Our Diary

𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗣𝗨𝗥𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗘: We are proud to share that our CEO, Sofia Kouvelaki, had the honor and pleasure of participating in a private lunch with former German Chancellor Angela Merkel during her recent visit to Greece. Alongside eight exceptional young women leaders from across Greece’s economic, social, cultural and political sectors, Sofia had the opportunity to engage in an inspiring discussion with one of Europe’s most influential figures. With humility, insight, and strength, Angela Merkel reminded us that true leadership means standing firm in your values, listening deeply, and leading with purpose — especially in challenging times. As she mentioned: “Leadership is about resilience, clarity and doing the right thing even when it’s unpopular”.

Big thanks to Kathimerini for hosting this important exchange, and to Iliana Magra for facilitating such a thoughtful discussion.

Click here to read the feature article that was published in Kathimerini.

𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬: A group of our youngest children recently had the joy of exploring “The World of Kids” exhibition, organized by The Mentors Team. The exhibition featured paintings created by unaccompanied refugee minors during a series of art workshops held in shelters throughout the year. Arriving at the 2nd Multicultural School in Athens, they were greeted by a space bursting with color - and quickly felt inspired to create art of their own. They gathered around tables, adding extra chairs so everyone could join in. Hands reached over shared canvases, entangled in movement, as they expressed their creativity and imagination together.

“Art is a central part of daily life in our shelters, especially for the little ones. Beyond regular creative activities, we recently began offering structured workshops led by a volunteer artist,” explained Giannis, one of our shelter coordinators.

𝗖𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Members of our Management Team had the opportunity to visit Jamie's Farm in Bath and Monmouth, as part of a learning exchange facilitated by Greenwood Place. Jamie’s Farm supports young people who are at risk of social and academic exclusion - often those who feel disengaged, isolated, or are struggling with behavior and self-esteem.

Over the course of the visit, our team met with key members of the Jamie’s Farm staff, spent meaningful time with some of the young people they support - including young asylum seekers - and gained valuable insight into the broader child protection ecosystem in the UK. They also rolled up their sleeves and got involved in daily farming activities like chopping wood, feeding and caring for animals, and preparing meals together.

“These kinds of visits are incredibly valuable, allowing us to share knowledge and reflect on different care practices. Learning from organizations like Jamie’s Farm helps us continue to broaden our perspective and strengthen our approach”, noted Panagiotis Kostis, Mental Health Coordinator at The HOME Project.

Thank you to Jamie’s Farm for the warm welcome, and to Greenwood Place for making this exchange possible.

𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: We recently had the pleasure of hosting a unique creative workshop that brought together storytelling and illustration. From Chile, we welcomed @lamatrioska_narracionoral, the brilliant storytelling duo @nicole.castillor and @andrescuentero invited the children in our care to imagine, reflect, and connect -experiencing the magic and power of words.

Meanwhile, with the guidance of celebrated Colombian cartoonist Adriana “Nani” Mosquera, our kids explored character creation through drawing. Nani is internationally recognized for her work in visual storytelling, education, and advocacy, using cartoons as a tool for awareness and social change. With her help, they brought original animal characters to life — full of color, emotion, and personality.

Together, these sessions sparked joy, boosted confidence, and created a safe space for emotional expression and creativity. Big thanks to @adrianafarsaris and LEA Festival for their support in making this initiative possible.

𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬: In celebration of World Refugee Day, staff and children from all of our shelters, as well as friends of The HOME Project came together for a joyful summer evening filled with music, movement, and connection. At the beautiful courtyard of the Athens Municipality Art Center, nested within Parko Eleftherias, we danced to the powerful beats of HipHop4Hope and were mesmerized by the rhythmic performance of Ubuntu Drum and Dance by @vanabaafrika. There was plenty of delicious homemade food prepared by our shelters, and we happily served one too many cups of orange juice to our littlest guests.
 
“Music is a universal language — one that speaks directly to the heart. Even when we don’t share a common language, we can share a rhythm, a melody, a dance. On World Refugee Day, it was important to celebrate what binds us together as a community: joy, resilience, and the simple act of gathering around food and sound. These are the shared experiences that create a sense of belonging”, said Stelios Vellis, Chief Development Officer at The HOME Project.

𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣𝗦: Some of our youngest children had the joy of participating in the “Midsummer” celebration, organized by our friends at Open Door Greece to mark the end of the school year. They took part in the theatrical play “Birth” - a poetic journey through the origins of the universe, Earth, nature, humanity, emotions, ideas, knowledge, and the elements. Drawing from the words of Sophocles to Shakespeare, it explored the role of humans and family in shaping the world.

As our Shelter Coordinator Konstantina shared: “Creative activities like theater help children build confidence, develop social skills, and foster a sense of belonging. For unaccompanied minors, these are opportunities to engage in structured group activities, practice expression, and build a community in a safe and supportive setting. Their interaction with children with disabilities also helps nurture empathy and strengthens their emotional intelligence”.

𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗠𝗔-𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗦𝗞𝗬 𝗩𝗢𝗬𝗔𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗦: We had the pleasure of welcoming, for yet another year, a group of young, dynamic, and driven recipients of the Voyager Scholarship.

Katherine and Yamira from Wellesley College, and Ryan from Bowling Green State University, spent the past few weeks volunteering across three of our shelters. From building bonds with the children to joining in on daily activities, they embraced every moment with empathy, dedication, and a hunger to learn and contribute. We appreciate their time and energy, and we look forward to welcoming more Voyager Scholarship recipients to The HOME Project later this summer.

The Voyager Scholarship for Public Service was co-founded by former U.S. President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and Brian Chesky, Co-Founder and CEO of Airbnb. The program supports U.S. college students committed to public service by offering financial aid, an immersive summer work-travel experience, and a robust network of leaders and mentors, all of which provide hands-on experience and a global perspective.

Check out what they shared about their experience: Ryan, Katherine, Yamira.

𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬: Our recent visits to the Alekos Fassianos Museum opened up a fascinating world of color, imagination, and self-expression, giving our children the chance to explore Greek art and discover their own creative voice.

Young boys and girls from our shelters learned about the life and work of Alekos Fassianos - one of Greece’s most iconic artists - through an immersive tour. Then, inspired by his distinctive style, they created their own vibrant cityscapes through drawing and collage.  

“This dynamic workshop not only sparked artistic expression, but also encouraged thoughtful dialogue and the sharing of creative ideas” shared @marina_nicoletopoulos, who’s been a long-term friend and supporter of The HOME Project, and helped lead the image-making process. Stathis, one of our Educators, added: “Many of our kids recognized shapes and figures that stirred personal memories - something that clearly came through in their drawings. It was a moment of reflection and self-expression, showing how art can transcend barriers”.

A big thank you to the Alekos Fassianos Museum for welcoming us so warmly. These experiences help our children build confidence, channel their creativity and feel part of the cultural life of their city.

𝗕𝗘𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗦: We were excited to participate in the filming of the Erasmus+ project (@erasmus_plus_projects ) VR4Empathy, which brings together partners from Greece, Portugal, Slovenia, and Denmark to create immersive educational tools which will help foster empathy and inclusion in schools across Europe. In collaboration with the Institute of Educational Policy and production team KHORA, the crew visited our shelters to capture the reality and impact of our child protection services. Additionally, members of our Child Protection Unit -Fotis Parthenidis (Head of CPU), Panagiotis Kostis (Mental Health Coordinator), Agnes Darmi (CPU Officer), and Jane Moraa (Caregiver)- shared insights from their work.

These materials will be part of an innovative lesson plan designed to enable teachers to explore the refugee experience with their students, using virtual reality to encourage critical thinking and meaningful discussions on human rights, social values, and European citizenship. We are proud to support this important initiative that combines education and technology to inspire and empower young minds.

𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗢 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛: We successfully completed the 9^th year of the Youth to Youth Program, in partnership with ACS Athens. By harnessing the innate potential of youth to connect across cultural and social divides, this pioneering initiative has created a vibrant platform for peer-to-peer interaction, while fostering inclusion, empathy, and mutual respect within a multicultural educational setting.

Right from the start, Youth to Youth embraced a win-win approach, offering tangible benefits to both refugee children and local students. Paired with students from the school, our children received academic support, while also being encouraged to express themselves creatively through arts and sports -helping rebuild their confidence and sense of identity. At the same time, ACS Athens students took on meaningful roles as mentors, collaborators, and emerging global citizens. Their engagement with refugee peers deepened their intercultural awareness and emotional intelligence, while challenging them to think critically about issues like social justice, privilege, and global responsibility.

At the closing ceremony, all participants shared their key takeaways and received a commemorative certificate from Julia Tokatlidou, Dean of Academics at ACS. It was especially moving to hear several graduating seniors from the school express their intention to carry this spirit forward and attempt to create something similar in their university communities in the years ahead.

𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗬𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘: We were proud to participate in the International Conference “Nurturing Active Global Citizens for a World on the Move”, organized by the Directorate of Culture of the Municipality of Piraeus, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and the European Wergeland Centre. A distinguished lineup of academic researchers and educators -including Veronica Boix Mansilla from Harvard University, Angela K. Salmon and Corina Febres Cordero from Florida International University, and Eleni Geroulanou from Library4All- shared their perspectives on holistic educational approaches rooted in active citizenship, sustainable development, global competences, and children’s rights. As part of the Human Library, our Youth Ambassador Andrely and COO Maria Kaldani shared the powerful story of how they met in 2019 and have grown stronger together ever since - a journey of trust, connection, and resilience. 

𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: To celebrate King’s Day, members of The HOME Project team joined Ambassador Susanna Terstal for a beach clean-up at Varkiza, organised by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Greece and HELMEPA – Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association. Dressed in orange, we rolled up our sleeves and collected over 30 bags of trash -helping to protect our coastline and raise awareness about marine pollution.

