Due to Covid-19 prevention measures and safety protocols, we virtually welcomed representatives of two foundations within the Greenwood Place community. We introduced them to the kids, our staff and shared with them the hard work that has been done towards empowering  lone refugee children to persevere and grow into active citizens.

The tireless work of our legal team dedicated to every child, providing access to legal aid and representation, is an integral part of our child protection model. Two of our children received positive decisions to their asylum requests. Previous rejected asylum requests had exposed both of them at risk of being excluded from the public health system even though they have serious medical conditions.

Zakary, 20 years old, came to Greece as a lone refugee child four years ago. During his stay at one of our shelters, he was granted a scholarship at ACS Athens (American Community Schools) and learned Greek and English. Today, as a young adult, he has moved to his own apartment and recently became a dad. We are proud that he has joined our shelter staff team working as a caregiver and interpreter. His example inspires us to continue our efforts to create equal access to opportunities for children and youth under our care.

Nikos Makridis, a high school student, reinforced our work via his initiative providing professional teachers to support children with lessons covering Greek language, Maths and Physics. Educational empowerment is a key element for children’s development and social integration.

PAO BC Academy has recruited and empowered one of the children under our care helping him to develop his team spirit and become an active citizen. Together with our child protection unit and shelter staff the academy supports him on a daily basis and secures he has regular meetings with the team’s doctor and does all his necessary medical examinations.

“Nisos” shelter celebrated its first anniversary. We are grateful for the creation of a great community of support that has enabled us to provide holistic care and individualized child protection services to unaccompanied children in need. “Nisos” shelter officially started its operation one year ago in collaboration with Movement On The Ground in an effort to provide more safe and enabling environments for vulnerable lone children in Greece.