Chanel arrived in one of our shelters in Athens when he was 13 and his immersion into Greek society started with access to child protection services with a special emphasis on education, via a full-time scholarship at ACS Athens funded by the Shapiro Foundation. During his stay in Greece he was recruited by PAO BC Academy where he developed his athletic talent in basketball skills.
Today after 5 years of systematic and continuous work and in collaboration with a number of stakeholders Chanel left Greece to start his academic year at Bethany College at Kansas state in the USA with an athletic scholarship, cosponsored via the kind contribution of Marina Hatsopoulos
A big thank you to Tania Georgiopoulou and Kathimerini for sharing his story
Read the full article (Greek here, English here)
Our legal team has accomplished another one family reunification. Three siblings under our care reunited with their family in Sweden after 4 years of a long and difficult process. These achievements give us the strength and energy to continue our work protecting the rights of every child.
Fabiola was a minor when she arrived pregnant in one of our shelters for unaccompanied girls and minor mothers with their babies. Today, Fabiola is an independent adult and mother, living in her own apartment and has developed a unique bond with her son. She is working with us as a caregiver and her dream is to become a journalist. We are proud of her commitment to our mission to protect vulnerable children.
Partnerships
Youngest children from out shelters participated in a 3-week summer day camp in August. A big thank you to Aei Ferein for supporting a large group of kids and offering them the opportunity to learn from a wide range of educational projects at X-plore Entertainment Center, as well to stay in good shape through sport activities at OAKA Athens.
We are grateful to Allou Fun Park for always supporting our efforts in providing equal opportunities to lone refugee children. This month, they welcomed a group of girls and minor mothers with their babies. The girls played, laughed and tried different amusement rides and games at the park.
Activities
Summer is a perfect time for organizing group excursions. Boys and staff from one of our shelters had the opportunity to come together and enjoy the seaside.
During August, we organized leisure activities and strolls in the parks of the city of Athens giving the opportunity to children to get some fresh air and calmness in nature.