𝗦𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗠𝗢𝗗𝗘𝗟: We were delighted to host the team from Jamie's Farm and begin a meaningful collaboration grounded in shared values and a deep commitment to children’s wellbeing. During their visit, they were trained in our child protection model, visited our shelters, met with members of our Child Protection Unit, as well as our Youth Ambassadors, and witnessed the impact of our work first-hand.

We also had the chance to harvest flowers and create beautiful bouquets together at The Power of a Flower -a social cooperative enterprise that provides professional training and employment for people with disabilities. 

The exchange sparked rich conversations around therapeutic care, inclusion, and the challenges faced by unaccompanied minors -opening the door to further synergies, shared learning, and mutual growth.

“It’s been truly reassuring to witness such outstanding work being done for the most vulnerable children. I have been genuinely impressed by the level of care, professionalism, and the holistic approach you take in meeting each child’s diverse needs. I hope that we can continue to learn from one another and grow stronger through this collaboration”, shared Tish Feilden, Co-Founder of Jamie’s Farm.

We’re deeply grateful to Greenwood Place for bringing our teams together and making this exchange possible.

Click here to watch what Tish Feilden, Co-Founder of Jamie’s Farm and Laura Johnson, Therapeutic Coordinator had to say about their visit.

𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣𝗦: A heartfelt thank you to our friends at Mission "Anthropos" for their generous donation of shoes and clothes for the unaccompanied minors supported in five of our shelters. These thoughtful contributions go beyond meeting immediate needs -they’re a tangible reminder of the power of community and the deep impact of standing together in support of those who need it most. We are truly grateful for their ongoing support. 

𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: Some of the most meaningful memories are made in the simplest moments -like gathering around a table, sharing stories, and cooking together. Our children enjoyed a vibrant afternoon full of flavor and fun. Guided by our dear friend Danae Tsekoura (@troofood) and her two sons, the kids visited the local farmers’ market, where they helped select fresh, seasonal ingredients for a special cooking session.

Back at the shelter, with the help of our amazing resident cook Nael, they prepared homemade lahmacun filled with walnut, tomato, and mushrooms -served alongside a fresh salad of avocado, olives, and herbs. More than a delicious meal, this experience nurtured teamwork, sparked joy, and deepened the bonds within our shelter family. It’s moments like these that remind us how healing and empowering it can be for children to create, taste, and share something made with love.

𝗔 𝗦𝗣𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗩𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗧: It was truly a pleasure and an honor to welcome our long-time supporter and member of The HOME Project Advisory Board, Ed Shapiro to the shelter that proudly bears his family name. 

He had the opportunity to re-connect with members of our Senior Management team and Child Protection Unit –some of whom have been part of this journey since the very beginning. He also met with the young girls and teenage mothers with their babies that are currently in our care, and got to hear their stories, hopes and aspirations.

𝗔𝗗𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛 𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: We were proud to host an impactful round table discussion on the transformative role of education in the integration of lone refugee children, in collaboration with @acsathens.

Esteemed guests -including Julia Tokatlidou, Dean of Academics, and Harry Leonardatos, Academy Principal @acsathens, Alexandros Phylactopoulos, Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Gerasimos Alivizatos General Secretary at @athens_college, Anthony Kartalis, Managing Director and Myrena Hatzivassiliou, Communications Director at @moraitis_school, Dr. Gelly Aroni, Head of Integration in the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Unaccompanied Minors (Ministry of Migration and Asylum)- and other partners, supporters and volunteers of The HOME Project joined our CEO, Sofia Kouvelaki to share highlights, challenges and learnings from our ongoing educational programs, and explore ways to amplify our impact.

𝗔 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Our youngest children and the wonderful kids from @opendoor_greece shared a truly heartwarming play date at the Special Education School in Argyroupoli. In a world that often focuses on what sets people apart, they reminded us of what brings us together: a need to connect, to feel accepted, and to experience joy without judgment.

There were no differences that mattered –just the universal language of curiosity, kindness, and laughter. It was a day filled with empathy, new friendships, and the kind of magic that only happens when children come together with open hearts. 

𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗘: The HOME Project Chief Operating Officer, Maria Kaldani shared our theory of change and field-based case studies, at the “Advancing the Nursing Workforce” Symposium, organized by @columbiaglobalcenters in Athens. The event, held in collaboration with @aua_insta (American University of Armenia), and National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, was attended by hundreds of nurse practitioner students.

Maria emphasized the importance of trauma-informed care and community-driven protection, especially in the context of unaccompanied refugee minors -while highlighting the transformational impact of our child protection model. Following her talk, she led a series of workshops, alongside one of our dedicated caregivers, who is also a trained nurse.

We are always grateful for opportunities to amplify our voice, exchange best practices, and cultivate synergies. 

𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗡 𝗙𝗨𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘: With guidance from our partners at @organizationearth_gr, the teenagers from our shelters were introduced to the multitude of employment opportunities emerging within the green economy.

