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European Solidarity Corps Guide

Call 2019, Round 1,

European Solidarity Corps - Volunteering Projects

REQUIREMENTSWAVES III IN TERMS OF DISSEMINATION AND EXPLOITATION We Are ’ EvS III INFO KITGENERAL for partners QUALITATIVE REQUIREMENTS

ApplicantsMunicipality of Volos for funding under the European Solidarity Corps are required to consider dissemination and exploitation KEKPA-DIEK Municipal activitiesEnterprise of Social Protection and Solidarity at the application stage,– during their activity and after the activity has finished. This section gives an overview of theMunicipal Institute of Vo basic requirementscational Training laid down for the European Solidarity Corps. http://www.kekpa.gr

Dissemination and exploitation is one of the award criteria on which the application will be assessed. For all project types, Contact KEKPA-DIEKs projects application office: KEKPA-DIEK of the of Volos, GREECE. 22-26 Proussis str., GRreporting-38446, Nea VOLOS, Greece. Tel: +30 24210 on the activities61600. Email: carried out and to share the results inside and outside participating organisations will be [email protected] ; [email protected]

Contact KEKPArequested-DIEKS coordinator of Volunteering activities at final stage.: Tel: +30 24210 35555. Email: [email protected]

VISIBILITY OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND OF THE EUROPEAN SOLIDARITY CORPS Volos, 01.2019 Editing: Spyros Iatropoulos, Sociologist BeneficiariesProject department of KEKPA shall always-DIEK use the European emblem (the 'EU flag') and the name of the European Union spelled out in full in all communication and promotiona1l material. The preferred option to communicate about EU funding through the European Solidarity Corps is to write 'Co-funded by the European Solidarity Corps of the European Union' next to the EU emblem. Guidelines for beneficiaries, examples of acknowledgement of EU funding and translations of the text are available at: https://ec.europa.eu/youth/solidarity-corps

USE OF THE EUROPEAN SOLIDARITY CORPS PROJECT RESULTS PLATFORM A European Solidarity Corps Project Results Platform is currently under development (and is expected to be launched in January 2019) with the aim of offering a comprehensive overview of projects funded under the European Solidarity Corps and to highlight good practice examples. The platform is envisaged to also make available outputs which are the result of the projects funded. The European Solidarity Corps Project Results Platform will serve several different purposes: Transparency, as it will provide a comprehensive overview of all projects funded under the initiative (including project summaries, funding figures, URL links, etc.); Accountability; Inspiration.

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KEKPA-DIEK as applicant organization and host organisation KEKPA-DIEK as Applicant organization KEKPA-DIEK will apply for the project until 07th of February 2019 KEKPA-DIEK as Host organization KEKPA-DIEK will host a Solidarity Corps participant, including the development of a programme of the young person's activities and providing guidance and support to the participant during all the phases of the project as appropriate KEKPA-DIEKs payments to partner organisations As mentioned below (see ‘’KEKPA-DIEKs VOLUNTEERING project details: Organizational support – Activity costs’’) KEKPA-DIEK will allocate, as usual, the 10% of the Organizational support – Activity Costs of each partner organization in 2 instalments: 1. in the middle of the volunteering service, 2. in the end of the volunteering service balanced accordingly to the final economic report Publicity of the project KEKPA-DIEK will be responsible for all the requirements regarding the visibility of the project and the dissemination and exploitation of its results. KEKPA-DIEK and its partners will have the obligation of a minimal publicity of the project KEKPA-DIEK and its partners must clearly acknowledge the European Union’s support in all communications or publications, in whatever form or whatever medium, including the Internet, or on the occasion of activities for which the grant is used

KEKPA-DIEKs VOLUNTEERING project details

Name of the project WAVES III, We Are Volos EvS III Duration 12 months Number of participants 4 Venue of the volunteering Volos , Greece service Hosting of volunteers In a central flat in the centre of Volos city, fully equipped In KEKPA-DIEKs structures as mentioned in the end of this document, defined BEFORE their arrival and common Volunteering placements agreed with the coordinator of the project (specific WEEKLY TIMETABLE in a specific STRUCTURE according to the participant’s needs and desires) Other provisions for Local bus cards, mobile telephone cards, monthly allowance volunteers for food expenses, etc

