Category: Greece

The Impact of the Kapa3 Internship Programme: 30 Young Professionals in Our First 5 Years of Operation

The Impact of the Kapa3 Internship Programme: 30 Young Professionals in Our First 5 Years of Operation

In the five years since our establishment, thirty young people have had the opportunity to learn and grow through the Kapa3 Internship Programme.

International scientific literature highlights that internships are far more than a first work experience. They serve as a fundamental mechanism of experiential learning, enabling students to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world professional contexts.

Through their involvement in a civil society organisation like Kapa3, interns developed reflective and critical thinking skills—core elements of modern professional education. By engaging with real needs and challenges, students strengthened their professional identity and gained a deeper understanding of their role as future practitioners in health and social services. In many cases, the internship at Kapa3 played a significant role in supporting their transition from university to the labour market, enhancing their confidence, social skills, and clarity of professional direction.

Furthermore, the structured field experiences offered opportunities to build professional networks, a key factor in long-term career development.

At Kapa3, the value of internships is evident across all aspects of our work. We strive to create an environment where students can deepen their academic knowledge, apply their skills to real cases, and map out the next steps of their careers with realism and self-awareness.

The result is a community of young professionals who are both socially conscious and scientifically equipped to contribute meaningfully to health and social care. We are proud to be at the forefront of education and warmly thank our partner universities for their trust and collaboration.

 

This Year’s Good-Luck Charm (2026): A Symbol of Self-Care

The Good Luck Charm of the Year (2026) for Kapa3: The Crown

A Symbol of Self-Care

This year’s good luck charm is dedicated to self-care — a small, daily reminder of the deep importance of tending to ourselves with gentleness, respect, and consistency.
In a time when everyday life becomes increasingly demanding, this charm reminds us that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity.

It symbolizes all those small acts that keep us standing: the pause, the breath, the moment of rest; the warm embrace we offer ourselves. The choice to listen to our bodies, to acknowledge our limits, and to prioritize our health, joy, and inner balance.

And it is precisely this “pause” that led us to our good-luck charm for 2026: the Crown — a symbol that carries far more than what meets the eye.

In music, the crown (fermata) is the pause held by the performer —
the moment of emphasis before the melody continues.
So it is with every struggle: it requires breaths, pauses, small breaks — not to stop, but to continue.

A crown is also a circle. And a circle means you are not alone; around you are people, care, support — a circle that holds you.

If there were a title of honor for those who fight cancer, it would be a crown. Not as a symbol of power, but as a recognition of dignity.

Cancer can sometimes feel like a thorny wreath — heavy, painful, relentless.
And yet, depending on how we choose to face it, it can transform into a wreath of victory: the victory of persistence, endurance, return — and above all, the victory of effort.

Because behind every crown lies a story: of a parent, a friend, a child, a partner, someone who is fighting or supporting someone who fights.

That is why the crown is not just a piece of jewelry — it is a message of strength:

It is not what happens to us that defines us —
but how we choose to face it.

It reminds us that when we care for ourselves, we can truly care for others. That strength, well-being, and kindness begin within us.

May this year’s charm be a small talisman accompanying us each day, inspiring us to make space for what nourishes us, to embrace our vulnerability, and to celebrate our worth.

For a year filled with more care, more peace, and more love — beginning with ourselves.

Let’s fill our days with small acts that make a difference.
Let’s uplift one another.
Let’s turn self-care into a habit.

And for all of us at Kapa3, the invitation is simple: To weave self-care into our everyday lives.

Join the #kapa3gouri Self-Care Challenge

Inspired by this year’s charm — dedicated to self-care — we invite you to join the #kapa3gouri Self-Care Challenge, a collective action that brings us together through moments of care, calm, and mindfulness.

How the challenge works:

  1. Take one small self-care action during your day.
    It can be something simple: a walk, a breathing break, a warm cup of tea, a few minutes away from screens, journaling your thoughts, a hug you needed.

  2. Capture a photo or write a few words that reflect that moment.

  3. Share it on Instagram or Facebook using the hashtag #kapa3gouri.

  4. Tag two friends to keep the chain of self-care going.

Our goal is not the “perfect” image — but the daily reminder that we deserve time, space, and care. Each post becomes a small mosaic of tenderness toward ourselves.
A collective message that wellbeing begins within.

For 2026, choose the Crown — as a symbol of hope, strength, and dignity.
Wear it. Offer it. Share its power.

Thank you for being part of this journey.


The Kapa3 Team

 

 

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women – 25 November

November 25 is recognized as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a day that reminds us that gender-based violence remains a serious and persistent social problem. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness, promote prevention, support survivors, and foster a society where equality and respect are fundamental values.

According to the latest UN data, approximately one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence in her lifetime. In Greece, official statistics indicate that a significant proportion of women have experienced domestic violence, and reports remain high. Economic crises and the pandemic have further increased social pressures, contributing to a rise in incidents.

Violence against women is not limited to physical or sexual abuse. It also includes psychological, economic, and social forms of violence, which are often invisible but leave deep and long-lasting effects on women’s health, self-esteem, and daily lives. Prevention, early recognition, and systematic support for survivors are critical.

Gender-based violence does not discriminate. It affects women of all ages and social groups, including trans women, who often face additional barriers in accessing safety, care, and support.

