20/10/2026 Education

Inauguration of a New Playground at the 6th Special Kindergarten of Athens — A Donation by the “Eirini” Association

A significant initiative focused on inclusion and equal access to play for all children has been implemented at the 6th Special Kindergarten of Athens through a collaboration between the Municipality of Athens and the “Eirini” Association for Social Care.

The inauguration of the new playground took place on Monday, 19 October, in the presence of the Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, who highlighted the importance of creating school spaces that meet the needs of all children. The initiative was also discussed by the Deputy Mayor for Education and Intergenerational Solidarity, Thomas Georgiadis, while the Association was represented by its President, Nefeli Tsipouridi–Georganta.

The new playground was created with the exclusive funding of the “Eirini” Association for Social Care, which covered the entire cost of renovating the schoolyard and installing certified play equipment, with a total budget of €8,550. The equipment includes specially designed sensory sound games and an interactive game featuring Braille, providing pupils with a safe and accessible space for play, exploration and creative expression.

This initiative forms part of the Association’s ongoing efforts to provide practical support to schools and social care facilities, contributing to the creation of an environment in which every child has the opportunity to participate equally in school life. At the same time, it highlights the importance of cooperation between local government and social organisations in promoting accessibility and inclusion.

The Municipality of Athens’ Press Release

Haris Doukas: “Every child has the right to play and learn in a school that meets their needs”

The Municipality of Athens and the “Eirini” Association for Social Care joined forces to deliver a new playground at the 6th Special Kindergarten of Athens, in the city’s 6th Municipal District. The inauguration took place on Monday, 19 October, led by the Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas.

The Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, stated:

“Every child has the right to play and learn in a school that meets their needs. The new playground at the 6th Special Kindergarten offers children a space where they can enjoy playing safely. We thank the ‘Eirini’ Association for Social Care for its donation and its practical support for our pupils.

“We are working to improve school accessibility and remain committed to resolving the challenges facing special education. Our longstanding request to the Ministry of Education and KTYPO (the Building Infrastructure S.A. organisation) is to secure suitable premises and enable the Athens Special Vocational Education and Training Laboratory (E.E.E.E.K.) to begin operating. Children must be able to continue their education in their own city, without the daily burden of travelling to other municipalities.”

The Deputy Mayor for Education and Intergenerational Solidarity, Thomas Georgiadis, stated:

“Caring for special education schools begins with addressing the everyday needs of pupils first and foremost, as well as those of teachers. At the 6th Special Kindergarten, the donation from the ‘Eirini’ Association gives children new opportunities to play, explore and develop their skills.

“We warmly thank the Association for its cooperation. We continue our efforts to create more accessible school facilities and to find a permanent solution for the accommodation of the Athens Special Vocational Education and Training Laboratory (E.E.E.E.K.), so that pupils can receive the continuity of education they are entitled to.”

The President of the “Eirini” Association for Social Care, Nefeli Tsipouridi–Georganta, emphasised:

“For the ‘Eirini’ Association for Social Care, equal access to play is a fundamental right of every child. For this reason, supporting special education schools remains a consistent priority for us, because meaningful education must embrace the uniqueness of every pupil and guarantee equal opportunities for development, growth and joy.

“With the creation of the new playground at the 6th Special Kindergarten of Athens, we are turning inclusion from an idea into everyday practice, offering pupils a completely safe, accessible and creative space to play.”

Sensory Sound Games and an Interactive Game Featuring Braille

The “Eirini” Association for Social Care covered the entire cost of renovating the schoolyard and installing certified play equipment, giving pupils more opportunities to play and participate in everyday school life.

The equipment is suitable for children with disabilities and has been selected with a focus on safe participation and equal access to play. It includes specially designed sensory sound games and an interactive game featuring Braille, expanding opportunities for creative engagement and improving pupils’ everyday school experience.

The total budget amounted to €8,550, excluding VAT.

Under the slogan #SupportingThroughAction (#ΣτηρίζουμεΜεΠράξεις), the “Eirini” Association for Social Care makes targeted donations to public schools and hospitals, child protection facilities and social organisations throughout Greece. In the field of education, it supports the improvement of school infrastructure, with particular emphasis on safety and inclusion.

View photographs from the inauguration:

Photo gallery — Municipality of Athens

Source: Municipality of Athens — New playground at the 6th Special Kindergarten of Athens, donated by the “Eirini” Association