Project Armonia was originally established on the Aegean island of Samos to respond to an emergency need for food. As a result, we worked with the displaced community of the island to set up a free-restaurant to provide vitally needed nutrition and a taste of home in a foreign place. The project provided a sense of community, and opportunities for practical skills development, alongside much-needed nutritional support for the most vulnerable people on the island.

Due to the shifting situations, needs and location of the displaced community, in 2022 we relocated our operations to Athens. In November 2022, we began distributing nutritious, tasty meals throughout the various areas of Athens, to both a large homeless population and the displaced community. At the same time, we developed a structured educational programme for people to access the culinary industry. In October 2023, we launched our first Cooking Training Programme and began working with dedicated, passionate students.

Through our different programmes, we address the basic needs of people affected by displacement and marginilisation whilst simultaneously facilitating autonomy and creating opportunities for skills development and participation in the community.

Firstly, we act in solidarity with people who have limited or no access to food. In our professional kitchen (licence no. 1263267) we cook meals for displaced and homeless fellow-citizens of Athens. We prepare up to 4000 meals per month, which we distribute onsite and from other locations in collaboration with partner organisations. 

In parallel, our Cooking Training Programmes offers free education for those who cannot afford fees to enter the culinary industry. Graduates are trained as Commis Chef Cs and certified by ACTA- a Spin-off of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Following graduation, we work with organisations for participants to develop their CVs and for job-linking opportunities. Additionally, we offer cooking workshops for unaccompanied minors to develop nutritional knowledge, learn the basics of cooking and hopefully spark their enthusiasm for cooking.

Over the years more than 229 people have been a part of the Project Armonia family and contributed to our work supporting people to access their basic human rights.

We have come together across 39 nationalities – spanning five continents – in support of our collective mission. 

At Project Armonia we believe that united in collective action through the power of food we can build stronger more harmonious communities and ensure that the basic human rights of all are met and protected.