Its been a year, almost to the day since I last visited Greece.  In this year I have been focused on completing my NQT year as a Primary School Teacher – its been harder than I ever could have imagined. But – its always been my choice to make.  The hours, the stress, the emotions – also the immense joy of spending time with young, compassionate minds.  These children instill a hope that the next generation will work towards a more equal world than my generation.  Their sharp, inquisitive minds could teach our world leaders many things.

Over the year, I have tried to keep informed as to what’s happening in Europe and the changing situations for the refugees residing there.  For them, little has changed for the better.  The camps continue to be overcrowded and inhumane, wars seem never ending meaning people continue to make the terrifying journey to Europe – with the hope a safe life.  It’s hard to believe that after all these years our world could not have found a solution – but there is still no political will to find this solution.

Increasing numbers of people have been arriving in Athens from the island hotspots over this summer.  The Greek Government encourages this as they want to relieve pressure on the island camps.  People want to leave as the camps are soul destroying, unhealthy, dangerous places to live… plus, they want to continue their journey to finding a safe life…to keep their hope alive.  So, they arrive on the ferry into Pireaus Port with their belongings in bags, hoping to find passage out of Greece or accommodation in the City.

Last night, my first night here – I visited the Victoria Square part of the city.  This is where the people from Afghanistan come when they arrive here.  Even at night the city of Athens is hot in the summer – here in Victoria Square many groups of Afghani people sit on the grass underneath the trees, sharing food and chatting – their bags surrounding them.  Children run around, laughing and playing – teenagers checking their phones and kicking a football to each other.   I wonder how long they will have to stay here in the blistering heat of Athens, no showers, no toilet, no refuge, no stability.

Yet again peoples basic human rights are being violated – they need accommodation, but accommodation is not easy to find in Athens if you are a refugee.  There is open, blatant discrimination against renting to refugees and the money given to families via cash cards is not enough to fund accommodation and living expenses.

I admit that I have asked myself these past few months – what can be done to show solidarity in such a huge crisis of humanity?

Then – inspiring, incredible people touch my soul once again..

This evening, I will be meeting with Kayra and Ahmad of Love without Borders – they both live in Athens and work tirelessly to provide support with dignity. Tomorrow we will be distributing food vouchers – as either a supplement to people’s cash card money (which doesn’t last the month)  – or frequently, to people with no income at all.  With the vouchers, people will have the choice to buy what they need – which is crucial to individuals when many other important life choices have been removed.

During the week I will meet with a young Afghani man who is setting up a makeshift school in Malaksa camp, just outside Athens.  Malaksa recently made national press as it was locked down due to an outbreak of Coronavirus – during this time residents were locked in the camp with little medical assistance and were without food for 2 days (the BBC made a Panorama special.. follow link  Panorama Special)

The aim of the school will be to teach English to the residents of the camp – clearly a great life skill – but also important at keeping the mind active and taking some control back your life – giving hope a chance to flourish.  I have a suitcase full of reading books, exercise books and pens for the school, and am very excited to hear his plans and ideas.

This is where the school will be situated

Malakasa camp

We will also be continuing the Human Voice Project.  The Human Voice Project gives the opportunity for displaced people living in Greece a chance for their voices to be heard. We started in Vial, Chios, and will continue in Athens.  With Kayra, it is hoped we can make a small book to grow awareness and empathy more widely.

The rules are simple, participants write from the heart about any subject of their choice. It can be a poem, a story or simply thoughts.

These chances to work with inspiring people and show some solidarity is the reason I was compelled to travel to Athens.  I know many won’t understand this decision – and I know what I do is small .. but whilst I can, I will keep going.