Education as a humanitarian response: How OCC Greece is contributing

“Educational activities either formal or non-formal, give children the ability, chance to socialize, to interact with other children, to be in a process in which they will have inputs, new data, new knowledge and all this is very important for developing the abilities which each child has.”

(Excerpt from an interview with a psychologist)

My time at Open Cultural Center (OCC) made me relive countless moments and feelings I had experienced one year prior, whilst conducting research for my masters’ dissertation. The pivotal role that education takes at OCC, supporting asylum seekers and promoting a community space with them, was the first connection I felt with my previous experience.

I came to Greece, in the Spring of 2024, to research how education was being provided to children living in Greek reception centres. With the support of an NGO (anonymised for ethical purposes), I was able to enter a reception centre and attend the classes being provided to the resident children. Over the course of a month, I conducted daily participant observations and interviewed multiple parents, a psychologist, NGO workers and teachers. 

The dedication and warmth in every teacher and NGO worker was perceivable from my very first interaction with them. Their passion and will to support the children in the best way possible has now also been something I can relate to since my experience as a teacher at OCC. The enthusiasm for attending the classes is reciprocated by the children and, more explicitly, their parents:

I’ve noticed, maybe almost 100% of parents that come and share with us their dreams and their priorities, education of their children is at the top of priorities. 

(Excerpt from an interview with a NGO worker)

Their excitement to learn was visible in any age group, whether it was in the interest they showed during classes, or even when they decided to stay inside during break because “doing their homework is so much more fun”. One parent mentioned during our interview:

I don’t know how to describe the excitement of the kids, they like very much what they do in Greek, English and Mathematics. Also, they like the teachers very much. 

(Excerpt from an interview with a parent)

The creation of this safe space is highly important and gives children a break from the dehumanisation they often experience as asylum seekers and refugees. OCC is able to provide this to dozens of children and adults; it is a place where people gather and create a community that feels like home and Their thirst for knowledge was visible in any age group, whether it was in the interest they showed during classes, or even when they decided to stay inside during break because “doing their homework is so much more fun”. One parent mentioned during our interview:

I don’t know how to describe the excitement of the kids, they like very much what they do in Greek, English and Mathematics. Also, they like the teachers very much. 

(Excerpt from an interview with a parent)

may even start to promote inner healing. Educational projects like OCC, particularly when framed around human rights, are an important piece in achieving a better world. The solution to a better future should not only be focused on solving imminent problems, but most importantly in preparing the adults of tomorrow to continue to implement the solutions for a fairer world.

Nuestro programa de voluntariado está financiado por la Unión Europea a través del Cuerpo Europeo de Solidaridad. Para más información sobre nuestras vacantes en el CES, visite nuestro página.