Empowering Women Through Coffee. Creating Futures.
Refugee Woman Academy is a professional training and employment initiative that equips refugee women with internationally recognized barista skills, certification and access to meaningful career opportunities.
About the Programme
The Refugee Women Academy is a joint initiative by Piraeus Bank and UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, in Greece,implemented within the framework of Piraeus’ Corporate Responsibility EQUALL, focusing on gender equality and inclusion.
In collaboration with IWCA Greece (International Women’s Coffee Alliance), the programme delivers specialized training in the Barista/Coffee Expert field, supporting refugee women in building sustainable careers in the hospitality industry.
IWCA Greece, part of a global network supporting women in coffee, combines industry expertise with a strong commitment to empowerment, creating pathways to sustainable careers.
Our Mission
We aim to:- Empower refugee women through professional education
- Promote social inclusion and economic independence
- Provide real pathways to employment
- Support diversity in the coffee and hospitality sector
Why Coffee
Coffee is more than a beverage – it is a global culture.- Over 2.5 billion cups are consumed daily
- Coffee professionals are in demand worldwide
- Barista skills are transferable across countries and industries
coffee into something meaningful.
The Programme
Certified Barista / Coffee Expert Training
This intensive programme, on an annual basis, trains and certifies 20 women as professional baristas,
combining theory, hands-on experience, and career support. The programme is implemented in 2 cycles. Each cycle allows for 10 participants.
- Gain technical and practical coffee skills
- Earn an internationally recognized SCA (Specialty Coffee Association) certification
- Receive job placement support through IWCA’s partner network
All training, certification, and employment services are offered free of charge.
Course Details
- Language: English
- Duration: 35 hours – 5 days per 7 hours
- Venue: TBA
- Submissions:
- Οpen from 30th of April 2026 18:00pm until the 8th of May 2026 18.00pm.
Course Modules
Day 1
Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Barista Skills Foundation theory material
Day 2
Green coffee & Coffee varieties Harvesting & Processing Roasting & Blending Packaging & Freshness Workspace Management / Workflow / Safety and Hygiene guidelines / Grinder & Espresso machine components
Day 3
Grinder Calibration Barista Routine Espresso Extraction Milk Foaming Espresso machine cleaning
Day 4
Coffee Menu Practice Cappucino/Cafe Latte/Flat White/Americano Espresso Freddo/ Capuccino Freddo Filter coffee/ Frappe/ Greek coffee
Day 5
Tea / Hot Chocolate / Customer Service / Coffee Menu preparation practice / Coffee pairing tips / SCA Barista Skills Foundation course assessment
Career Opportunities
Graduates will be prepared for roles such as:
- Barista / Coffee Expert
- Barista in Hotels
- Coffee shop employee
- Service
Impact
This programme is more than training – it is a pathway to independence
- Skills that travel across borders
- Access to the job market
- Confidence and community
- A new professional identity
