Winter is a time of biting cold and psychological decline for those in refugee camps in Greece. During this period, we protect human lives, mental health and stand up for the right to education and play for refugee children and youth. But our spaces in Chios, Samos and Athens need your support. Here, we promote the learning of language, practical skills, and digital technologies in an environment which promotes integration, tolerance and communication between different and diverse cultures.
According to recent data, over 52,000 migrants have arrived on the Greek islands in 2019. This has added additional strain to a country already hosting 80,000 asylum seekers and refugees, and trends show no indication of this number reducing. With over 1/3 of these new arrivals being children and young people, the necessity for safe and protective spaces that uphold children's rights to education, play and dignity is more pressing than ever.
Action for Education maintains the belief that every child, teenager and adult has the right to welcoming and social spaces in which to learn. Since 2018, AFE has been working on the Greek islands and mainland, facilitating 6 centres and hosting up to 1,000 beneficiaries per month. By promoting peace, communication and education, we build the individual's capacity for resilience in the face of an uncertain future.
The programme will provide emergency support through warm, welcoming spaces for 750 young people every day. A essential respite from cold that through structured activities builds capacity for coping at a critical time when mental health can severely decline.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
