ESC: Modern Odyssey

Roes Cooperativa is a social cooperative enterprise of the ‘20s created by professional trainers, social workers, project managers and informal groups aiming to create an alliance that hosts innovative, experiential and non-formal education approaches. The company is registered at the Social Solidarity Economy (SSE) database of Greece (000165603011), supported by DOCK - Support Structure of the SSE and selected for funding from NSRF (National Strategic Reference Framework aka ESPA). Roi in Greek stands for stream. Roes are the streams that even though they were working separately, (in parallel and together on different occasions since 2013), they decided tο come together and create a river that blends theιr different approaches in a holistic learning experience. Roes Cooperativa was created with the need to bring innovation in non-formal learning by using more than 60 years of experience of its members to achieve its mission. Their Vision is to create an open world where everyone has learning opportunities to develop and grow. Their Goal is to redefine experiential learning by offering fresh and professional educational programs through customized methods and approaches. Values: Meraki, Cooperation, Sustainability, Effectivity, Creativity. Objectives: • Introduce innovative experiential learning approaches (streams) to a wider audience • Adjust and offer handpicked streams from abroad to the Greek educational ecosystem • Connect learning from different sectors of methods • Connect successful approaches from the business world with the non-profit sector • Connect organisations with other organisations and exchange innovations. • Connect individuals with a big spectrum of learning approaches • Connect individuals with organisations on the basis of their educational interest or goal • Improve the quality of trainership by supporting trainers’ development • Equip people with self-empowering concepts and methods to bring personal accountability All of their activities are based on 4 pillars: • Personal Growth. Creating learning activities from different spectrum of methods (Streams) and work-forms that are allowing the development of personal fulfilment, interpersonal skills, well-being and healthy lifestyle. • Professional Development. Equipping through learning activities from interdisciplinary sectors skills that enhance: Entrepreneurship skills, employability skills, teamwork and communication skills and experiences. • Social Inclusion. Ensuring that the learning streams stimulate an inclusive and solidarity society open to everyone working beyond gender, social, racial, health, political, or religious boxes. • Sustainability. Providing a holistic idea to protect the environment, the economy and the people around. The list of the Streams (Methods) they offer are: Gamification, STEAM, Crafting, Environment, Outdoors, Challenge by Choice, Embodiment, Hands-on, Visual media, Arts, New Technologies, Coaching & Basic Synergy. Within the above-mentioned streams, they develop learning experiences for their beneficiaries such as: training programmes, internship placements, workshops, volunteering opportunities & other learning projects. HR: Roes Cooperativa consists of a 7-people multidisciplinary team of co-founders. Apart from the experience and the network, they bring with them a big community of learners involved in their programmes that support Roes as volunteers depending on the project and the availability. Specifically, Roes Cooperativa has: • 4 employees: 3 cooperatives and 1 external. • 4 cooperatives offer contract-based services. • an advisory board consisted by 3 successful entrepreneurs in the field of education • a pool of professionals and experts that support externally and ad hoc the operations (eg. lawyer, graphic designer, digital marketing expert, nutritionist, health & safety professional and others) • a community team of 17 young people consisting of the core team that supports the operations or develop ad hoc projects and events. • an online and offline community consisted of 200+ people that are directly connected with Roes Cooperativa through past learning programmes. • an online community of 1700+ members interested in non-formal learning, volunteering opportunities and skills development. Network: As a cooperative enterprise amongst other values, they focus naturally on the “Cooperation Among Cooperatives, Nonprofits and in general third sector entities”. Co-ops share best practices and lessons learned with others and create local networks, regional and national, and international synergies. Roes Cooperativa has already established a vast network of local, regional, national and international stakeholders, partners and associates.