Alexandra, a teacher at SolidarityNow’s “Homework and Creative Activities” in the open accommodation structure for refugees and asylum seekers in Vayiochori shares her thoughts and the same do the 12-year-olds Hasti and Kosar with enthusiasm!

Hasti Jafari, from Afghanistan

What have you learned so far at the HCAC?
Here, I learn many things; English, Greek and Math. Usually, I cannot understand what we do in the other school, so we come here, we ask for help and the teachers here support us. Then, we go back to school, and we make it better!

What’s your favourite thing about going to the HCAC?
Some of my favorite things from this school, is playing board games, UNO, reading books and making crafts.

Kosar, from Afghanistan

What have you learned so far at the HCAC?
In this school, we learn many things about the Greek and English language and play Mathematical games. The teachers also help us with the homework from the other school and explain to us whatever we don’t understand. 

What’s your favorite thing about going to the HCAC?
My favorite thing in this school is that we learn by playing and having very nice discussions with the teachers. 

Alexandra Velavi, teacher, teacher from Greece

What are the Centers doing for refugee children that wasn’t being done before?

Psychosocial activities, specialized support according to the children’s needs as well as a variety of educational activities offered by the Center lead to great results concerning access to education services, both formal and non-formal. Moreover, parental involvement through parent-teachers’ meetings and activities designed to include parents in the educational process contribute to a more integrated approach. 

Do you have an example of a child who has responded well to the teaching at the HCAC?

A 12-year-old boy with low attendance in school and limited social network was approached through the guitar classes and slowly got more and more involved in the educational process and started socializing with his peers. Now, he attends our classes regularly and spends time with his friends. 

*The project “All Children in Education” (ACE) is implemented by SolidarityNow with support and funding from UNICEF.