2 As used in the previous Erasmus+ projects KEKPA-DIEK provides the 10% of the relevant Organisational Support-Activity costs (of every partner organization) to its partners / supporting / sending organisations for the costs related to the following tasks provided by them: – Support, Preparation, Pre-departure training of participants o This preparation should take place at least one month before departure and should be tailored to the individual needs of the participant and the specificities of the project, the activity and the host country. The supporting Organizational support – organisation (sending organization) in charge of the Activity costs: training is responsible for ensuring that the Info-Kit is 10% allocated to supporting given to all participants involved in its project. organisations (sending o It is essential to provide information on "What to expect partners) from the European Solidarity Corps" (part of the Info-Kit) — as well as on the basics of conflict prevention and crisis management. It must provide participants with practical and technical information on matters such as insurance, visa, pocket money and working hours, etc – Mediation between participants and host organisations – Providing support to participants upon return from the activity This 10% will be calculated on the final agreed and selected budget of this chapter (for Greece: 22 euros per day per participant)

As used in the previous Erasmus+ projects KEKPA-DIEK provides Pocket money every month money allowance (pocket money) to every participant-volunteer (for Greece: 5 euros per day per participant)

As used in the previous Erasmus+ projects KEKPA-DIEK provides Exceptional costs 100% cover for visas expenses, when applicable

As used in the previous Erasmus+ projects KEKPA-DIEK provides Mentoring personal support through mentoring to all participants in volunteering activities

3 Recognition Of Learning As used in the previous Erasmus+ projects KEKPA-DIEK provides Outcomes (Youthpass, etc) recognition tools such as Youthpass and Europass The certificate of participation is a certificate to support the Certificate of participation visibility of the participation in European Solidarity Corps activities. At the end of their solidarity activity, participants are entitled to under European Solidarity receive a certificate of participation, issued (in the European Corps PASS Solidarity Corps portal) compulsorily by the participating organisation providing the activity – Participants in cross-border activities must be in the possession of a European Health Insurance Card before arriving to the host country – Every participant in a cross-border activity must be enrolled in Insurance the insurance scheme of the European Solidarity Corps. The supporting organization (sending organization in cooperation with the applicant organisation), is responsible for the enrolment of the participant(s). Such an agreement has the purpose of clearly defining responsibilities, tasks and financial contribution for all parties involved in the project (applicant, host, supporting & participant). The agreement will be formed and co-signed after selection of the proposal and not upon application time. it should contain at least the following information for participating organisations: – project title and reference of the grant agreement between the Agreements Between applicant participating organisation and the granting Agency; – names and contacts of all the participating organisations Project Partners & With involved in the project; Participants – role and responsibilities of each participating organisation; division of the EU grant; – modalities of payments and budget transfers among participating organisations it should contain at least the following information for participating volunteers: – tasks to be carried out during the activity; – intended learning outcomes – other obligations and rights – General online training: an open access training for the registered candidates and participants selected for an activity provided via the European Solidarity Corps' portal – Online Linguistic support that includes : o a mandatory assessment of language competences (by participants before their activity and at the end of the activity period) and o voluntary online language courses Support to learning – Training And Evaluation Cycle that includes: o pre-departure training provided by supporting organisations (sending organisations) (*see above the field ‘’ Organizational support – Activity costs’’) o on-arrival training organised by National Agencies o mid-term evaluation organised by National Agencies o annual European Solidarity Corps events organised by National Agencies

