empowered with new tools and approaches to incorporate inclusion into their teaching practices. Schools become agents of social change—spaces of active learning, real-life experiences, and open dialogue.
People with Disabilities – the “Story Tellers”, who gain a platform, visibility, and empowerment by taking on the role of equal educators and social participants, sharing their lived experiences and perspectives.
Parents and Local Communities, as the children's experiences are brought back into the home environment, multiplying the initiative’s impact within the municipalities where LAMDA operates and fostering dialogue around inclusion and acceptance within families and communities.
The Business and Investment Community, including stakeholders such as investors, certification bodies, and award committees, who track responsible business practices and assess the company’s ESG strategy, as well as peer companies and organisations seeking examples of impactful and values-driven collaboration.

9 months (the duration of the 2024-2025 school year)

The initiative “Des th zwh me alla matia ” was launched as part of LAMDA Development’s sponsorship of the Hellenic Paralympic Committee, with the goal of making a deep social impact on how disability and diversity are addressed in the Greek school system. LAMDA Development, in collaboration with the NGO “Me Alla Matia” (With Different Eyes), places Paralympic athletes and other people with disabilities at the heart of the action—not as subjects of discussion, but as narrators and educators, as active agents of change. Through 36 educational programs implemented in 2024 across four municipalities in Attica, nearly 2,500 students and 195 teachers participated in a hands-on experience of empathy, dialogue, and stereotype deconstruction.

At the core of the initiative is a shift from a formal, theoretical approach to diversity, to a lived experience of human connection. The program highlights accessibility not merely as a technical requirement, but as a pedagogical and ethical value. Its innovation lies in the reciprocal relationship it fosters: children learn about inclusion through personal stories, while people with disabilities are given the space to be heard, to express themselves, and to feel empowered. In this way, the school becomes a space of social transformation, and LAMDA Development’s corporate involvement serves as a tool for lasting positive change.

NGO “Me Alla Matia”                      

LAMDA's employees

Palaio Faliro, Alimos, Elliniko-Argyroupoli, Glyfada 

The initiative “See Life with Different Eyes”, which stemmed from LAMDA Development’s strategic sponsorship of the Hellenic Paralympic Committee, has made a significant social impact, with direct effects on students, educators, and people with disabilities. Over the course of one year, 36 educational programs were implemented in schools across four municipalities (Palaio Faliro, Alimos, Elliniko–Argyroupoli, and Glyfada), reaching 2,493 students and 195 educators.

Students engaged directly with Paralympic athletes and other people with disabilities—not through theory or simulations, but through authentic, lived narratives that presented diversity not as a limitation, but as a source of strength. This interaction fostered empathy, social awareness, and critical thinking, empowering the younger generation to recognise and challenge exclusionary behaviors.

For educators, the program proved to be a valuable pedagogical tool. The vast majority evaluated it as “extremely beneficial,” highlighting the need for it to be repeated on an annual basis. At the same time, the “Story Tellers”—Paralympic athletes and other people with disabilities who participated as speakers—shared that they felt seen, accepted, and empowered, as they had the opportunity to share their experiences on equal terms, with respect and genuine engagement from their audience.

The program succeeded in transforming the school environment into a space of dialogue, understanding, and inclusion, shaping the mindset of hundreds of children who, in turn, carried that experience into their homes and communities. The positive ripple effect goes far beyond participation numbers, laying the groundwork for a long-term shift in attitudes toward diversity.                     

The collaboration with LAMDA Development -within the framework of its sponsorship of the Hellenic Paralympic Committee and the implementation of the “See Life with Different Eyes” initiative- provided the NGO "Me Alla Matia" with multiple and meaningful benefits—both at an organisational and societal level:

Amplifying the Voice and Visibility of Paralympic Athletes and other People with Disabilities
“Me Alla Matia” succeeded in empowering the individuals it represents by giving them a central role as educators and protagonists in the public dialogue on inclusion. The “Story Tellers” felt heard, treated as equals, and that they were actively contributing to positive social change.
Strengthened Credibility and Institutional Recognition
The initiative enhanced the NGO’s reputation and institutional standing, allowing it to build relationships with more stakeholders, schools, and potential partners in the future—positioning the program as a model of effective social action through corporate partnership.
Expansion of Social and Educational Impact
Through the partnership, 36 educational programs were implemented across four municipalities, reaching nearly 2,500 students and 195 educators—figures that would have been difficult to achieve without the support of a corporate partner. These measurable outcomes reinforce the NGO’s ability to secure future funding or grants.
Validation of the “From Within” Model
The initiative promoted an innovative approach to diversity, where people with disabilities speak for themselves about their lived experiences. The positive reception from students and teachers confirmed the effectiveness of this methodology and positioned the NGO as a pioneer in experiential education for inclusion.
Cultivation of Hope and a Vision for Intergenerational Change
Thanks to the immediate and enthusiastic response from children, schools, and local communities, members of the NGO felt that their work was creating real social impact, reinforcing their belief in the purpose and mission of their organisation.