A groundbreaking initiative is underway in the Peloponnese, where Greece’s first-ever village for children with disabilities (ΑμεΑ) is set to be established. This pioneering project—spearheaded by actress and author Nena Chronopoulou and former international footballer Tasos Mitropoulos—is a life-long dream of the 4amea Support and Social Network, which they co-founded in 2020.
The village aims to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children with disabilities whose parents can no longer care for them—a pressing concern for many families across Greece.
Chronopoulou, who stepped away from her career to care for her now 20-year-old son Christos, who is disabled, spoke to eleftheriaonline.gr about the shared vision she and her husband have with other parents: to create a sustainable "second family" for their children.
A Vision of Dignity, Inclusion, and Security
The project, named “Second Family 4amea”, is designed as a model village that will serve as a second home for young adults with disabilities. It aims to break new ground in the way long-term care is provided in Greece by focusing not only on support but on connection, choice, and emotional well-being.
Unlike traditional care facilities, the idea is to gradually build relationships among the children before they move in together. A special adaptation space will allow for joint activities, visits with parents, and supervised socialization. This way, natural bonds can form, making cohabitation smoother and more meaningful.
“Children need to become family before they move into the village,” said Chronopoulou. “The decision of who they live with should be theirs—not chosen for them.”
A Fully Functional Community
The village will be divided into homes according to the nature of each resident’s disability. It will also feature interactive learning spaces, including mock grocery stores, butcher shops, salons, and working farms, allowing residents to develop real-life skills and gain a sense of independence. There will even be traffic lights to teach road safety.
The target age group is 18 and older, with priority given to members of 4amea who have gone through the preliminary adaptation process. The village will also welcome parents for short stays, so they can support their children’s transition.
The entire project is still in the planning phase, with construction estimated to take about five years. Discussions are ongoing with investors, and full financial transparency is a central principle. Donors will manage the funding directly, while Chronopoulou and Mitropoulos will oversee the resident matching process to ensure compatibility and harmony.
A Call for Systemic Change
Beyond the village itself, Chronopoulou is also advocating for better support for parents of children with disabilities, citing the high costs of medical care, therapies, and equipment. Many families are forced to survive on one income. One key proposal is the early retirement of one or both parents once a child’s disability is officially recognized.
A petition supporting this initiative has already gathered over 14,000 signatures, and 4amea plans to present a formal proposal to Greek and European lawmakers in the near future.
“Disability is a blessing—it makes us better human beings,” Chronopoulou emphasized, adding that the village will also be open to anyone who wants to learn more about disability and inclusion.
She stressed the importance of supporting parents emotionally and financially, especially as they face the painful but inevitable moment of separation. “Yes, parting will be hard,” she admitted, “but knowing our children are safe and cared for will bring comfort and peace.”
Finally, when asked whether similar villages could be created elsewhere, she said that 4amea is open to partnerships with other parents and entrepreneurs across Greece to expand the idea.
In the video below, Nena Chronopoulou discusses the initiative and the broader challenges faced by children with disabilities on the talk show Buongiorno.
