The HOME Project

𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗧𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗬: Home is where warmth meets safety. It’s where you feel protected, empowered, and cared for. For thousands of unaccompanied refugee children who have been forced to flee everything they know, that feeling has been missing. Until they arrive at The HOME Project. Every day, across our 13 homes in Athens, quiet moments of transformation unfold. Through our comprehensive child protection model, we help children overcome trauma, access education, and grow into confident, independent citizens. With your support, we can help even more children reclaim their childhood and take charge of their future. Because everything starts at HOME. 🏡💛✨ Join us today by clicking the link in our bio. 𝗩𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘀: Producer: Loukas Valentis @whiteroom_athens Director: Konstantinos Stagkikas Dop: Tasos Chatzis Focus Puller: Giorgos Talianis Electrician: Fotis Zaminos Art Director: Alexandra Kapsi Production Assistant: Jason Siadimas Production Manager: Yasmine Mevoy Editing: Dimitris Vatsios Color Grading: Dimitris Karteris Sound Design: Yellowgroove VO: Jerome Calouta @jerome_kaluta Post Production: The End Copyrighter: Dimitra Zakinithinou Client: The HOME Project #TheHOMEProject #ChildProtection #RefugeeChildren #Integration #Empowerment #NoChildAlone #SafeHome #SupportRefugees #GiveHope #EveryChildMatters

𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗦𝗨𝗥𝗩𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗟 𝗧𝗢 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: As Greece faces a rapidly aging population and growing labor shortages in key sectors, a new report by The HOME Project underscores the urgent need for a national child protection and integration policy for unaccompanied refugee children. Greece will need over 750,000 new workers by 2050. Across Europe, the number exceeds 50 million. Instead of seeking labor abroad through costly and difficult-to-implement bilateral agreements, Greece should invest in the thousands of young people already living in the country. With the right support, they can - and have - become driven students, skilled professionals, and active citizens. 📚 🛠️ 🎓 💼 We are urging Greece to take action by linking protection to opportunity through child protection, education, vocational training, and access to employment. “Integration isn’t a threat - it’s a necessary investment for our collective future and the prosperity of our society”, says Sofia Kouvelaki, Chief Executive Officer of The HOME Project. 🔗 Read the full report via the link in our bio. Cover Photo: Umar Hafeez #ChildProtection #RefugeeYouth #IntegrationNow #SocialInclusion #TheHOMEProject #NoChildAlone #WorldRefugeeDay #InternationalDayforRefugees

𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: With clay in their hands and their imagination running free, teenage boys and girls from our shelters took part in a creative workshop at @keno.ceramics . 🏺👐✨ As they molded and experimented with different shapes and textures, they were encouraged to express themselves freely, communicate beyond words, and enjoy moments of self-discovery. #TheHOMEProject #NoChildAlone #InsideOurShelters #ChildProtection #CreativeExpression #YouthEmpowerment #Inclusion #KenoCeramics #CeramicsWorkshop #ArtForChange

𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: For the children under our care, learning how to recognize pain, symptoms, and when to seek help is a key step toward building confidence, safety, and independence. Through an engaging workshop led by @globalbrigadesgreece , they explored how the human body functions, how it protects itself, and why hygiene and self-care are essential for staying healthy. 🌡🏥 💊 They were also introduced to the people behind healthcare systems, gaining a clearer understanding of how each professional contributes to care, recovery, and our overall wellbeing. #TheHOMEProject #NoChildAlone #ChildProtection #HealthEducation #HealthcareForAll #YouthEmpowerment #LearningEveryDay #InsideOurShelters #GlobalBrigades

𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦: Mamadou arrived in Greece in the winter of 2016, after crossing by boat from Turkey to the island of Lesvos. Seeking safety, he fled Guinea at the age of 17. After two difficult weeks in Moria camp, where he experienced overcrowding, violence, and constant tension, he was transferred to Athens and placed at one of our shelters for teenage boys. Today, nearly a decade after arriving in Greece, Mamadou has come full circle. He now works as a caregiver at The HOME Project. Each morning, he wakes up children for school, just as staff members once woke him. “Yesterday it was me”, he says quietly, “and today it is me who has to wake others up”. The moment still moves him every time. “I tell them: go to school. Be patient. This will help you so much in the future. It will help you do whatever you want in your life”. For the children now arriving in Greece alone, Mamadou represents something deeply important. He is proof that healing, belonging, and independence are possible. And while he continues to dream about building something of his own one day, he already knows what matters most to him. 🔗 Read his full story at the link in our bio. #OurVoices #TheHOMEProject #NoChildAlone #CareInAction #RefugeeChildren #ChildhoodMatters #Integration

𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣𝗦: We were incredibly moved when the school community of @moraitis_school told us that they wanted to support the renovation of the study room at the shelter for our youngest children. The students rolled up their sleeves and took part in painting the room themselves, adding their own energy and care to a space that will directly benefit the children they have come to become friends with through our educational collaboration with the school. Following this, the study room will be enhanced with new furniture, helping to refresh and further support its everyday use. In parallel, the school will also donate additional books to enrich our library. 📚🏡✨ The study room is an important part of life in our shelters. It is where our educators support children with Greek language learning and school homework, while also offering a calm and structured environment where they can concentrate, study, and enjoy moments of quiet during their day. #TheHOMEProject #NoChildAlone #MeaningfulPartnerships #Education #Inclusion #MoraitisSchool #YouthEngagement

𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗬𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘: Our Chief Development Officer, Stelios Vellis, joined the panel discussion “Migration, Institutions and Trust: Challenges and Perspectives”, organized by @kmop_org as part of the European research project BENEFITS. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Margarita Markoviti, Professor of Political Science at @deree_acg and @ieuniversity , and featured fellow speakers Younous Mohammadi, Managing Director of @greekforumofrefugees , and Panagiotis Katrakazas, Project Coordinator of BENEFITS. Stelios highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive, structured and long-term child protection policy that leads to the meaningful integration of unaccompanied and separated refugee children. He also stressed that child protection cannot be limited to emergency responses, but should also include stability, access to education, mental health support, legal assistance, and real pathways to social inclusion and independence. #TheHOMEProject #NoChildAlone #AmplifyingOurVoice #KMOP #ChildProtection #Integration #RefugeeChildren #YouthEmpowerment #Migration #SocialImpact #PolicyChange

𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣𝗦: We are proud to continue to bring children from our shelters and student volunteers from @athens_college together in a shared journey of learning, creativity, and connection, through The School Project. Beyond Greek, English, math, and sports, the program continues to grow into a wider space of exploration and discovery. Children collaborate on research projects around topics such as recycling, sustainability and environmental awareness, and take part in hands-on activities. ♻️🎨🌍 Each Saturday session becomes an opportunity for all participants to express themselves, build confidence, and engage with learning in ways that feel meaningful, practical, and fun. At its heart, The School Project remains a space where cultures meet, friendships are formed and every child is supported to feel included, valued, and connected. #TheHOMEProject #NoChildAlone #MeaningfulPartnerships #TheSchoolProject #AthensCollege #InclusiveEducation #ChildhoodMatters #Sustainability #LearningTogether #CommunityCare #YouthEmpowerment

𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: Children of all ages from across our shelters marked May Day by embracing one of the most beautiful spring traditions. They created their own colourful wreaths with fresh flowers and natural materials. 🌿🌸🌼 What began as a simple activity soon became a comforting and joyful shared ritual: matching flowers, weaving stems together and discovering another way to express their creativity while welcoming the new season. #TheHOMEProject #NoChildAlone #InsideOurShelters #Inclusion #MayDay #SpringCelebration #SpringMoments #ChildhoodMatters #Creativity #Togetherness

𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: Teenagers from our shelters had the chance to discover the world of radio at Athens 9,84 FM (@athina984 ), a place where stories are created, voices are amplified, and public dialogue comes to life in real time. ✨🎙️📻🎧 From the live studios to the buzzing newsroom, they experienced what happens behind the scenes, how programs are produced, how journalists prepare and deliver news as it unfolds, and see the evolution of the equipment used to bring sound and storytelling to the airwaves. For a few hours, they weren’t just visitors, they were part of the process. Asking questions, observing closely, and understanding how communication can inform, connect, and empower communities far beyond the studio walls. Some even expressed an interest in exploring a potential career in sound engineering and media production, inspired by what they witnessed. #TheHOMEProject #NoChildAlone #InsideOurShelters #CommunityCare #YouthInAction #Athina984

𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗦: Ali, who works as a resident psychologist in one of our shelters, grew up between two worlds. Born in Lebanon and brought to Greece as a baby after his parents were forced to flee due to war, his early life carries the experience of displacement that he now encounters daily in his work with the children under our care. His upbringing in Greece gave him a sense of stability, but he always carried an awareness of migration and what it means to rebuild life in a new place. “I understand their journey. How difficult it is to get documents, how challenging it is to be in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language, you don’t know anything, and you’re trying to start over”, he admits. Supporting unaccompanied children, Ali highlights, is demanding, but it reshapes the way you observe and perceive the world. It pushes you to see the human being first, beyond labels, backgrounds, or assumptions. “In another situation, in another war, any one of us could be in their shoes”, he says. “We are not different. In the end, we all need something to eat, a roof over our heads, and to feel safe”. 🔗 Read his full story at the link in our bio. #OurVoices #TheHOMEProject #NoChildAlone #CareInAction #RefugeeChildren #ChildhoodMatters #Integration

𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬: We recently had the joy of welcoming to our shelters six inspiring student volunteers from the Netherlands. Throughout their visit, the group spent time with the teenagers under our care, getting to know each other beyond borders and backgrounds. Together, they explored the city, shared everyday moments, and connected through sports, laughter, and teamwork. 🌟🌍⚽ We were also honored to meet with the Ambassador of the Netherlands in Greece, Barbara van Hellemond and First Secretary Cees Van Beek at the Embassy (@nlingreece ), for a meaningful exchange on the role young people can play in challenging xenophobia and contributing to more inclusive and compassionate communities. The conversation also highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces for interaction, where young people can meet, share experiences, and learn from one another across cultures. The visit ended with a friendly football match with mixed teams at the Akadimia Platonos court, which was made possible with the support of the City of Athens Culture, Sports and Youth Organization (@opanda.gr ). #TheHOMEProject #NoChildAlone #ChildProtection #RefugeeChildren #Integration #InsideOurShelters #Opanda #CityofAthens #NetherlandsInGreece #DutchEmbassy