In Greece, we fought to help those stranded in detention centres and camps.
We worked across mainland Greece and the Greek Islands, including Lesvos, Chios, Kos and Leros, to reach those most in need of help.
Since the beginning of 2015, Greece has been the entry point into Europe for more than 1 million refugees and migrants seeking safety and security for them and their families.
When the border between Greece and Macedonia – which people passed through on the way to the rest of the EU – closed, it left thousands of people stranded, including 2,000 children.
Before they could leave, many had to wait for legal asylum. This is a long and arduous process, leaving thousands stuck in camps and detention centres which fall below acceptable living standards.
Some camps lacked the bare minimum, including toilets and suitable shelter. Those stranded included families, crowded together, sleeping in tents or simply out in the open.
Stuck in arid conditions, protests and violence erupted in some areas, and several of the camps in mainland Greece reached maximum capacity.
Those desperate to leave often turned to smugglers for help, meaning that they were vulnerable to exploitation, especially children who had travelled alone.
How we helped
In Northern Greece our teachers support children who attend the Greek school. Photo: Anna Pantelia / Save the Children
- Our teachers in Northern Greece support children between 6 to 15 years old who attend the Greek school, by assisting them with their homework and strengthening their knowledge of Greek, English and Maths. They also offer basic and intermediate Greek and English language classes to young people from 16 to 24 years old.
- Our Health & Nutrition team provided training around infant nutrition and feeding young children, as well as food support for pregnant and lactating women.
- We worked to unite families who have been separated, and providing specific care, such as counselling, to children who had arrived alone.