With curiosity and eagerness, they engaged in hands-on activities using training tools designed to equip them with essential digital and entrepreneurial skills – skills that can open doors to careers in renewable energy, sustainable construction, agriculture and food production, forestry, and beyond.

Empowering our youth with knowledge today, enables them to shape a stronger tomorrow.

𝗦𝗨𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬: Amadou exemplifies what is possible when young people are given the opportunity and the tools to unlock their potential. The HOME Project helped pave the way, and we are incredibly proud to see him continue to seize opportunities for growth and use his voice to drive positive impact.

He recently appeared on national French television @TV5Monde, raising awareness for African Week -the flagship annual event organized by the African Student Association (ASPA) @SciencesPo, where he now serves as President. He spoke about the importance of amplifying African voices, sparking meaningful conversations and celebrating cultural diversity. 

“My experiences and learnings from The HOME Project continue to shape how I carry forward ASPA’s mission today –with purpose, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility”, he admits.

Congratulations, Amadou – keep shinning bright.

𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: Art is undeniably an incredible outlet for self-expression—and for children who have endured trauma, it can also serve as a pathway to healing. 

“When our children participate in art workshops,” says Konstantina, one of our Psychologists and Shelter Coordinators, “they’re given an alternative way to communicate their thoughts, feelings, concerns, hopes, and dreams. Art allows them to better understand themselves, express their inner world, and both ask for and accept help. This is a powerful tool for their emotional development and their ability to form healthy, authentic, and meaningful relationships.”

𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗗𝗔𝗬: Teachers, administrators and support personnel from @doukas_school lovingly prepared meals for all the children under our care, during this year’s Interculturality Day.

Students of all ages also had the opportunity to take part in a wide range of engaging activities that promoted cultural diversity, including workshops on traditional arts and crafts, discussions on human rights and documentary screenings.

These initiatives foster meaningful dialogue and understanding, while reinforcing the power of empathy, solidarity and respect for all. This was truly a day of learning, reflection, and, most importantly, unity.

𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣𝗦: We were honored to attend a private dinner celebrating @isabelle.huppert, as part of the 25th @fffwien (Francophone Film Festival).

The HOME Project Youth Ambassadors, Ruth and Andrely, had the opportunity to meet the iconic French actress, as well as @laurence.auer, Ambassador of France to Greece @france_en_grece. During this memorable encounter, they got to share their personal stories, highlighting the challenges they faced as unaccompanied minors and their aspirations for the future. They were joined by Maria Kaldani, Chief Operating Officer, Dimitris Grigoriadis, Head of Administrative Operations and Konstantina Vaiopoulou, Shelter Coordinator.

Thank you to @institutfrancaisgrece and to @toniagift (Tonia Vassilopoulou), Marketing Director of @stgeorge_lycabettus_hotel for their hospitality and continued support. 

𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗗𝗔𝗬: Teenage boys from our shelters attended an exciting volleyball match between GSS Panionios and AO Egaleo.

Following the game, the players from @panioniosvolleyball team welcomed them onto the court for a meet-and-greet. It was a memorable experience that left our kids feeling inspired and motivated to pursue their own passions, both in sports and in life.

𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: “Gardening works wonders for children’s emotional healing and mental well-being,” says Amanda, one of our Shelter Coordinators.

Our children frequently care for their porch garden, tending to flowers and plants with love and attention. What may appear to be a simple daily task is, in fact, a deeply fulfilling, calming, and rewarding experience that nurtures both their minds and spirits.

𝗭𝗘𝗥𝗢 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: Feeling accepted and valued is crucial for the children in our care, and at a special sports event organized at @oaka.official, they experienced just that. From sitting volleyball -a Paralympic sport- to run archery and relay games, they enjoyed a day filled with movement, teamwork, and the powerful message of inclusivity.

Events like these provide safe spaces for our children to interact with their peers, while helping to break boundaries and cultivate a sense of community. 

𝗕𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗦𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗦: A healthy smile starts with good habits. Our children took part in a fun and informative dental hygiene workshop, led by our friends at @globalbrigadesgreece.
With expert guidance from a dentist, and the support of student volunteers from @kennesawstateuniversity, our kids learned the essentials of oral care, followed by hands-on brushing practice. To top it off, they all received a dental check-up and a brand new toothbrush to keep their smiles shinning bright and healthy. 

𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗞 𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬: One of The HOME Project’s scholars at @athens_college had the honor of proudly marching in the annual student parade, celebrating Greece’s Independence Day.

Participating in local traditions supports our children’s integration and deepens their sense of belonging. It helps them connect with the history and customs of the country they now call home. A truly beautiful moment of unity and celebration! 

𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Young football enthusiasts from our shelters had the thrill of attending the @fcpanathinaikos vs. Reykjavik match.

Many of our children are already part of local football clubs and academies, so this was a great opportunity for them to celebrate their shared passion for the game, watch some of their idols play live, and socialize with one another. 

𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬: Standing before the Parthenon, our children were in awe. Their faces lit up as they walked through the Acropolis, with our educators acting as tour guides and helping bring our city's rich past to life.

