Some of you may know that I am heading to Chios island at the end of April for a month, to volunteer with the Swiss NGO Be Aware And Share (BAAS). They are a non-profit organisation that was established in September 2015 and started out by distributing clothing and food for refugees travelling on what has been coined the 'Balkan Route'. In March 2016 once the EU Turkey deal was signed it became impossible for refugees to pass the borders into Europe which has resulted in them being trapped on the Greek islands awaiting asylum, or in worst cases face deportation. This situation lead BAAS to adapt their work and in May 2016 they established 'Refugee Education Chios', putting their efforts into founding a school and providing education to the hundreds of young refugee children.

They have successfully, over the last year, built the largest education system for refugee children on Chios, with two non-formal schools and a youth centre. The children are extremely keen to learn and are happiest when away from the camps and in the creative school environment. Parents feel more positive too, knowing their child is receiving some form of education amid all the unrest, which is a huge support. Overall psychosocial problems that are triggered by monotony and boredom and constant waiting are improved as BAAS is providing daily structure and routine that helps establish a semblance of normality.

Education is so important as many of these children have been out of the education system for at least 2 years! As a volunteer i'll be working 6 days a week to help with teaching and activities. My trip is entirely self funded and the money raised will go to BAAS to buy textbooks, IT equipment & funding youth centre initiatives.

If you'd like to get involved too, please donate as every little helps and I will do my best to post updates as to where your donations are being spent. The crowdfunding page will stay open until we hit our target!

Thank you :o)
Mel xx