4 KEKPA-DIEK www.kekpa.gr

Partner Organisation Name PIC 947509290 Legal name ( characters) Municipal Social Enterprise of Social Protection and Solidarity- Municipal Vocational Training Institute Acronym KEKPA-DIEK Address 22-26 Prousis str. Country Greece Region Post Code GR-38446 City , Volos Website www.kekpa.gr Email [email protected] Telephone 1 +3024210 61600 Profile Type of organisation Local public body Is the partner organisation a public yes body? Is your organisation a non-profit? yes Quality Label or Accreditation Accreditation Type Accreditation of the European Voluntary Service (EVS) / Erasmus+ volunteering for coordinating, hosting, sending Accreditation Reference 2017-1-EL02-KA110-003771

KEKPA-DIEK, i.e. the Social Enterprise of Social Protection and Solidarity-Municipal Institute for Vocational Training, of the Municipality of Volos was established in July 2011 (FEK / B / 1316 / 16-06-2011: Resolution (2) 253/2011 ) after the merger of nine (9 ) former municipal enterprises (active since 1995). The main area of its activities focuses on the support of the Municipality of Volos in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of its social policy. KEKPA-DIEK constitutes the main tool for the Municipality of Volos in order to implement its social policy, mainly through projects implemented by KEKPA-DIEK. According to the statutes of its foundation, KEKPA-DIEK is divided into 2 main areas, as indicated by its name: Social Welfare (KEKPA) (www.kekpa.gr ) – 5 Help at home units for the elderly – 4 Centres for infants and children up to their school age – 6 Centres for creative activities of children 6-12 – 2 Centres for creative activities of children with disabilities – 3 Day Care centres for the elderly – 1 Day Care centre for people with disabilities – 2 Romas Support office – 1 Community Centre – 2 Shelters for the Homeless – 5 Social Centres Vocational Training (DIEK) – 1 Municipal Institute for Vocational Training (DIEK) with 2-years post-graduate courses for VET learners (www.diek.gr ) that operates post-secondary school training for adults and offers multiple 2-years training courses in a low cost (Printed and Electronic Media Graphic Artist, Decoration Technician, Costumery & Fashion Design Specialist, Handmade Jewelry Technician, Works of Art Maintenance Technician, Handmade Pottery Technician, Photography Technician, Cooking Art Technician, Reception and Hospitality Manager, Baking and Pastry Making Technician, Networks and Communications Technician, Web designer-developer/ Video games Technician, Accounting Department Officer).

5 KEKPA-DIEK targets towards all residents of Volos city-block, with a special emphasis on those who are living below the limit of poverty, on immigrants, Roma, people with disabilities, the elderly, homeless, and in general people who require a special care and attention. There is a number of structures (funded either primarily by the European Union’s NSRF 2014-20 / National Support Reference Framework or in a minimum degree by the municipality itself) which operate and provide services to meet the needs of the residents of Volos city-block. All KEKPA-DIEKs structures are being co-financed in their majority by EU funds through the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF) 2014-2020 for Greece. Together with these permanent structures, KEKPA-DIEK runs various projects financed by EU programmes or initiatives, such as: Erasmus+ Key Activity 1, Mobility project for VET learners and staff, Erasmus+ Key Activity 1, Mobility project for young people (EVS), etc.. KEKPA-DIEK has a long-term experience in European youth projects of the previous period ‘Youth in Action 2007-13’ (Action 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2 and 3.1.2) and also within the previous Lifelong Learning programme 2007-13 (Grundtvig, Comenius). KEKPA-DIEKs interventions focus on the following: - social, economic and psychological rehabilitation, - vocational integration of disadvantaged individuals and groups, - development of social skills, - vocational and cultural education and development of partnerships. In order to achieve these goals, a number of activities are in place concerning the social and psychological support, the development and training in social and work skills, the support for the integration or reintegration into the working environment. Within the framework of KEKPA-DIEK, a series of structures and services operate that support and reinforce its objectives by providing services that satisfy the needs of the inhabitants of Volos. In the area of EVS projects, KEKPA-DIEK has a long-term experience since 2007 (from one of its merged organization, DOYK-Municipal Organisation of Health and Social Intervention of the Municipality of Volos) and after 2011 as KEKPA-DIEK. Until today, KEKPA- DIEK has hosted 40 volunteers and has sent 2 Greek volunteers. Volunteers find a place within the various structures of the organization, based upon their needs, desires and expectations. KEKPA-DIEKs personnel who deal with the management and application of co-funded by EU projects has a long-term experience in different areas of actions and projects. Concerning EVS projects, the working group that supports every project consists of: 2 persons in an indefinite contract from the Projects-Planning Sector of the organization, 1 person in an indefinite contract and 1 person in a definite contract of EU projects (that is being renewed with the continuance of the projects) from the Social Care Sector (this 2nd person is in charge also with the coordination of Youth and EVS projects), and 1 person in an indefinite contract from the Accounting Sector of the organization (responsible of EVS expenses, budget, etc.). The coordinators and the personnel of the various KEKPA-DIEKs structures’, where volunteers choose to go, have a long-term experience in working with EVS volunteers. Projects-Planning sector of the organization is the one that applies for, monitors, measures with indicators, and ‘’closes’’ all the projects of KEKPA-DIEK by evaluating and file them. And all these within the context of Quality Management (ISO 9001:2008) that the organization applies to all its projects. Finally, in the Youth department of Social Care sector belong EVS coordinator and the mentor per project.

