ComMedi (Communities of Mediterranean) is a vibrant social enterprise based in Tyrnavos, Greece, dedicated to empowering youth, adults and students and strengthening civil society through education, arts, culture, and community engagement. Established with a mission to promote active citizenship and intercultural dialogue, ComMedi addresses critical social issues such as mental health, inclusion, and the empowerment of marginalized groups, including immigrants, Roma, NEETs, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
Although a newly formed organization, ComMedi’s team compriases seasoned professionals with decades of experience in EU-funded projects, including Erasmus+ and Creative Europe initiatives. Our expertise spans non-formal and informal education, youth empowerment, creative arts, and mental health promotion. ComMedi implements local and international projects, collaborating with schools, NGOs, municipalities, and artists to deliver transformative workshops, cultural programs, and capacity-building activities.
Although ComMedi is a newly established organization, its team brings over 20 years of collective experience in planning and executing EU-funded projects.
Our members have worked in diverse capacities across public organizations (regional education directorates, municipalities, schools, and art groups) on programs addressing key areas such as:
1. Youth Empowerment and Active Citizenship: ComMedi designs and implements projects that inspire young people to take an active role in their communities. These projects often use creative methods such as comics, storytelling, and digital tools to enhance youth participation. By addressing critical social issues, including mental health and resilience, ComMedi empowers young people to become agents of change in their local and global communities.
2. Culture and Creative Arts: The organization leverages creative arts as a powerful medium for intercultural dialogue and advocacy. Recent initiatives include the production of graphic novels and holographic performances, which address social and environmental challenges. Through its partnership in the Creative Europe program, ComMedi has connected artists across Europe to foster collaboration and innovation in the arts.
3. Social Inclusion and Support for Marginalized Groups: ComMedi actively supports the integration and empowerment of marginalized communities, including immigrants, Roma, NEETs, and LGBTQ+ individuals. The organization develops tailored educational materials and community programs to promote inclusion, equity, and access to opportunities for all.
4. Mental Health and Well-being: The organization integrates cognitive-behavioral coaching, drama therapy, and arts-based approaches into its programs to address mental health challenges. These methods are used to build resilience and foster emotional intelligence, particularly among vulnerable groups and educators working with such populations.
5. Non-Formal and Informal Education: ComMedi is recognized for its innovative educational methodologies, including experiential learning and outdoor education. The organization’s projects engage participants in transformative learning experiences that promote sustainability, social justice, and intercultural understanding.
6. Sustainability and Climate Change Awareness: A key focus of ComMedi’s activities is promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices. The organization collaborates closely with the Climatology Department of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and has been an active partner in the EU-GREW project (https://eugrew.eepek.gr/). This initiative develops educational materials that align with the European Green Deal, equipping educators and young people with the knowledge and tools to address climate change effectively.