It’s hard to imagine what each day is like for the refugees here in Greece, even after you see it. As volunteers, there is nothing more eye opening than working shoulder to shoulder with some of the most inspiring individuals from around the world who now live in Moria. It’s humbling to go room to room, person to person, and look each of them in the eye knowing every single one of them has an incredible story to tell. We wish we could hear them all.
One of the biggest challenges about traveling and living abroad are language barriers. Within the refugee camps, dozens of different languages are spoken even within the same section of the camp. It can both complicate and excite the work we do here with HELP. Naturally, it motivates both the volunteers and refugees to find ways to communicate and connect when words are no longer the first option.
Though we are learning that words are not essential to communication, we have learned they definitely do help. In the world we live in today, it is universally known that English can open many doors and opportunities for anyone. Even in Moria, most people can hold conversations and express ideas through English, though it may not be their first language. With so much of the future being unknown for these refugees, we as volunteers know that at some point, English will be a great skill and tool for them to have now and throughout their lives—so we love every chance we can get to hold English classes throughout the week!
Teaching English to the unaccompanied minor boys in the camp is easily one of the team’s favorite projects to be a part of, but recently we have had the opportunity to begin English classes for the women. It is truly an honor to be around this group of women as they inspire us with their resilience and determination. Their bright personalities and ability to thrive after enduring so much is truly incredible. They are ready to learn and eager to share their stories and knowledge with the world around them. It is a blessing to become a part of their lives and story as they become equally a part of our own. They stand as beacons of hope for other refugees, to us as volunteers, and for the rest of the team and the world. We love and respect these women with all of our hearts, and we are excited for what the future holds for each of them.
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