For the 5th consecutive year, the Social Inclusion Observatory is conducting field research in the municipalities of the South Aegean Region, this year focusing on young people. In addition to poverty and social exclusion, the main thematic areas also include employment and mental health. In this context, field research was carried out in the Municipality of Rhodes on Tuesday, 23/09/2025, Wednesday, 08/10/2025, Thursday, 09/10/2025, and Friday, 10/10/2025, in collaboration with the Municipality’s Community Center.
On September 23rd, an interview was conducted by Ms. Kyritsi Kyriaki and Ms. Tasiopoulou Dimitra with Mr. Vasilis Nikolis, President of the Rhodes Blood Donors Association “Agios Efrem”, and Ms. Maria Kritikou, President of the Rhodes Cancer Patients Association “Together, with Strength for Life”. During the discussion, the shortcomings of the General Hospital of Rhodes were highlighted, as well as the urgent need for resources so that the above associations can continue to fulfill the mission for which they were established.
In collaboration with the Municipality’s Community Center, a field survey was subsequently carried out with the participation of researcher Ms. Dimitra Tasiopoulou and Ms. Georgia Anthoula. They conducted interviews with citizens up to 40 years old who live in the Municipality of Rhodes and are supported by the Community Center through the provision of various allowances.
The interviewees reported the absence of extreme poverty phenomena on the island (specifically within the referenced age group), while at the same time, housing emerged as a major issue. The severity of the problem is largely attributed to the island’s touristic nature. In addition, meetings were held with two staff members of the Community Center of the Municipality of Rhodes: Ms. Anna Dimitriou, a staff member working at the Roma Branch, and Mr. Antonis Yasiranis, Social Worker and Coordinator of the Community Center. These meetings documented the work they carry out as part of their responsibilities, the areas in need of improvement, as well as their own proposals regarding the structure’s operation and effectiveness.
We would like to warmly thank the staff of the Community Center of the Municipality of Rhodes, as well as the aforementioned Associations, for their hospitality, participation, and support of our work.
(Text and photos:Dimitra Tasiopoulou)
