Hi! I'm Anrike Piel, an Estonian born lady with a background in  fashion photography and filmmaking.

Last year I volunteered in Lebanon at a refugee camp where I lead a creative photography workshop for young Syrian girls, taught them English and overall spent the most precious and fun times with them. The program allowed the girls to be just girls and for at least a moment forget the reality they face outside of the center.

On the 29th of July I will join this awesome NGO called Lighthouse Relief in Greece  to run another creative expression workshop for the young women currently staying in Ritsona refugee camp. 

As I began making a massive to-do list for the workshop and to maintain life in London, I found myself in a position that demands I ask for help to cover the costs for the workshop and some related fees. 

About the workshop 

Workshop will consist of introduction classes about different ways to approach makeup, styling and photography. The young women will work towards bringing their visions into reality by renewing old clothing and experimenting with different materials to create unique makeups. The end result will be published in a magazine Ritsona Kingdom Journal    that is created by the young refugees attending the Youth Engagement Space and Lighthouse relief team, into which i will contribute all my skills and knowledge as well.

Throughout the course, they will be focusing on fantasy, beauty and on their own voice . The aim is to allow them to feel beautiful in their skin, focus on their personal ideas, empower them to cherish their feminine side as well grow confidence.

Photo by Lighthouse Relief

Refugees are associated with the feelings of fear and pain, which obviously is part of their situation but these ladies must also be celebrated for their undeniable strength and resilience while they keep carrying on through all the hardships they face.

Our sisters have gone through horrendous journeys, crossing the sea by those horrific boats, to to find safety, relying on humanitarian aid. The workshop aims to bring some normality into their life, let them be in charge, bringing their visions into life, sprinkled with some excitement and joy.. 

About Lighthouse Relief

The mission is to provide a dignified, respectful and empowering humanitarian response, with a focus on supporting vulnerable groups like women, children and youth.

Photo by Lighthouse Relief/ Maro Verli

The Youth Engagement Space provides a safe setting for young people between the ages of 16 and 25 to attend workshops and take the lead on projects that reveal all of their creativity, critical thinking and untapped potential. While children from 6 to 15 have access to the national school system, this older demographic is often sidelined in emergency settings when it comes to service provision. This leaves many vulnerable to marginalization. To breach this gap, Lighthouse Relief provides a space for these talented young people to retain hope and constructively invest in their long-term futures.

The costs

Workshop materials for 25 people - 500EUR

Portion of costs for rent and transportation - 400EUR

Due to the unpredictable environment of Ritsona the number of students will be confirmed once I am there.

Sincerely, any amount you could spare is hugely valued and appreciated!!

As funding for humanitarian aid in Greece has been tremendously withdrawn in the recent year, any amount above what is needed for the workshop will be donated to Lighthouse Relief.

 Shukran ktir! Thank you very much!