For Greece’s unaccompanied refugees, a place to be children again

For Greece’s unaccompanied refugees, a place to be children again In a quiet corner of Athens, nestled within one of The HOME Project’s homes for unaccompanied refugee children, two young boys once argued over which movie to watch. It was a simple moment, yet it carried profound significance. Stelios Vellis, who later became the organization’s chief development officer, recalls witnessing the exchange. He noted how the children's ability to engage in such a trivial dispute, without intervention, was a sign of emotional healing. “Bickering over a movie is what ordinary children do,” he says. This small act of normalcy underscored the progress made by the children, who had long been denied the chance to simply be children. The HOME Project was established in 2016 by the Libra Group, responding to a call from former US President Barack Obama for private-sector involvement in addressing the refugee crisis. Since then, the organization has grown into a vital lifeline for unaccompanied refugee children in Greece. Its current CEO, Sofia Kouvelaki, has guided the initiative through years of fluctuating conditions, both politically and socially. Over the past eight years, The HOME Project has secured more than €40 million in funding, enabling it to offer essential services to over 1,200 children from more than 40 countries. The majority of its financial support comes from public donations, accounting for 52%, with 42% sourced from trusts and foundations, including the IKEA Foundation and the Shapiro Foundation. Only about 5% of the funds come from individual donors. These resources allow the organization to maintain a network of 13 homes across Athens, where children receive shelter, education, legal aid, and psychological support. Each home operates as a self-contained unit designed to restore a sense of normalcy. One such home currently accommodates 14 children aged between 4 and 12. A team of 18 dedicated professionals, including caregivers, psychologists, lawyers, social workers, educators, a cook, and interpreters in Arabic and Farsi, works in shifts to ensure round-the-clock care. These individuals are not merely assigned specific duties; rather, they collaborate seamlessly, ensuring that each child receives holistic attention. For example, caregivers are trained to understand the legal status of the children they serve, reflecting the organization’s commitment to integrated support systems. Upon arrival, many children exhibit signs of trauma and distrust. Some arrive overwhelmed, displaying anger, sadness, or suspicion toward others. Rebuilding trust is a gradual process, according to Alexia Kioulpacharidou, the coordinator of one of the homes. She explains that many of the children have already assumed adult roles, making critical decisions that no child should bear. The work of the organization involves gradually removing these burdens, allowing the children to experience the freedom of childhood. “The more you take responsibilities off their shoulders and they feel that you are taking care of them, the more freedom they have to feel and act like children,” she says. Daily routines are carefully structured to foster a sense of stability and familiarity. Children are encouraged to personalize their rooms, creating spaces that reflect their identities. Shared meals are prepared by the home’s cook, blending traditional Greek cuisine with dishes from the children’s native countries. During visits, the team humorously notes that the children hide their loose socks under their beds, a small but meaningful gesture that reinforces their connection to everyday life. Caregiver Andrely Sampy, who once lived in one of the organization’s homes during her teenage years, offers a personal perspective on the impact of the project. After turning 18, she transitioned into a night-shift caregiver in October 2021. She recalls resisting the same rules she now enforces, while also appreciating the warmth and patience she learned from the environment. “You feel like you are there for [the children], that you’re caring for them. You give them love, you give them time, and you feel important in a way,” she reflects. More than half of the staff at The HOME Project are themselves refugees, bringing a unique understanding of the challenges faced by the children. This shared experience fosters a deeper level of empathy and connection, reinforcing the organization’s mission to help children reclaim the childhood they were never allowed to have.