HELIOS+ – Greek Language Training Programme
250
Language Certification by the Centre for the Greek Language
A0-B2
in citus/distance
ALLOWANCE
Within the framework of HELIOS+ – Comprehensive Actions for the Integration of Third Country Nationals in the Labour Market, the Joint Venture IDEA – TECHNOPOLIS – PERGAMINI – CONSUL delivers Greek language training to refugees, asylum seekers, and beneficiaries of international or temporary protection.
HELIOS+ is implemented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in cooperation with the Greek Ministry of Migration and Asylum, with co-funding from the European Union.
The Greek language training component was launched in December 2025 and is expected to continue until December 2028, depending on the implementation schedule applicable to each Region.
As Lead Partner of the Joint Venture, IDEA is responsible for the overall coordination, management and implementation of the Greek language training activities.
The HELIOS+ Greek Language Courses are designed to support beneficiaries in acquiring the language skills and broader social and intercultural competences required for everyday life in Greece. Language learning is approached not only as an educational objective, but also as an important means of strengthening participants’ autonomy, facilitating their interaction with public services and local communities, and improving their opportunities for participation in the Greek labour market. The programme addresses a highly diverse beneficiary population. Participants come from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, with the main language profiles including Arabic, Ukrainian, English, French, Farsi and Somali.
The Joint Venture is already delivering Greek language courses in the Regions of Peloponnese and Western Greece. Implementation is also being expanded to the Regions of Western Macedonia and the South Aegean, significantly broadening the geographical coverage of the programme. Across the participating Regions, the Joint Venture aims to provide Greek language training to more than 1,000 beneficiaries over the course of the project. The combination of regional implementation and online learning enables the programme to reach beneficiaries living in different geographical areas and to respond more effectively to variations in local demand.
Programme Objectives
The primary objective of the HELIOS+ Greek Language Courses is to progressively develop participants’ proficiency in Greek, from introductory and beginner stages through to B1 level.
More specifically, the programme seeks to:
- develop practical Greek language and communication skills;
- enable participants to communicate more independently in everyday situations;
- strengthen social and intercultural competences;
- facilitate interaction with institutions, services and local communities;
- support beneficiaries’ social inclusion and participation in Greek society;
- improve access to employment and facilitate integration into the Greek labour market;
- prepare participants for recognised Greek language certification examinations; and
- provide flexible learning opportunities adapted to beneficiaries’ educational backgrounds, language profiles and individual circumstances.
Training Framework, Methodology and Certification
The HELIOS+ Greek Language Courses provide a progressive learning pathway from A0 to B1 level, supporting beneficiaries in gradually developing the language and communication skills required for everyday, social and professional life in Greece. The A0 level is specifically designed for learners with limited or no previous literacy experience, while the subsequent levels progressively develop vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in line with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
The curricula and educational materials have been developed by the School of Modern Greek Language of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) in collaboration with the Joint Venture, following contemporary approaches to teaching Greek as a Second Language and taking into account the diverse linguistic, educational and cultural backgrounds of adult learners. The programme is implemented under the scientific coordination of Professor Despina Papadopoulou, while teacher training is provided by the Centre for Education and Lifelong Learning of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. All participating teachers are EOPPEP-certified adult trainers and are registered in the Consortium’s Registry.
Training is delivered through both face-to-face and online courses, providing flexibility according to beneficiaries’ geographical location, family circumstances and educational needs. Alongside the development of language proficiency, the courses strengthen practical communication and intercultural skills that support participants in interacting with public services, educational institutions, employers and local communities.
The programme also prepares participants for the Greek language certification examinations organised by the Centre for the Greek Language, enabling them to obtain formal recognition of their language proficiency. Through this integrated approach, Greek language learning contributes not only to linguistic development, but also to beneficiaries’ social inclusion, greater autonomy and integration into the Greek labour market.
Project Progress
Updated September 2026
Since February 2026, three introductory A0-level courses, each consisting of 250 training hours, have been successfully completed.
A total of 37 beneficiaries participated in these courses:
- 01-PEL-01A0 – Peloponnese Region | In-person delivery | 10 beneficiaries
- 01-PEL-02A0 – Peloponnese Region | Online delivery | 16 beneficiaries
- 01-WG-01A0 – Western Greece Region | Online delivery | 11 beneficiaries
Following completion of the introductory stage, the programme has progressed to the next level of language training.
The following A1-level courses are currently being implemented:
- 01-PEL-01A1 – Peloponnese Region | Online delivery | 21 beneficiaries
- 01-WG-01A1 – Western Greece Region | Online delivery | 13 beneficiaries
Further courses are planned in the Peloponnese and South Aegean Regions, extending access to Greek language learning and supporting the continued social, cultural and professional integration of beneficiaries.
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