Creating Dignified Lives for 1.000+ Asylum Seekers

During the summer of 2025,  the Greek government transferred a lot of people from Closed Controlled Access Centers all over the Greek islands towards the mainland. Since July 2025, the Greek government has also suspended the processing of asylum applications for people arriving by boat from North Africa. As a result, more and more people have been visiting Habibi.Works and taking part in our workshops. To ensure a comfortable working space for everyone, we have decided to expand our most frequently used areas: the Barber and the Free Shop. Our Barber expert Bayram has proposed to add a wooden door and a structure to the workshop, in order to help with maintaining a relaxed atmosphere in what can be a very crowded working area. 529 people have used the Free Shop in the month of August, of which 237 have been newly registered, for a total of 2534 items distributed. To make the Free Shop run smoother, our team members Anni, Jakob and Alicia have expanded the space allocated to it. This has made a huge difference in how the space is perceived and managed in the months to come. 

In addition to this, in September we had the pleasure of welcoming Paolo to Habibi.Works for a week. In just a few days, he made a huge difference: our 3D printer, which had been out of order for quite some time, is now up and running again thanks to his skills and dedication. 

With this upgrade, makers in the community can once more bring their ideas to life, from prototypes to creative projects. We’re so grateful for Paolo’s support; his visit left us with tools that are not only functional again, but also inspiring new possibilities. 

On another note, the English classes have started up again after a short break, and the response has been incredible. So many people are applying that the classes are full and the energy in the sessions is amazing. Julie is doing an excellent job leading them and her enthusiasm is motivating everyone to keep learning. 

On a last note, the team of Habibi.Works has worked with passion and commitment in preparing the space for the winter. Winters in Ioannina can be extremely cold, and absolutely drenched with rain. Therefore, the team has made sure to properly insolate, heat and illuminate the space. 

Ultimately, the team of Habibi.Works is now running our yearly winter campaign, in which donations are matched with handmade gifts produced in our workshops. This year we offer a laser-cut gazelle, a handmade spatula and the comic book “Habibing” made by Greek artist Yorgos Konstantinou. 

As a last remark, the whole team of Habibi.Works cares deeply about thanking all of the people who have supported our community of makers. Deep thanks and hugs from Ioannina.

Links:

• Have a look at our website!