Research shows a bidirectional link between violence against women and cancer. Violence can increase cancer risk through chronic stress, unhealthy behaviors, or delays in preventive screenings. At the same time, a cancer diagnosis can make a woman more vulnerable to abuse, as she may rely on the perpetrator for daily needs, transportation, medication, or financial support. In some cases, the disease itself can be used as a tool for psychological pressure or control.

No woman should live in fear. It is essential for every woman to know that she is not at fault and does not need to face violence alone. Help is available — from support lines, shelters, and specialized centers, to people in her close environment who can offer guidance. If we perceive that a woman around us is at risk, we have a responsibility to speak up, stand by her, and encourage her to seek help. Silence perpetuates the cycle of violence; our voice can break it.

If you or a woman nearby needs immediate help, SOS Line 15900 operates 24/7 with trained professionals and can guide you to urgent services or safe shelters. For immediate intervention, call 100 (or send an SMS with your name, address, and brief description). Additionally, Counseling Centers and Shelters across Greece offer free psychosocial and legal support.

At Kapa3, we deeply believe that every woman deserves to feel safe, respected, and empowered. We support prevention, awareness, and empowerment initiatives, encouraging every woman to take the first step toward protection. Change begins when no one is left alone. Every conversation, every act of solidarity, contributes to building a society free from violence.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women reminds us that change requires awareness, education, and collective action. Violence is not a private matter — it is a social issue that needs everyone’s involvement, so that no woman fears seeking help.

Sources:

United Nations

European Institute for Gender Equality – Violence Against Women

World Health Organization

Violence against women increases cancer diagnoses: Results from a meta-analytic review

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

Free and Reduced Transportation for People with Disabilities and Large Families – What Changes in 2025

The Greek state is implementing significant changes regarding transportation for people with disabilities and large families in 2025. The new regulations simplify procedures, expand rights, and make public transport more accessible for all eligible individuals.

People with Disabilities (PwD)
Who is eligible:
Eligible individuals include people with disabilities with a disability rate of 67% or higher, or those receiving disability benefits from OPEKA. Totally blind individuals and holders of a digital Disability Card marked with levels II or III are exempt from income limits.

What changes:

  • Residency criteria are removed.
  • The right to free or reduced transportation now extends to one accompanying person, if needed.
  • Using the Disability Card for OASA, OSETH, KTEL, and Thessaloniki Metro is now simple with electronic or personalized card validation, without additional documents.

Practical use:

  • Free travel on OASA, OSETH, urban KTEL, and the municipalities of Kos and Rhodes.
  • 50% discount on intercity KTEL routes.
  • Thessaloniki Metro requires topping up the ThessCard with zero fare.
  • Accompanying persons can travel without separate validation when accompanying the eligible individual.

Large Families
Who is eligible:
Eligible individuals are large families and their members, according to existing legislation protecting large families.

What changes:

  • Travel with OASA, OSETH, and KTEL becomes more flexible.
  • Free or discounted tickets are supported depending on the policy of each transport service.

Practical use:

  • Simple procedure for issuing travel passes through Citizens’ Service Centers (KEP) and relevant regional authorities.
  • Tickets are valid for urban and intercity transport services.

These new regulations simplify the daily lives of people with disabilities and large families, reduce bureaucracy, and make access to all public transport easier.

See the Official Government Gazette (FEK) here

Read more about citizens’ rights here

Read more about the Disability Card here 

Text/Adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3

 

October 25 – World Breast Cancer Awareness Day

October 25 has been established as World Breast Cancer Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness, promoting prevention, and supporting people living with this disease. Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide, affecting approximately 2.3 million women each year, with 670,000 deaths, while in Greece around 6,000 new cases are diagnosed annually (Source: Globocan 2025). These are not just numbers—they are mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends who deserve hope and dignity.

Survival chances depend on access to early detection and effective treatment: in high-income countries, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%, while in countries such as India it is 66% and in South Africa only 40%. These inequalities highlight the urgent need for coordinated international action, as incidence and mortality are projected to rise by 40% by 2050 if current trends continue.

Breat scancer does not affect only women—around 1% of diagnoses occur in men, a fact often overlooked. Awareness and education must be inclusive so that no one is left unprotected.

The WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative, established in 2021, works with countries to reduce breast cancer mortality by strengthening health systems and facilitating access to diagnosis and treatment.

At the same time, psychosocial support for patients and their families is crucial, as a diagnosis affects all aspects of life, from work to daily routines and mental well-being.

International Breast Cancer Awareness Day also calls on communities, health organizations, and authorities to collaborate to improve access to screening and treatment services. Raising awareness about risk factors—such as genetics, age, and lifestyle—and promoting healthy habits helps prevent the disease and reduce health inequalities.

Every individual can contribute: schedule a mammogram, remind friends to do the same, support nonprofit organizations, or participate in awareness activities. Even small gestures, like wearing a pink ribbon or sharing reliable information on social media, make a difference.

At Kapa3, we believe that every woman and person living with cancer deserves support, knowledge, and access to high-quality treatments. Through initiatives in awareness, social support, and empowerment, our goal is to build a society where no life is endangered by lack of information, resources, or care, and wher

e hope and solidarity become powerful allies in the fight against the disease.

Read more on breast cancer:

https://www.kapa3.gr/en/raising-the-standards-europe-s-qa-scheme-for-breast-cancer-services/

Understanding Breast Cancer Risk Factors: What You Can and Can’t Change

October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Sources: https://gco.iarc.fr/en

https://www.who.int/initiatives/global-breast-cancer-initiative

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer

Text/adaptation: Ifiyenia Anastasiou for Kapa3