SOCIETY

BUSINESS: 532 PRACTICES


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Initiative

Workshops on Equal Educational Opportunities and the Educational Program "Ep-Afi" of the Touch Museum

Workshops on Equal Educational Opportunities and the Educational Program "Ep-Afi" of the Touch Museum
SUBMITTED FROM:

METLEN Energy & Metals

METLEN  Energy & Metals is a global industrial and energy company covering two business Sectors: Energy and Metallurgy. The Company is strategically positioned at the forefront of the energy transition as an integrated utility, while already established as a reference point for competitive green metallurgy at the European and global level. It has a consolidated turnover and EBITDA of €6.35 billion and €823 million, respectively, and employs more than 5,442 direct and indirect employees in Greece and abroad.

 

https://www.metlengroup.com/

 


Contact

Objective Action

 

The inauguration of two innovative Programs-Axes ("Workshops on Equal Educational Opportunities for Youth with Visual Impairment in New Technologies-Computers" and "Ep-Afi" of the Touch Museum) by the Lighthouse for the Blind of Greece, supported by METLEN in 2023, constituted a significant addition to the core of the educational and informational actions of the Touch Museum. This initiative is unique in Greece and aims to inform and sensitize the wider community, particularly the younger generation, towards a genuinely inclusive society. The pilot implementation of these two Educational Programs, through experiential engagement with blindness and enriched educational actions, serves as an excellent source of meaningful information and awareness regarding this disability through playful processes. It is part of METLEN's Responsible Business Actions, which are implemented in support of the Global Sustainable Development Goals for Reduced Inequalities (Goal 10). The Company’s purpose was and remains to empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all individuals, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, nationality, origin, religion, or economic or other status.

As part of METLEN's Corporate Social Responsibility and its sensitivity to issues concerning society and the integration of individuals from vulnerable groups, the Company adopted the creation of educational and technical support workshops for the blind, thus demonstrating its commitment to enhancing access to technology and culture for all individuals, regardless of their limitations. Additionally, by supporting the Innovative Experiential Educational Program "Ep-Afi" of the Touch Museum, it practically showcased its commitment to promoting cultural awareness and social cohesion, as well as providing information regarding visual impairment through experiential experiences and innovative programs. This collaboration between the Company and the Lighthouse for the Blind of Greece aimed to create equal opportunities and promote social welfare.

 

Target Audience

The two innovative programs-axes, "Workshops on Equal Educational Opportunities for Youth with Visual Impairment in New Technologies-Computers" and "Ep-Afi" of the Touch Museum of the Lighthouse for the Blind of Greece, are aimed at totally blind individuals, including newly blind and partially sighted individuals, as well as groups of children and parents, kindergartens, scouts, and teachers in remote areas, within the framework of implementing online programs. Additionally, these programs are directed towards undergraduate and postgraduate students during their visit to the museum.

 

Duration

The company METLEN implemented the program for one year (2023) and has extended its collaboration for 2024.


Description

In 2023, METLEN initiated its collaboration with the non-profit organization "The Lighthouse for the Blind of Greece," aiming to enhance the full social inclusion and professional development of individuals with blindness, thereby recognizing them as equal members of society.

The partnership between METLEN and the organization represents a significant example of corporate collaboration with a social impact. Through this initiative, the company demonstrates its commitment to promoting social responsibility and diversity by supporting an organization focused on the full integration of individuals with blindness into society.

This collaboration successfully creates an environment of awareness and support, promoting the complete social inclusion of individuals with blindness through educational programs and employment opportunities, thus fostering their professional development and enhancing their economic independence. Furthermore, METLEN highlights the need for recognition and mitigation of inequalities by providing the organization with the necessary opportunities to fulfill its mission.

In conclusion, through this partnership, METLEN effectively embodies the role of a responsible corporate citizen, contributing to the creation of a more open and inclusive society.


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Impact on Society

In 2023, METLEN, through the implementation of the 1st Support Field, namely "New Technologies for Individuals with Visual Impairments," provided the opportunity for 64 individuals (totally blind, including newly blind and partially sighted individuals), primarily of working age, to become familiar with the use of computers remotely. Additionally, 313 individuals (totally blind, including newly blind and partially sighted individuals), primarily of middle and older age, became acquainted with smart devices (Android, iPhone), tablets, and gained knowledge on how to access websites, platforms, etc. In this case, the direct beneficiaries were the individuals with visual impairments themselves, gaining equal access to new technologies to meet the demands of modern daily life, ensuring substantial inclusion and overcoming instances of technical and social exclusion.

Through the 2nd Support Field of "Ep-Afi" at the Touch Museum, 320 individuals (groups of children and parents, kindergartens, etc.) directly benefited from the experiential workshops that were conducted, as well as 595 individuals (children/teachers in remote areas participating in online programs, undergraduate/postgraduate students during their visit, adult visitors from Greece and abroad, with or without vision, etc.) who benefited indirectly from this initiative.



Initiative Location

Prefecture of Attica


Working with Organization


Workers Participation


Benefits for Οrganization

The exceptional collaboration between METLEN and the Lighthouse for the Blind of Greece promotes social cohesion and access to services for all citizens. Through the implementation of the unique programs of the organization and the innovative actions it develops, the direct beneficiaries, namely individuals with visual impairments, gain equal access to new technologies and meet the demands of modern daily life. The highly targeted lessons, along with the corresponding resources and tools, address the substantial and diverse needs for familiarization of these individuals with new technologies and their equal education, within similarly structured groups, leaving a strong educational and social impact.

Additionally, METLEN highlights its commitment to promoting cultural awareness and social cohesion. Through this support, the Company practically demonstrates its dedication to raising awareness about visual impairment through experiential learning and innovative programs. This support showcases the Company's commitment to creating an environment that fosters cultural understanding and social solidarity. Through these programs, METLEN plays an active role in enhancing educational and cultural development, offering the public the opportunity to understand and realize the challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments. In this way, an open and informed society is strengthened, one that supports and promotes diversity and personal development for all citizens.




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