6 KEKPA-DIEK placements for European Solidarity Corps Volunteering Activities European Solidarity Corps Guide

REQUIREMENTS IN TERMS OF DISSEMINATION AND EXPLOITATION KEKPA-DIEK 1 structure for infants up to the age of their school education: Day Nursery of Integrated Care GENERAL QUALITATIVE REQUIREMENTS Applicants for funding under the European Solidarity Corps are required to consider dissemination and exploitation activities at the application stage, during their activity and after the activity has finished. This section gives an overview of the basic requirements laid down for the European Solidarity Corps. Dissemination and exploitation is one of the award criteria on which the application will be assessed. For all project types, reporting on the activities carried out and to share the results inside and outside participating organisations will be The end objective of day nurseries is to support parents of low income who are employed or seeking requested at final stage. for a job by providing a safe place for their infants with free services, such as creative activities, parents counselling, etc Day Nursery of Integrated Care in Volos VISIBILITY OF THE EUROPEAN UNION AND OF THE EUROPEAN SOLIDARITY CORPS Address: 6 Logothetou & Anagnostopoulou, Neapoli, VOLOS. Tel/ Fax: 24210 80008 Beneficiaries shall always use the European emblem (the 'EU flag') and the name of the European Union spelled out in full in all communication and promotional material. The preferred option to communicate about EU funding through the European KEKPA-DIEK 4 structures for children 6-12 years old Solidarity Corps is to write 'Co-funded by the European Solidarity Corps of the European Union' next to the EU emblem. (KDAP: Centres of Creative Activities of Children) Guidelines for beneficiaries, examples of acknowledgement of EU funding and translations of the text are available at: https://ec.europa.eu/youth/solidarity-corps

USE OF THE EUROPEAN SOLIDARITY CORPS PROJECT RESULTS PLATFORM A European Solidarity Corps Project Results Platform is currently under development (and is expected to be launched in

The end objective of KDAP and KDAPMEA is to support parents of low income who are employed or January 2019) with the aim of offering a comprehensive overview of projects funded under the European Solidarity Corps and to highlight good practice examples. The platform is envisaged to also make available outputs which are the result of seeking for a job by providing a safe place for their children during the after school hours. KDAP in the projects funded. particular provide free services for children, such as creative activities for the children, parents counselling, etc The European Solidarity Corps Project Results Platform will serve several different purposes: 1. KDAP in Neapoli 3. KDAP in Ampelokipi Transparency, as it will provide a comprehensive overview of all projects funded under the initiative (including Address: 76 Neapoleos, Neapoli, VOLOS. Tel/ Fax: Address: Nikaias & Zerva, Nea Ionia, VOLOS. Tel/ Fax: project summaries, funding figures, URL links, etc.); 24210 64336 24210 91316 2. KDAP in Prosfygika 4. KDAP Vasdekio Accountability; Address: Christou Louli & Efesou, Nea Ionia, VOLOS. Address: Mytilinis & Chalkidonos, Nea Ionia, VOLOS. Inspiration. Tel/ Fax: 24210 68978 Tel/ Fax: 24210 91113