These experiences help the children under our care to develop a deeper understanding of our history and be immersed into Greece’s culture.

OUR VOICES: This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Andrely –once an unaccompanied minor, now a dedicated caregiver in one of our shelters and a fierce Youth Ambassador for The HOME Project.

She fled Congo five years ago and arrived in Greece alone. Today, at 22, she is a role model for younger refugee children, is completing her education and dreams of starting her own charity. “Most girls in my home country are unable to go to school because of poverty, early marriage and conservative traditional beliefs. They are also extremely vulnerable to sexual and gender-based violence. I would love to be able to replicate what The HOME Project does in order to protect and support girls in the DRC”, she says.

Andrely’s journey is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of female perseverance.

Read her full interview as part of the International Women’s Day special feature.

Read On

EDUCATION: On top of ensuring that all of our children go to school, our resident educators provide personalized support and tutoring, which addresses the specific needs of each child. By utilizing creative methods and games, they seek to make learning more accessible and interactive, while transforming the study of challenging subjects like math and science, into a fun experience.

CAPACITY BUILDING: As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, team members from across the organization engaged in an insightful workshop focused on fostering a deeper understanding of The HOME Project’s culture and core values. Through meaningful discussions and collaborative activities, we explored the key principles that unite and strengthen our team, guide our work, and shape our collective impact.

CERAMICS WORKSHOP: Teenagers and caregivers from one of our shelters recently had the chance to discover the art of ceramics at Sealed Earth Ceramic Studio & Ceramic Art Gallery, which was founded by artist Loukia Thomopoulou. Through working with clay, they developed patience and skill, and discovered a new channel of self-expression. When asked to create something meaningful to them, they proudly chose to craft and paint the flags of their home countries. Art can have a profound healing effect, while allowing our children to discover new their talents and externalize their thoughts, memories and feelings. 

A special thank you to Stamatia Dimitrakopoulos for playing a key role in facilitating this partnership. 

GOALS FOR GOOD: For another year, our friends at St. Catherine's British School organized the “Goals for Good” tournament, giving our children the opportunity to showcase their athletic talents and helping raise funds in support of The HOME Project.

Football legends Takis Fyssas and Aggelos Basinas were there to support and inspire by providing useful coaching tips to all participants. In the end, headteacher Jon Perriss awarded everyone with a commemorative medal, recognizing their sportsmanship.

Football is a powerful force for inclusion, connection, and positive change. We always welcome exciting initiatives that support our cause, while allowing our children to interact with their peers, build friendships, and embrace teamwork.

𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Our children got to explore the intriguing visual, sensory and educational world of the @museumofillusions_athens. Through interactive and mind-bending exhibits, they discovered how reality isn’t always as it seems.

At the HOME Project, we seek to expand our children’s horizons while sparking their playfulness and critical thinking. These experiences encourage our children to learn, connect, and see the world from new perspectives—both literally and figuratively. 

𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗦: Another Saturday well spent at Athens College! Our children once again joined the students of @athens_college for a day of learning, teamwork, and fun. Through the “School Project”, they buddy up to study Math, Greek, and English, while also bonding over sports.

For the past four years, this initiative has connected over 250 kids from The HOME Project and Athens College, creating a safe space where they can engage, learn and grow. More than an academic program, it’s a platform for meaningful interaction, inclusion, and integration.

𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬: Our youngest children had the chance to experience “The Nutcracker and I” at @megaron_athens,—a groundbreaking multimedia performance blending solo piano, dance, and digital animation. Created and performed by pianist @alexdariescu, the show aims to introduce young audiences to classical music in an innovative and accessible way.

At The HOME Project, we seek to harness the power of cultural experiences to inspire, educate, and build bridges. These opportunities enable our children to broaden their horizons and spark their curiosity. 

𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗠𝗦: Socialization and integration are fundamental components of our child protection model. Our Saturday Sports Program, in partnership with @moraitis_school, provides an inclusive and safe space for children from both the Greek and refugee communities to connect, build friendships, and cultivate meaningful social behaviors. 

Led by dedicated coaches and enthusiastic students, this initiative also enables them develop essential life skills like teamwork, confidence and respect, —all while having fun. 

A SPECIAL VISITOR: This bundle of joy brightened up our day at The HOME Project’s headquarters! Little Eglovan recently started daycare and as the pictures above reveal he is already eager to discover the world, develop his talents and take charge of our office. His mother, Deborah, arrived in Athens alone at just 17 years old, while she was still pregnant. After fleeing her hometown in Congo, she found refuge in our shelter for young girls and teenage mothers with their babies. A few months later, her son Eglovan was born.

Thanks to the much-needed financial, psychological and legal assistance, and the nurturing care she received from the HOME Project team, Deborah has been able to gradually transition to independent living as an adult and start to build a stable future for herself and her son. Deborah and Eglovan are living proof of the impact our child protection model has, and a source of inspiration for us to continue to support children in need.

𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗕𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: Our children had the opportunity to visit the exhibition “Palermo. People and Ruins” by Yannis Psychopedis at @zoumboulakis_galleries.
These regular outings help broaden their horizons and nurture their creativity and imagination. They also enable them to discover the city, get immersed into the local culture, and make the most of what Athens has to offer, all of which can facilitate their integration.

WELCOMING THE NEW YEAR TOGETHER: The HOME Project family came together to welcome 2025 in a heartfelt community-building event at Romantso Athens. Our children, team members, partners, and supporters, along with our special guests from Open Door Greece, gathered to celebrate unity, resilience, and hope. Together, we cut the traditional vasilopita, which was lovingly prepared by Troo Food, and unleashed our collective positive energy on the dance-floor. A big thank you to all of our friends who made this event special: Pavlina Voulgaraki for her moving performance, Bantu Dancers/ AfroGreeks for their electrifying energy, and DJ Soldo for keeping spirits high with his multicultural set. We are deeply grateful that our community gets bigger and stronger each year.

FAMILY REUNIFICATION: Our 8-year-old O. from Syria has been safely reunited with his mother in Austria, thanks to the perseverance of The HOME Project legal team.

He was abruptly separated from his family during their crossing to Greece, and arrived in one of our shelters five months ago. Upon arrival, our team developed and began to implement an individual development plan, which addressed his specific needs. This included providing him with social support, mental health support, access to education, and the legal assistance required until he could be reunified with his family.

Legal support is a core pillar of our child protection model and we are proud that our team has successfully reunited more than 290 children with their families.

TREEPLANTING ACTIVITY: From holiday cheer to environmental care! This Christmas, our youngest children teamed up with Well Being Greece and decorated a natural fir tree. After the holidays, the tree was lovingly replanted at Kaisariani Forest with the guidance of Philodassiki Athinon. Through this experience, the children learned about the replantation process, the circle of life, and the importance of preserving natural trees. The day ended with a beautiful picnic. A big thank you to Well Being Greece, Isabelle Razis and Angeliki Dikeoulia for organizing this educational and meaningful experience.

MEANINGFUL PARTNERSHIPS: Fun new experiences always light up little faces, and we got to witness it first-hand! Slide right to witness the joy for yourself. Thanks to the lovely team from Φυσικό Αέριο Ελληνική Εταιρεία Ενέργειας, our youngest children tried ice skating for the very first time at Stavros Niarchos Cultural Foundation and enjoyed every second of it.  Each child also received a personalized gift, together with some yummy treats which they immediately started sharing with the whole group. A big thank you to our Φυσικό Αέριο Ελληνική Εταιρεία Ενέργειας friends for making this beautiful evening possible.

MEANINGFUL PARTNERSHIPS: Our Head of Programs, Vassilis Mihailidis had the pleasure of joining the aspiring chefs of the 2024 Cosmote Scholarship Program, who under the guidance of Masterchef Dimitris Skarmoutsos, prepared and donated 80 delicious meals to our shelters. Thank you to Cosmote Greece for this wonderful gesture and to everyone involved for sharing the love.

MEANINGFUL PARTNERSHIPS: What an inspiring day! Our young ambassadors Amine, Andrely, Ruth, and Amadou, alongside our CEO, Sofia Kouvelaki, had the pleasure to meet and share their stories with the team from Zepos & Yannopoulos.

Elina Konstantinou, Marketing & Communications Director for the leading law firm facilitated an engaging panel discussion, during which, our children spoke about their experience at The HOME Project, the opportunities that they have been to unlock thanks to our guidance and support, and their aspirations for the future.

We’re extremely proud to see our children grow into independent and dynamic young adults, and grateful for partners who share our values and vision. Together, we’re making a difference!

MEANINGFUL PARTNERSHIPS: We were thrilled to join forces with RSM Greece, who rolled up their sleeves and embraced the holiday spirit. On top of running a donation drive, members of their team helped repaint the walls at one of our shelters. When the children returned from school, they too jumped right in, having a blast while giving their home a fresh new look.

A big thank you to the RSM team for helping create a lasting impact.

8 YEARS OF TRANSFORMING LIVES:  As we reflect on our journey since 2016, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible impact we’ve made together. From our humble beginning as a small team to where we are today, every achievement has been possible because of dedicated supporters like you. Your commitment has been vital in creating lasting change for the children who need it most. Thank you for being on our side.

INVESTING IN OUR TEAM: At The HOME Project, we’re committed to continuous improvement and invest in the meaningful development of all of our staff. This month’s capacity-building training, which was facilitated by our Legal experts, focused on the "Anthropogeography of Refugees".

The team delved into crucial topics such as asylum procedures, reasons for persecution, and international protection, enhancing everyone’s understanding of the diverse backgrounds of the children we support.

