Syrian Refugee Education Project (Chios, Greece)

My name is Iram Ashfaq and I am raising much needed funds to provide education to the Syrian Refugees in Chios, Greece.

Education is a basic human right which no child should be denied. Refugee children face much hardship escaping their war-torn homeland which also leads to very limited access to any type of education in the refugee camps they call home. The situation at Chios (Greece) continues to be dire and the conditions that these refugee children have to face on a daily basis are unacceptable.

No child’s educational outcomes should be limited by their circumstances. Every child should be able to dream about being a doctor, singer, teacher or engineer etc. despite facing immense difficulties. Every effort should be made to give every child access to an excellent education and the resources they need to have a chance at a life of stability and independence, and at realising their dreams.

I am a qualified pharmacist, and decided to train as a teacher with Teach First to help break the cycle of deprivation. Through successfully working in some of the poorest communities in England I developed the experience and skills allowing me to help at the Refugee Education Centre whilst I am there, and in my absence through schemes of work and systems which I can help establish.

The dedicated team at Chios have very limited resources and facilities to work with: “Every Little Thing (they have) is donated” and there is only one qualified teacher there.

With better resourcing, a greater impact can be made in a sustainable and continuous fashion. The funds will be used for:
- resource books
- reading books
- work booklets
- flash cards
- science kits
- dictaphones and headphones
- shipping (if resources are not available locally in Chios).

I have set a target to raise £10,000, with which hundreds of Refugee children will gain an education and I aim to raise as much as possible by 24th December 2016, as I leave on 5th January.

SMT have kindly offered to collaborate with me on this project. They have a founding and strong belief that people in poverty and hardship need the opportunity and support to become self-sufficient and independent. Long may their work continue.

 SMT believes for a community to be able to become independent it requires good foundations; therefore, good academic education will produce professionals. These professionals will become assets for tomorrow.

SMT currently sponsor and support 68 schools, with a total of over 5000 students in Pakistan.

Donating by just giving is safe and they don't share your details. Please also remember to add gift aid to your donation, this will give us 25% extra, making your donation go further.

With your generosity, I know we can make a difference to the lives of these children, who deserve a quality education.