KEKPA-DIEK 2 structures for children with disabilities (KDAPMEA: Centres of Creative Activities of Children with Disabilities)

The end objective of KDAP and KDAPMEA is to support parents of low income who are employed or seeking for a job by providing a safe place for their children during the after school hours. KDAPMEA in particular provide free specialized services for children with disabilities, such as creative activities, supporting services, etc 1. KDAPMEA in Volos 2. KDAPMEA in Nea Ionia Address: 12 Limnou & Elassonos, Palaia, VOLOS. Tel/ Address: 27 Kesarias, Nea Ionia, VOLOS. Tel/ Fax: Fax: 24210 31860 24210 60802

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KEKPA-DIEK 1 structure of the project Day Care Centre for People with Disabilities (KDIF)

The Centre provides free services of day care and stay for people with disabilities, such as: transfer to and from the Centre by bus, special education according to each one’s needs (occupational therapy, logotherapy, physiotherapy, etc), individual and group exercise, education in self-serving, etc 1. KDIF in Volos Address: 12 Limnou & Elassonos, Palaia, VOLOS. Tel/ Fax: 24210 31860

KEKPA-DIEK 1 structure for the Roma population support

Romas Support Centres promote integrated free services for the roma population in two areas of the city of Volos such as: support for employment, support of children and families, empowerment of women, health education and social care, citizenship rights, social protection. Their ultimate goal is the social inclusion of all Romas and the full exercise of their rights Romas Support Office of Aliveri Address: El.Venizelou (end), Aliveri, Nea Ionia, VOLOS. Tel/ Fax: 24210 85841

NOTE 1 – Other structures for volunteers’ placement: There is possibility for voluntary work in other cooperating structures of KEKPA-DIEK (e.g. City museum of Volos, etc) ONLY after pre-communication and common agreement with the coordinator of the project

NOTE 2 – Weekly timetable of voluntary work: According to the project the weekly voluntary timetable is at least 30 and not more than 38 hours per week from Monday to Friday (i.e. from 6 to 7 hours daily). The schedule will be designed in common with the coordinator of the project

NOTE 3 – Voluntary work placement: The structure, where there will be an agreement for the volunteer to be situated, will be pre-agreed with the coordinator of the project BEFORE the arrival of the volunteer in Greece. There is flexibility for changing this placement during the project, only after agreement with the coordinator of the project

NOTE 4 – Volunteers days off: Each volunteer is entitled to 2 ‘’days-off’’ per month and ONLY after agreement with the coordinator of the project

NOTE 5 – Volunteers training: Volunteers have the possibility to ask for any extra training from other KEKPA-DIEK structures they find interesting, only after pre-agreement with their coordinator and upon the availability – in time – of the relevant structures

8 Volos city (sources: http://www.visitgreece.gr & http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/main_cities/volos & https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volos & : http://dimosvolos.gr/?page_id=249&lang=en )

Volos is in . The city, built near the site of ancient Iolcos, dominates the region of from its position at the foot of Mount overlooking the (Volos is situated 320km N of and 219km S of ) combining the sea with the ’ mountain of Pelion

Volos (Greek: Βόλος) is a coastal port city in Thessaly situated midway on the Greek mainland, about 330 kilometres (205 miles) north of Athens and 220 kilometres (137 miles) south of Thessaloniki. It is the capital of the Magnesia regional unit. Volos is the only outlet to the sea from Thessaly, the country's largest agricultural region. With a population of 144,449 (2011), it is an industrial centre, while its port provides a bridge between Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Volos is the newest of the Greek port , with a large proportion of modern buildings erected following the catastrophic earthquakes of 1955. It includes the municipal units of Volos, Nea Ionia and Iolkos, as well as smaller suburban communities. The economy of the city is based on manufacturing, trade, services and tourism. Home to the , the city also offers facilities for conferences, exhibitions and major sporting, cultural and scientific events. Volos participated in the 2004 Olympic Games, and the city has since played host to other athletic events, such as the European Athletic Championships. Volos hosted the 7th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics from 27 July to 5 August 2013.

