Summary:
The timeless phenomenon of homelessness seems to haunt modern societies, especially those which have been or are still affected by the recent economic crisis. Homelessness, like all phenomena of poverty and social exclusion, is characterized as disparate, dynamic and complex. The causes that could lead individuals to homelessness are various and diverse, the living conditions on the road are harsh and painful, and more often than not state policy is inadequate. Thus, civil society actors and private initiatives are called upon to support this vulnerable population group.
On the other hand, New Technologies and the Media constitute an integral part of an individual’s daily life - both at professional and personal levels - to the point that children of today are characterized as 'digital natives'.Therefore, it is necessary not only to adopt technological tools as educational tools, but also to educate children as a whole in order to be critical of them and make appropriate use of them.
In view of the above, a more in-depth study of the phenomenon of homelessness as well as of audiovisual education should be considered.
Starting with a theoretical approach to the concept of social exclusion, homelessness terminology, international and domestic data, and the causes and significance of the social environment, social policy and response stages are studied through examples of European countries as well as the Greek strategies for tackling homelessness - state care, civil society, actors.
Then, the concept of audiovisual education is studied, providing clarification of the term, its importance and its benefits in integrating education, the pedagogical approaches and some of its applications in Greece and in other European countries.
Thereinafter is the presentation of the audiovisual composition which accompanies this thesis entitled "Homeless in Athens", as well as a didactic exploitation of it in an educational program entitled "From the ego to us and the magic together", which is addressed to students in the 6th grade of elementary school, but could be equally effective in other classes, too. Finally, after a critical evaluation, the work is completed with the bibliography and its annexes.
Keywords:
homeless, homeless in Athens, homelessness, homelessness support services, audiovisual education, digital literacy, audiovisual material in education, educational program, social awareness at school, social and political education in the 6th grade of elementary school
