Since Macedonia closed its southern border to Greece this spring, more than 50,000 refugees and migrants seeking legal passage into countries like Germany have become effectively trapped within Greece.

Facing its own deep economic difficulties, the Greek government has struggled to cope with the new population, using both encouragement and coercion to shift people into just 50 camps across the country.

Meanwhile, across Greece, organizations have sought to help fill the gaps in the assistance being provided to refugees, with varying degrees of success.

The Khora center is unusual in its scale.

“This place is amazing, and should be of help to refugees,” says Aaliyah, from Damascus, who is waiting to hear if she has been granted asylum in Greece.

For 10 days she has been attending Greek lessons, which are taught daily in one of two classrooms on the third floor of the center.

For more details see http://www.voanews.com/a/athens-anarchist-district-offers-lifeline-to-refugees-in-lebanon/3573522.html

I'm heading out to volunteer in the center over Christmas and would love to take with me a donation towards their incredible work. I'm funding my own trip over there, all the money raised would go towards the continuation of the amazing work they are doing year-round.