Location : Built at the innermost point of the Pagasetic Gulf and at the foot of Mount Pilio (Pelion, the land of the Centaurs). The city spreads in the plain on the foothills of Mount Pelion, bordering the town of to the East and to the South West. Volos' municipality includes both towns, along with many nearby villages, including and . Volos is the a major commercial port of mainland Greece in the (after and Thessaloniki), with connection by ferry and hydrofoil to the nearby Islands, which include , and Alonissos. There are also connections to Limnos, Lesvos, and .

History • Antiquity: Modern Volos is built on the area of the ancient cities of , and Iolcos. Demetrias was established by Demetrius Poliorcetes, King of Macedon. Iolkos, Iolcos or , was the homeland of mythological hero , who boarded the ship accompanied by the and sailed in quest of the to . To the west of Volos lie the settlements of , with a ruined , walls, and two beehive tombs dating to between 4000-1200 BC, , with

9 the remains of the oldest acropolis in Greece (6000 BC), and also the foundations of a palace and mansions [clarification needed], among its most characteristic examples of Neolithic civilisation. • Byzantine era: During the course of the 8th century, mainland Greece was subjected to numerous Bulgarian raids. At the end of the century, a large scale Bulgarian military expedition headed by the chieftain Akamir was launched from Belasica. The Bulgarians plundered Thessalia, from their encampment which was located between modern day Volos and . The Byzantines called those Bulgarians Velegizitas or Vielesti. Volos, Velestino, Zagora and many other placenames in Magnesia originate from that period and are of Slavic origin. The first reference to Golos (Greek: "Γόλος") comes from a Byzantine document dated to 1333, while Volos appears to be a later corruption of the term. Golos either originated from the Slavic word Golos, which means seat of administration. Or from Gol which means bald, naked, as the area has sparse vegetation. Two alternative theories allude to a Greek origin through the words βολή (throw), as fishermen threw their nets into the sea from that area, and βώλος (piece of land). In the 14 century Volos came under the control of Serbia, subsequent conquest by the and the Catalans led to a big drop in the local population. • Ottoman era: The city marked a Southern border of Vilayet-i Rumeli-i Şarki in the , known then as "Golos". Since the early stages of the Greek Revolution, the provisional government of Greece claimed Volos as part of Greek national territory, but the Treaty of Constantinople (1832), which established a Greek independent state, set its northern boundary between Arta and Volos. • Modern Volos: Volos is a relatively new city, beginning its strongest growth in the mid- 19th century. The locality of its castle was previously known as Golos by Ottomans and locals, while Ano Volos was known as Gkolos. It was a kaza centre in Sanjak of Tirhala, which was part of Jannina Vilayet before cession to Greece. After its incorporation into the Greek Kingdom from the Ottoman Empire in 1881, the town had a population of only 4,900, but grew rapidly in the next four decades as merchants, businessmen, craftsmen and sailors gravitated toward it from the surrounding area. In the 1920s a large influx of refugees to the settlement took place, especially from Ionia, but also from , and Eastern . In 1882, established the Privileged Bank of and Thessaly, which the National acquired in 1899 after its founder's death. Volos was occupied by Ottomans on 8 May 1897, during the Greco Turkish War. The city had a vibrant Jewish community in the early 20th century: from ca. 500 in 1896, it rose to ca. 2,000 in 1930, before falling drastically to 882 members in 1940, because of emigration to the great cities of Thessaloniki and Athens or abroad. During the Axis occupation of Greece, the prompt actions of the local chief rabbi, Moshe Pessach, and the Greek authorities, saved about 700 of the local Jewish community from deportation to the Nazi death camps. Volos is also well known for its assortment of mezedes and a clear, alcoholic beverage known as .

