Personalised education for displaced young people

Dear Friends,

At the end of May 2026, Gekko, Better Days’ flagship educational program, completed an extraordinary chapter that began on Lesvos in 2017 and continued in Athens from 2023 onward. Over the course of nine years, Gekko supported more than 3,000 displaced students in developing their educational, social, and emotional skills, while creating a safe and empowering community where every student could grow and thrive.

Students arrived at Gekko with vastly different educational backgrounds and needs - some without basic literacy skills, others seeking advanced learning opportunities. Regardless of where they started, each student became part of a vibrant community that fostered resilience, confidence, creativity, and belonging.

From core language learning to a wide range of engaging workshops, including but not limited to Music, Photography, Arts, Robotics, and Coding, Gekko offered innovative and inclusive educational experiences tailored to students’ individual needs. Through differentiated learning approaches and student-centered teaching methods, the program consistently adapted to what worked best for each learner. Above all, we hope Gekko inspired students to believe in a brighter future and reminded them that they matter.

Gekko’s Spring Term (January–May 2026) - the final term of the 2025–2026 academic year and the final term of the educational center itself - achieved the highest attendance rate since the program’s relocation to Athens, reaching 73%. During this period:

• 205 students actively participated in the program
• Average weekly attendance exceeded 110 students
• 980 hours of education were delivered
• Overall student satisfaction reached 100%

The end of the term was marked by a graduation ceremony and was attended by over 130 guests, mainly students and family, staff, volunteers, and partners who have accompanied Gekko throughout this remarkable journey. The event celebrated not only academic achievements, but also the strength, perseverance, and growth of an entire community.

As this chapter comes to a close, we remain deeply grateful to every donor, volunteer, educator, student and partner who chose - and gave back to Gekko over the years. Your support created opportunities, restored hope, and helped thousands of displaced young people access education, connection, and dignity.

While Gekko’s doors may now close, its impact will continue to live on in the lives, aspirations, and futures of the students and communities it served.

In our students’ and partners’ words:

“The most beautiful place, the most beautiful people, and the most wonderful people. I will miss you all so much.” (R. Gekko student)

“Gekko’s transformative power is shared among all those who have experienced it. Words will never fully do it justice. In the future, every time our minds travel back to Gekko, we will think of a place that felt like home.” (Elena Moustaka, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Better Days)

“Working alongside you and the team these past few years has taught me so much. Each time we meet, I am struck by the kindness, generosity, and collaborative spirit of you and your community.” (B, Gekko donor)

“Working with Gekko truly proved to me that it is the people who fuel and sustain the system and not vice versa. This unconditional acceptance gave hope and purpose to many of us at times when the external world showed no mercy. Truly, Gekko feels like home and it is precious. I feel relieved and happy to know that everyone will keep a part of this home within as they move forward.” (Y, BD team)

“We are terribly saddened [to see Gekko close]. It has been the utmost pleasure cooperating with GEKKO, and your vision/work has been invaluable.” (Gekko partner)

“Gekko is precious, and it breaks my heart to see it closed.”  (Student, Maria)

“Gekko may be physically closing but we will always carry the hopes and passions it represented” (A, student)

With gratitude, 

The Better Days team

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