RAISING OUR VOICE: Our CEO Sofia Kouvelaki addressed our concerns about the negative implications the upcoming EU Migration Pact may have for refugee children, at a panel discussion organized by @columbiaglobalcenters

“We need to shift our perspective. It is possible to change the narrative and start to view refugee children as an asset for our societies and our economies, instead of a burden. Europe has shown that when we want to integrate people in a meaningful and constructive way, we can do it. It’s not about being humanitarian, it’s about being human”, she mentioned. Sofia was joined by Paige Arthur, Director of Global Programming at @columbia.global , Professor Kristin Fabbe from @europeanuniversityinstitute and Assistant Professor Nikolaos Lampas from @deree_acg. 

EUROPEAN MIGRATIOM FORUM: The Head of our Legal Unit, Anna Maria Kountouri participated in the 9th European Migration Forum, which was organized by the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels. Representatives from EU institutions, EU member states, local and regional authorities, as well as Civil Society Organizations had an insightful dialogue around the new Pact on Migration and Asylum, highlighting gaps and presenting their recommendations around its implementation.

COMMUNITY BUILDING EVENT: A big thank you to everyone who attended our Community Building Event on Friday at @kypseli.municipal.market. We are grateful to all the children and youth from our shelters, along with our staff, neighbors, friends, and supporters, who joined us to celebrate our vibrant and diverse community. It was a great opportunity to catch up with familiar faces, reinforce the meaningful and supportive bonds that we have developed, and further expand our THP family.

RAISING OUR VOICE: THP CEO, Sofia Kouvelaki, participated in an important panel discussion with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Volker Türk (@volker13311), which addressed the human rights landscape in Greece and was organized by @kmop_org. The event brought together Civil Society Organizations to present their insights and share their concerns. Sofia highlighted the urgent need for action to support the rising numbers of unaccompanied minors that are arriving in Greece, and underlined the multitude of challenges that child protection agencies are currently faced with.

COMMUNITY BUILDING: Two young girls under our care participated in an international conference as part of the European Program CERV, focused on "Peace." The event was organized by @dimos_kifissias.official and @femedubeart. One of the girls gave a powerful speech about how peace impacts us all and the importance of supporting the most vulnerable. The other, with a talent for the arts, presented Mayor Vassilis Xipolitas with her own artwork as a gift, symbolizing her vision of peace, which she also donated to the Municipality.

We are incredibly proud and inspired by the lessons and strength these children show us every day, motivating us to continue to work towards a better and more peaceful world.

RAISING OUR VOICE: At the #PaleBlueDot24 conference organized by @amcham.gr, @sokouvel, CEO of @homeprojectorg, shared a powerful message: “Refugee flows are like water. We cannot stop them. If we close legal routes, refugees will turn to illegal ones because they have no other choice.”

This was part of the panel discussion on “Paving the Way Towards Cultural Integration,” with Maria Gavouneli, President @eliamep and Matina Tzortzi, Head of Communications & Consumer Marketing for Greece, Cyprus, Malta@mastercardgr. The panel was moderated by Elina Konstantinou, Director of Marketing & Communications, Zepos & Yannopoulos.

In the following panel, young ambassadors, previously supported in our shelters as unaccompanied minors, spoke with Ada Gianeskis from @ikeagreece about our innovative educational program Youth to Youth, in collaboration with @acsathens. They both highlighted that education and equal access to opportunities are essential to successful integration.

MEANINGFUL PARTNERSHIPS: We collaborated with photographer @alisonjacksonartist for the second year on the @dayin.yourlife photography workshop and competition. This project was made possible through the active support of @plaisioofficial and its volunteer team "PLAI SOU," whose dedication helped create a meaningful and educational experience for the children under our care. Through this interactive workshop, the children had the opportunity to explore the art of photography and styling, discovering new ways to express their creativity. We are grateful to the photography director of "Day in Your Life," project coordinator and producer @marina_nicoletopoulos, and to everyone who contributed to the success of this initiative.

MEANINGFUL PARTNERHIPS: We welcomed Marina Naki and Dafni Crema from the Ama team, who specialize in empowering youth through creative workshops and supported by @desmos_non_profit_foundation, to one of our shelters for teenage boys. They conducted a two-day workshop themed "Street Art," with the goal of encouraging the boys to explore their neighborhood, take photographs, and reflect on the art present in their daily lives. The boys engaged in group discussions, which allowed them to express themselves creatively. Afterward, they used the photos as inspiration to create their own artworks and develop unique street art ideas.

COMMUNITY BUILDING: We had an amazing opportunity to attend Little Red Riding Hood, performed by the @operahouse.od.ua ballet at @megaron_athens, along with the boys and girls from our shelter, which accommodates children from Ukraine. The girls were especially excited by the ballet moves and the atmosphere of the theatre, which inspired them to dance after the performance and for several days afterward. Encouraging children to explore their interests and experience new things is central to our mission, and we are grateful to the Ukrainian Embassy for making this possible by providing us with the tickets

MEANINGFUL PARTNERSHIPS: Our Child Protection Unit met with the Directorate of Social Integration from the @ministryofmigrationandasylumgr to discuss daily challenges and share best practices for the smooth integration of children under our care. We presented our child protection model, highlighting our efforts to integrate children into society by focusing on building strong community connections through events and ensuring equal access to education via partnerships with private institutions. Together, we are working towards creating inclusive environments where every child has the opportunity to thrive and become an active citizen. 

