Scouts and Guides contributing to refugee support activities in their local communities in Europe (27): a story from SHO- The Greek Guiding Association.

The Greek Guiding Association, faithful to the values of the Guide Promise and Law, has been actively involved from the very beginning in the relief efforts of the Refugee crisis in Greece. They started by collecting clothes, shoes and toys in good condition as well non-perishable food, blankets, sleeping bags etc. These are being delivered to islands such as Lesvos and Kos, and also to the new “Eleonas Refugee Camp” in Athens. In Athens, where more and more refugees and irregular migrants are being transported from the boarders the situation is difficult to manage and the authorities cannot cope without the help of volunteers. In the “Eleonas Refugee Camp”, where refugees stay for a short period before continuing their journey north, The Guides took responsibility to organize and run on a daily basis the clothes distribution. They also helped design and set up a safe playing space for children from 0 to 12 and  young leaders and Rangers organise playgroups for the children. During the weekends, they interact with over 100 children by using simple forms of communication and sign language.

Read the full story here, here and here .

If you are involved in a similar refugee support activity in your local community, let us know and we will share it, too: just complete this form!

Scouts and Guides contributing to refugee support activities in their local communities in Europe (26): a story from SHO – The Greek Guiding Association

The Greek Guiding units on the island of Kos and on other Dodecanese islands in the southeastern Aegean Sea, have been helping in the distribution of supplies to recently arrived refugees and also in interacting with their young children. “Children are the same everywhere; you do not need to know the language to play with them. It feels good to be able to offer them a smile, a way to forget the images they have witnessed and just be carefree, be children again” says a Young Leader from Kos.

During, the weekend the Greek Guides units from the islands of Kos, Rhodes and Leros joined together to help in three major ways: One team organised playgroups to play, sing and make crafts with the children. Another team helped in the cleaning of the shores or of other important places in the town and also, in the distribution of food and clothing. A third team collected and sorted the clothing, in order to help the “Kos solidarity” organisation.

The smiles of these people remain our inspiration to continue lending a hand and make real our Guiding Promise.

Read the full story here and here

If you are involved in a similar refugee support activity in your local community, let us know and we will share it, too: just complete this form!