On Monday, April 3, the newly expanded and renovated YouthLab Xanthi officially opened its doors. This new American Corner will help Thracian youth and young professionals in the wider region learn job skills for today’s knowledge-based, global economy so that they can productively contribute to Greece’s skilled workforce and economic development. Using state-of-the-art, interactive technology, the talented YouthLab personnel will lead exciting and innovative programs for visitors. The U.S. EMBASSY ATHENS-led redesign and renovation is part of our broader commitment to promoting #STEM education for young people in Greece. The Embassy collaborated with our partners eduACT, FIRST LEGO League Greece, Democritus University (Δημοκρίτειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θράκης), and the City of Xanthi on the extensive renovation.
Ambassador Pyatt appeared at the event via Skype, utilizing the new e-communication tools available in the space. He expressed his hope that “visitors will be inspired by American innovation and ingenuity and build upon what they learn – to innovate, to advance their goals, to build bright futures, and to help Greece surpass the challenges of the current economic crisis… These American Spaces link our two countries, making our people-to-people connections even stronger.”
Consul General Rebecca Fong of U.S. Consulate General Thessaloniki participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony and took a look at some of the great programs that are already underway in the new space.