On April 26, 2025, ACS Athens welcomed educators, civic leaders, and student voices for a roundtable discussion titled "Advancing Integration Through Education," co-hosted with The HOME Project.

Participants ACS Athens Dean of Academics Julia Tokatlidou, ACS Athens Academy Principal Dr. Harry Leonardatos, and ACS Athens student representatives contributed to the conversation focusing on the role of private international schools in fostering inclusion, building safe spaces, and supporting unaccompanied refugee minors through programs like ACS Athens Youth-to-Youth.

The event featured reflections from students and Youth Ambassadors, as well as partners from educational institutions and government organizations. The presence of philanthropist Ed Shapiro—whose support helped launch the Youth-to-Youth initiative—was a special honor.

Esteemed guests—including Alexandros Phylactopoulos, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Gerasimos Alivizatos, General Secretary at Athens College; Anthony Kartalis, Managing Director, and Myrena Hatzivassiliou, Communications Director at Moraitis School; and Dr. Gelly Aroni, Head of Integration at the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors (Ministry of Migration and Asylum)—joined HOME Project CEO Sofia Kouvelaki, along with partners, supporters, and volunteers, to share insights, challenges, and lessons learned from ongoing educational initiatives and to explore strategies for expanding their collective impact.

Key topics explored included the importance of creating and sustaining safe spaces for the genuine and positive interaction between Greek and refugee populations, as a driver for breaking down barriers and combating xenophobia, and the leading role that private schools can play in creating equal opportunities for all children.

Youth Ambassadors from The HOME Project along with students from ACS Athens, also shared their experiences, highlighting how participating in these programs has enriched their lives and supported both their personal and academic growth.

This gathering reaffirmed the power of education to build bridges and change lives.