Since September, I have been working as a teacher in the Katsikas, Agiá Eléni, and Filippiada refugee camps in Northern Greece. These classes are absolutely vital for the children here. Many have never been in formal education before, or have experienced severe disruptions to their schooling because of displacement.

We teach inside the refugee camps to maximise access to opportunities and provide the children with books, schoolbags, and pencil cases so that nothing stands in the way of their learning. We are the only NGO in the region that is providing English language education to people inside the camps.

We also take the children on fully funded trips outside the camps. These outings can be anything from a hike with games and snacks, to exploring caves followed by ice cream, or even a theatre trip. These experiences are incredibly important, they give the children a sense of normality and offer a much-needed break from the difficult conditions inside the camp.

Second Tree also runs adult language programmes. I teach Open Door English classes across all three camps, and we collaborate with an external provider to offer language certification courses. These certificates are incredibly valuable for many refugees, as they provide official proof of their English level, something often required for employment or further study.

All the teachers here are committed to providing high quality education and creating safe spaces for the people of the camps to learn, but we still need essential supplies to keep the programmes running and to continue offering these opportunities to children and adults alike.

If you would like to support the learning and wellbeing of people who have been forced to leave their homes, please consider giving whatever you can. Every contribution truly makes a difference.

Much love,
Eliza <3