We know that it’s a valuable time for a teenagers in terms of their developmental transition into adulthood, including rapid changes in the brain and the body. Its difficult to be a teenager in any space regardless of the context. Let alone Calais and the fact that young people are in a constant state of survival mode.

Many displaced teenagers in Calais and Dunkirk endure unimaginable hardship, struggling for survival in dire conditions. They face harsh weather, overcrowded makeshift camps, and constant uncertainty. With a significant proportion unaccompanied, making their journey alone.

We are an NGO, providing opportunities to empower and champion displaced teenagers aged 12 to 18 living at the border. We use the principles of youth work to deliver targeted activities and workshops for their personal, social, educational and emotional development. Activities include sports, arts, music, textiles, woodwork and using computers to create animation and digital art. Most importantly our sessions build trust and a space of safety that helps mitigate the vast trauma that young people have experienced either in or before Calais. Over our first year in 2024 we have worked with 450 displaced young people, facilitated 84 sessions, and formed 10 partnerships.

Young people on the move in Calais and Dunkirk should not miss out on these experiences just because of their circumstances. We believe that teenagers have the right to an education, the space for self development and reflection, for recreational activities and most importantly have the space to have fun!

We are asking for funds to help sustain our day to day work in Norther France. Every little helps, and we are so thankful for all the support.

For more info go to our website - https://www.youthkaleidoscope.org/