Syrian refugees in Thessaloniki have no choice but to spend their their time waiting. Waiting for news, waiting for food, waiting for an appointment which decides their fate, Waiting to go home. They have nothing to do & nowhere to go. They are not allowed to work, so they can't provide for themselves or their families. Often this results in a loss of purpose, & a sense of uselessness, which can then lead to depression, lethargy & hopelessness.

The first struggle is escaping War. The second struggle is getting the basics: food, clothing, shelter. The third struggle is staying hopeful, not letting the situation break you.

This is where we come in! The English School of Solidarity has two primary purposes:
1. To provide English language classes for Arabic people in Thessaloniki.
2. To give young Arabic men a focus, a way to feel worthwhile and normal again.

We are quick to help the children & the old, pregnant women & families, but what about the young men? These are the forgotten ones. They are humans with hopes & dreams, ambitions & aspirations, just like the rest of us. Education cut short, marginalised in an unfamiliar world, mistrusted for no reason, & with a voice that isn't heard.

So my aim is that this teaching program will enable young Arabic refugees, who already speak great English, to be able to pass on their skills in a safe & 'normal' environment - a classroom, with teaching materials, & a weekly schedule - so that a semblance of normal life can be attained. The students will be both children and adults alike.

I'm raising money for classroom hire, essential teaching materials & funds to support the teachers in a small way, because they deserve to be rewarded for their hard work. In late March I will be in Thessaloniki setting up the school program & I will show you where your hugely appreciated donations have gone.

The English School of Solidarity is by refugees, for refugees.

(This is me with Ahmad, one of the teachers)