INSP launches ‘the Greek Big Issue’ in Athens
The International Network of Street Papers has added a new title to its roster of over 120 publications, entitled Shedia or ‘Raft’.
The paper will be sold in Athens by homeless and unemployed people living in poverty, with citizens of the recession-struck Greek capital already embracing what they call their own ‘Greek Big Issue’.
The title aims to be a ‘journalistic magazine with clear social characteristics and independent writing’. Vendors buy the magazine for € 1.50 and sell it to the public for € 3, keeping the proceeds. The magazine will come out on the last Wednesday of every month.
When new vendors sign up, they receive an official vest and name badge, as well as ten free copies.
Ahead of the launch on February 27, Shedia has recruited over 70 vendors and expects to sign up more once it hits the streets.
Chris Alefantis, founder of Shedia said: “It has been a long and difficult journey for all of us in Greece. It still is. Following years of preparations, the country's only street paper is about to be launched. Fighting poverty and social exclusion is at the forefront of our campaign, particularly considering the desperate economic hardship that Greece and its people are currently faced with.”
“INSP’s support has been invaluable to us. Being able to draw from the network's knowledge and experience has truly helped in us preparing as well as possible for the challenges we have faced so far and for the challenges that lie ahead.”
Lisa Maclean, INSP executive director added: “One of INSP’s important functions is to help support the development of new street papers. The launch of Shedia is a significant development in our international street paper network as it will offer crucial employment and support to some of Greece’s most vulnerable people- many of whom have fallen on hard times through no fault of their own.”
“We look forward to working closely with Shedia in the coming months and providing support to them and their vendors where we can.”