Education Greece Project #32820

Empower Athens' Displaced people through community

by We Need Books

Project Report | May 15, 2024
New programs and partnerships

By Margarita Sianou | Margarita Sianou International Relations & Donor

Hello dear friend,

We hope that you and your loved ones are well.

Although our hearts are heavy with sadness following the devastating events in Gaza, our mission continues. Our mission continues and we wouldn't be able to do it without your support.

Since we last spoke, the Library was crazy busy with work - cataloguing, enriching our book collection, increasing our membership and continuing with learning workshops and creative activities for children and adults. We are singling-out two activities that although demanded a lot of time and energy were quite rewarding and we are very proud that our Library was able to deliver them. The first activity, April 20-28, was to organize a Climate Week with activities that included book selections for kids and adults; guided meditation; free creative workshop for kids aged 6 to 9; exhibition of HUMANE CLIMATE project: interactive tour and activities, artwork by the students of Athens 30th primary school.

The second activity was organized in collaboration with the Health Promotion team of MSFCH-IEC and offered a certificate-level educational program and sessions on: Sexual and Gender Based Violence.

SGBV (sexual and gender based violence) was a 4 session of one and one-half hour each educational program attended by teenagers from our community, boys and girls, who frequently use our Library. The topics covered in the sessions were delivered with cultural sensitivity and included:

Sexual violence and consent
Stigma
Sex and gender. Gender norms
Sexuality and sexual and reproductive health rights.
Sexual organs and sexual hygiene
Sexually transmitted infections and contraceptive methods

The sessions were well attended, the participants were satisfied with what they learned, and we were very proud to be able to offer this service to the young members of our community.

Margarita Sianou

International Relations & Donor Development

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Jan 16, 2024
Exciting Updates and Plans for 2024!

By Ioanna Nisyriou | Managing Director

Dear friends,

Happy New Year!

As we bid farewell to 2023, we do so with immense gratitude for the countless little miracles that unfolded within the walls of our beloved library. As we usher in 2024, our hearts and minds are wide open, brimming with a fervent desire to contribute even more to our vibrant community.

In the month of November alone, our library experienced a remarkable surge, hosting over 900 visits—a milestone that instills confidence and propels us toward new and ambitious endeavors. With this positive momentum, we are thrilled to announce a series of workshops tailored for children of all ages and adults seeking to unleash their creativity. These workshops will culminate in an Ideal Exhibition in May, drawing inspiration from the renowned L'expo idéale avec Hervé Tullet. The overwhelming response from volunteers eager to participate underscores the enthusiasm surrounding this exciting initiative. To ensure inclusivity, the workshops will be conducted in various languages, inviting children from diverse backgrounds to engage and participate.

Looking ahead to the spring, we are planning a workshop focusing on the labor rights of women, with a specific emphasis on migrants and refugees. Additionally, in collaboration with the Greek Association of Speech Therapists, we will celebrate the International Day of Multilingualism—a testament to our commitment to fostering diversity and understanding.

As the summer approaches, We Need Books will host its first training program on libraries and inclusivity consisting of a four-day training session, where 15 librarians from Italy will visit our library. In addition, We Need Books will welcome two distinct groups of University of Pennsylvania undergraduate students participating in the University's global engagement program. Collectively, these collaborations will enhance and extend the impact of our efforts beyond borders.

The journey ahead promises to be both enriching and transformative, and we are excited to embark on these ventures with your continued support.

Warm regards,

Margarita Sianou & Ioanna Nisyriou

International relations Managing Director

& donor development & cofounder

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Sep 18, 2023
A community safe space in times of hardship

By Ioanna Nisyriou | Managing Director

"One day we will make a book", N., 7 years old

Dear Friend,

Greetings and warm regards from all of us at the We Need Books Library. We trust that your summer was restful and enjoyable for you and your loved ones.

With the summer almost behind us and as we repoened the Library after a brief summer break, we write to you with a heavy heart. Greece has been going through difficult times as wild fires in July and August burnt in several parts of the country including the Athens metropolitan area. In the north, the forest of Dadia, a significant biodiversity ecosystem not just for Greece but for the whole of Europe, ceased to exist. And most recently heavy rains flooded a large part of the Thessaly region destroying entire villages and devastating people, crops, livestock and wildlife. The devastation has left thousands of internally displaced people. Recovery from this catastrophe will take time and the aftermath will be felt for a long time. And things are not any better in the rest of the world.

It is impossible not to feel shocked and afraid, not to want to hide from everything.

During this trying time it’s hard to focus on the successes of our work, and to even ask for support for our programs. But no matter what daunting challenges and hardships we face, we should keep moving forward.

Prior to the brief summer break, we oversaw the successful completion of the “Help Children Thrive” after school tutoring program that the Library run during the academic year 2022-2023. The program was made possible with a grant from the SNFoundation. Fifty two primary school students benefited greatly as attested by their parents and teachers. Unfortunately, the program was not renewed, due to lack of funding. Quite disappointed, but thinking of the young students, we are actively seeking volunteer teachers to continue the program.

We have applied for several grants in the areas of gender equality, mental health and democratic values and expect to share with you good news in our next report.

But we cannot close this report without sharing with you the story of Demba who came to Greece from Mali a few years ago as an unaccompanied minor. After living in the notorious Moria refugee camp and then on the streets of Athens, and not speaking a word of Greek, he was given shelter by an NGO, who enrolled him to school. This past spring he sat and was successful in the Greek university entrance exams and was admitted into the French Philology Department of the National Kapodistrian University of Athens! Demba used the Library as a safe studying space to prepare for the exam and during that time we got to know him and appreciate his character and intellect. In these difficult times he fills us with hope and couldn't be more proud of him!

Thank you,

Margarita Sianou & Ioanna Nisyriou

International relations Managing Director

& donor development & cofounder

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