10 Administration: The new municipality Volos was formed at the 2011 local government reform by the merger of the following 9 former , that became municipal units: 1. Agria 2. 3. Artemida 4. Iolcos 5. Makrinitsa 6. Nea Anchialos 7. Nea Ionia 8. Portaria 9. Volos The municipality has an area of 385.614 km2, the municipal unit 27.678 km2.[8]

Geography: Volos is the administrative centre of the Magnesia regional unit. Many of the city domains are separated through natural barricades, such as rivers. Three main rivers/mountain torrents all rise from mount Pelion (with its peak at 1,610 metres (5,280 feet)), crossing the city to create a unique urban geography, before ending in the Pagasetic Gulf flowing west. The river, famous for Jason's pass, divides the Nea Demetriada district from the rest of the urban area. Krausidonas is the major river passing through the city, and constitutes the natural lung of the urbanized area of Volos, as well as the boundary between the major municipalities of the metropolitan city, the municipalities of Volos and Nea Ionia. Xirias (Ξηριάς), is the largest torrent of the metropolitan urban area of Volos, and passes through the Nea Ionia municipal area.

Climate: Volos, having a Mediterranean climate, typically experiences neither particularly high nor extremely low temperatures throughout the year. Its climate is one of a low humidity, favourable for all kinds of activities. The Pelion mountain, with its own microclimate, affects the city's weather.

Education: University of Thessaly has its central administration and 12 departments in Volos. There are also 56 kindergartens, 51 primary schools, 18 junior high schools and 13 senior high schools.

Economy: Volos is one of the most industrialized provincial cities of Greece, because of its strategic location between the largest population centers of the country (Athens - Thessaloníki) and its port. Industry is intensely specialized in steel production and manufacturing. Three major steel producers (METKA, SIDENOR and Hellenic Steel Industry (Ελληνική Χαλυβουργία)) have production facilities in the industrial areas of Volos and nearby . AGET - Hraklis, a member of the Lafarge group, operates one of the largest cement facilities in the world (with capacity exceeding 7,000,000 tn) with its own private port, next to the city. Volos is also active in the research sector, hosting the CERETETH.

Port: Volos has the 3rd largest port in Greece (after Piraeus and Thessaloniki). Ferries and flying dolphins operate daily to Sporades. There is also significant traffic of cargo ships carrying agricultural and industrial products. In the past there was connection with in . 11

Transport: All land transport reaches Volos, while the International Airport of Central Greece in Nea Anchialos links the city to international destinations, and the Port of Volos provides links to the islands, mostly the Sporades, as well as to some destinations in Pilio. • Motorways: Volos is linked through Greece's E75 Highway Axis (most often known as PATHE) with Northern and Southern Greece. Beyond this, the Axis E65 will be the gateway to and the port of , through the plains of inner Thessaly; this part of the E65 motorway will be completed by 2012. • Airport: The city of Volos, along with the rest of Central Greece, is linked to the rest of Greece and Europe by the Nea Anchialos National Airport. The airport has the second longest commercial runway in Greece after Eleftherios Venizelos. Volos is the first city in Europe to feature Seaplane Services[citation needed] through Argo Airways, which is based in Volos. The seaplanes connect Volos with Skiathos, Skopelos, Allonisos, Athens and Thessaloniki. • Railway: Volos' railway station building was designed by Evaristo De Chirico soon after the liberation of Central Greece. Part of the station still functions in this picturesque 1884 structure, reminiscent of a stately home to some. The adjacent neoclassical building, built between 1900 and 1903 under Evaristo De Chirico, served as the administrative headquarters of the Thessaly Railways. Today, the city is served by direct lines to the rest of Greece, and the railway complex houses facilities for train maintenance. Volos is directly linked with Athens once per day, with Thessaloniki twice per day, and with 15 times a day. In the past Volos was served by railway lines of three different gauges, the metre gauge line of Thessaly Railways to Kalampaka, the standard gauge line to Larissa and the 600 mm (1 ft 11 5⁄8 in) gauge line to Pelion. Remnants of triple gauge lines still exist near the station.

Thessaloniki

Volos

Athens

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