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We change
refugee narratives

Second Tree works to change the way that refugees are seen by society, and the way that they see society and themselves.

Our work is underpinned by an approach that tackles the stereotype that refugees are villains, heroes or hopeless victims – and promotes the reality that refugees are just people.

Our model is applied in all our activities:

Through thought leadership and training that challenges the narratives of refugees as victims

With refugees

Through language learning, youth wellbeing and integration projects that take refugees out of camps and into local life

We are Second Tree

Second Tree is a grassroots, volunteer-run humanitarian organisation that works with refugees in Northern Greece.

Our work is underpinned by a core ethos: to treat refugees as the people they are and overcome stereotypes of victimization and romanticization.

Do some good today

  • 🌳 Receiving refugees is not an act of kindness. It's a matter of fundamental human rights. ⁠
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Did you know that every state has a legal duty to process each & every asylum claim made within its borders? ⁠
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Every human has the right to seek refuge – or ‘claim asylum’ – as defined by international law & the Refugee Convention. States are prohibited from deporting refugees until their process is complete. ⁠
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Yet, states often swerve their duty to process claims by making it difficult, costly & dangerous to cross their borders. In Greece, violent – sometimes deadly – pushbacks are carried out weekly, resulting in hundreds of human rights violations each year. ⁠
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According to the International Protection Alternative, the asylum claim process should take roughly 21 months. The reality? Refugees sit waiting for years without opportunities for work, travel or integration.⁠
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Processing asylum claims is not an act of mercy, it's the law. ⁠
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#RefugeeArePeople⁠
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#refugeeswelcome #human #definition #everydayrefugees #refugeecrisis #refugeestories #leavenoonebehind #standwithrefugees #solidarity #refugees #refugeecamp #nonprofit #education #volunteer #care #socialgood #humanitarian #bethechange #donate #causes #fundraising #activism #hope #humanity #humanrights #greece #nonformaleducation #learning #educate
  • 🎄 Meet Yahya! Our beginner-level English class wouldn’t be the same without his contagious humour and wildly waving hand – trying to answer any question that comes his way! 

With an eagerness to show off his English skills, our teachers often have to remind him: "Yahya, I need to ask someone else! Give the other students a chance!"

Since then, he has curbed his enthusiasm (slightly) and impressed us with his care for his peers.

Want to provide refugee children like Yahya with the opportunity to pursue their language-learning journey? 📚 With only 10 euros, you can give Yahya and his fellow Scouts the tools to express themselves in English: talking about their interests, conversing with new friends and, of course, cracking jokes with their teachers. 

Link in bio to keep Scouts' spirits bright and make a REAL difference this holiday season!✨

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  • “I’m sorry for what happened. I give my condolences”. Abu Bakar had been waiting to hear these words since his wife Fatmata was killed.

Igor Markov, the policeman who shot her, said them in court today during his defence.

This would have never happened if not for the courage and the moral clarity of Abu Bakar. He was lied to, not allowed to accompany his dying wife to the hospital, handcuffed, and kept in detention for 2 days with no news of Fatmata. No one apologised, no one expressed their sympathy, he was treated like cattle then.

Yet, when he was offered to be dropped at the border and forget everything, he said "No, I want truth and justice for my wife".

Today was the second hearing of the trial. Abu Bakar's fight to have justice for Fatmata, a symbol for all the people who couldn't find the courage to speak, goes on.

We will continue supporting him, following the trial, and updating you. Please share these updates. Let's make sure Fatmata is not forgotten. #JusticeForFatmata
  • 🎄 Every day, Second Tree Scouts enter and leave Katsikas refugee camp through their temporary front door of metal detectors and barbed wire. 

Younger ones walk hand-in-hand with their parents, some with footballs underarm, others in small friendship groups with bright yellow backpacks dangling from their shoulders. They meet teachers with big smiles and non-stop chatter. 

Even though opportunities to explore their potential to the fullest have been hindered by years of waiting in harsh limbo, this doesn’t mean their chance to grow is lost! 🙋

In our Scouts programme, no two days are the same. From educational to social-emotional, athletic to artistic, our classes are inspired by children, for children. Through the Scouts programme, refugee children can find their interests, likes and dislikes and shape their futures TODAY!

We’re running our Christmas campaign until January 8th! Follow along as we share Scouts’ stories, and click the link in our bio to donate now!✨

#giving #happyholidays #standwithrefugees #refugeesarepeople #solidarity #refugees #socialgood #nonprofit #education #volunteer #secondtreee #humanitarian #bethechange #donate #withrefugees #fundraising #refugeesupport #hope #refugee #humanity #humanrights #greece #nonformaleducation #learning #christmas #christmas2023 #fundraiser #christmascheer #holidayseason #dogood
  • 🎄 What does a happy Scout look like? Second Tree might have the answer...

Stay tuned, as tomorrow we launch our Christmas campaign and talk all things Scouts with our keen bean students!✨

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