As some of you may know, I am heading back to Greece in January (it's official, I've booked my ticket!!) to continue giving my support to the refugee crisis. Following my recent trip in June, I am planning on working with children and/or something in line with mental health support.
Whilst I was there in June I got a real feel for the effect this crisis has had/is continuing to have on the mental states of children and adults. Spending quality time with them and seeing their behaviour and moods throughout the course of the day made me realise the effect war and terror has on a child's impressionable brain. Being out of education and having no real routine or stimulation, there is no future for these children who have already lost so much of their past.
I worked with some amazing people at an organisation called the School Box Project which aims to provide trauma-informed education and care to children who now spend their lives waiting in makeshift camps. Due to there being no permanent volunteers working for the organisation (whilst I was there), the children were constantly building positive relationships, for them to only be ripped away when the volunteers go back home. It broke my heart leaving these kids and knowing that this is just going to be a constant cycle for them.
This is why I've decided to go to Greece, to try and provide long-term solutions to the issues these children face.
On my last crowdfunder I managed to raise £130 which I am very pleased with! I'm hoping to raise some more money to go towards living expenses (unfortunately you can't get paid to be a full time volunteer!) and also to go towards any supplies etc that may be needed whilst I am there (ie. pens, paper, craft items etc)
Thank you for reading and I hope you can support me supporting the refugees.