The Smile of the Child

“We all know and talk about children on the streets who can't smile. They can't smile because they don't have money, toys, or food and some of them don't even have parents. Just think and leave all the talking behind: let's unite and give whatever we can to poor children, Albanians, white and black. They are all children and deserve a smile. This association will be called: "The Smile of the Child". Let's all come together to help, together we can accomplish it.”
(From founder Andreas’ diary, November 1995)

These words written by 10-year-old Andreas Yannopoulos, while suffering from terminal cancer, expressed his wish to establish an organisation that would protect children irrespective of their color, race, religion, nationality, or socio-economic status. Andreas is no longer with us, but his words continue to inspire us to help children and ensure that each child has a reason to smile.

“The Smile of the Child” was registered as a non-profit, non-governmental organization in January 1996. Since then the Association has expanded to meet the serious problems of children in-need living in Greece. Through its varied services, “The Smile of the Child” protects children’s rights and provides them with emotional and psychological support. Children, who suffer from health problems or any type of abuse, neglect or abandonment, are within the organization’s mandate.




OUR MANDATE


 Recognized Greek Centre for Missing & Exploited Children to combat the phenomenon of missing and exploited children in Greece, operating in Athens since 1995.
 As of October 2010, The Southeastern European Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (SEEC), has been inaugurated, a joint initiative of the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC) and “The Smile of the Child”. The Centre serves as a regional coordinating body aimed at comprehensively addressing and combating child victimization in all its forms in the Southeastern European region.
 National Helpline for Children SOS 1056, a toll free line operating 24-hours a day, seven days a week, and 116000 European Hotline for Missing Children.
 At the request of the Greek National Police, activation of AMBER ALERT HELLAS with the cooperation of 55 partners from public and private bodies.
 Immediate intervention in cases where children are in danger through the use of the organisation’s vehicles.



 10 Community Homes throughout Greece to provide shelter and safety to a total of 283 children. The children’s ages range from infancy to young adults. Custody and guardianship are granted to the organization through a court order in cases where the authorities have deemed the child’s home environment inappropriate.
Our homes are modeled after a healthy Greek family. Thus, we continue to support and care for our children until they become independent, productive members of our community. Life in our community homes resembles a traditional home. Children are cared for by trained childcare workers and attend the local public schools. Each child’s personality and interests are nurtured. Children are offered unconditional support, attention and love.
 Daily Care for children whose family environment cannot meet their daily needs and puts them at risk due to neglect. Their families are also provided with material & psychological support and guidance.
 Counselling for children and parents.
 Material support of economically marginalized children throughout Greece.
 Medical Aid & support of children with serious medical and health conditions.
 Volunteer drives for blood, blood platelets and bone marrow donations.
 Modern ambulances throughout Greece - inducted into the services of EKAB (National First Aid Programme) - for the safe transportation of newborns, infants and children.
 Preventative medical and dental programmes with the Association’s medical vehicles and equipment in schools throughout Greece.
 Creative Occupation in Ch

None declared

No lobbyists with EP accreditations

None declared

None declared

Mrs Ioanna Avloniti (International Cooperation Coordinator)

III - Non-governmental organisations

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