COMMUNITY BUILDING: Last Sunday, we had the incredible opportunity to attend the @super_league_gr match between @aekfc_official and @fcpanathinaikos with a group of teenage boys under our care, all passionate football fans. The boys were thrilled by the atmosphere, and for many of them, it was their very first time experiencing a football game up close. At the @homeprojectorg, we are dedicated to ensuring that every child in our shelters has access to equal opportunities, fostering their connection to the wider community and making them feel part of the city. We are grateful to the @aekfc_official community for their hospitality and for offering us such a memorable experience at the OPAP Arena.

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY: For the children and teens under our care, education is a continuous journey that extends beyond the classroom. With the new school year underway, every afternoon our dedicated educators assist with homework and monitor academic progress, while our volunteers provide tutoring in Greek, English, math, science, and more. Education is at the core of our child protection model, and we’re committed to ensuring every child has the support and resources they need to reach their full potential and become active, empowered citizens. 

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY: Last Saturday, children from our shelters visited @art_athina 2024 at @zappeion_megaron. This experience gave them the opportunity to explore the vibrant world of contemporary art, sparking their creativity and imagination. At the @homeprojectorg, we believe in the power of art to inspire, heal, and empower the next generation. We are grateful for this chance to introduce them to a cultural space that celebrates artistic expression in all its forms. 

INTERNATIONAL PEACE DAY: On this International Peace Day, we are inspired by the youngest children in our care, who released sky lanterns filled with their wishes for a peaceful world free from conflicts and inequalities. Their dreams remind us of the future we must build together. At the @homeprojectorg, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the rights of children affected by war and persecution, ensuring they have the support to heal, grow, and thrive. Let’s work together for a world where every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to shape their own future and turn their dreams into reality.

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY: Teenagers living in our shelters had a great time exploring the wonders of the @goulandrisnaturalhistorymuseum. Learning extends far beyond the classroom, and it is part of our mission to inspire our youth to broaden their horizons and discover new interests. From fascinating exhibits to engaging activities, this visit was a fantastic opportunity for our teens to connect with the natural world, learn about the diversity of natural landscapes, and the impact of humans on the environment

MEANINGFUL PARTNERSHIPS: On Saturday, Syntagma Square was transformed into a football field for the @shedia.streetpaper soccer tournament. Young boys living in our shelters had the opportunity to participate in this event, which highlighted the importance of community support for marginalized groups in Athens. A huge thank you to @shedia.streetpaper for organizing such a meaningful tournament and fostering values like team spirit, friendship, and respect. Through this experience, the children not only engaged in the spirit of the game but also embraced the essence of giving back to their communities and becoming active, compassionate citizens. 

MEANINGFUL PARTNERSHIPS: Two girls from our shelter accommodating children from Ukraine had an unforgettable summer camp experience in August, thanks to the generous support and invitation of @trekking_hellas. Held in the beautiful Pertouli, Trikala, the camp gave the girls the chance to make new friends, explore nature, and enjoy activities like hiking, sports, and swimming. We remain committed to creating opportunities for the children under our care, fostering lasting childhood memories, and we are grateful to the Trekking Hellas community for being a vital supporter in this mission.

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY: Children living in one of our shelters had an amazing experience visiting the @emotionsmuseum, a one-of-a-kind interactive space dedicated to exploring and understanding emotions. Through creative activities, playful exhibits, and storytelling, the children learned about their inner emotional world and how to express and manage their feelings. Mental health is an important pillar of our child protection model. By embracing alternative ways of teaching children to care for their mental well-being, we empower them to grow into resilient, self-aware individuals.

MEANINGFUL PARTNERSHIPS: In our shelters, learning continues even during summer break! We're grateful to the amazing volunteers from @globalbrigadesgreece for leading an anatomy workshop tailored for the Ukrainian children under our care. With fun, interactive activities in Ukrainian, the kids learned about how the human body works and what they can do in their day-to-day to stay healthy. We are proud to collaborate with partners who share our commitment to creating supportive, child-friendly, and culturally aware environments and empowering children to understand and take charge of their health.

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY: Our shelter hosting children from Ukraine had an unforgettable day at the @snfcc Olympic Festival Paris 2024.The kids immersed themselves in the history of the @olympics, unleashed their creativity through art projects, and even tried out different Olympic sports. Experiences like these help them connect with Greek history and culture, fostering social integration and positive interactions with the communities they now call home. Providing opportunities to explore new interests and talents is one of our top priorities – who knows, we might even have a future Olympian in our midst.

FAMILY REUNIFICATION: A 12-year-old boy from Syria has reunited with his family in Norway. Every child has the right to grow up with family, and providing children with the legal support and representation they need to do so is part of our child protection model. Our legal team has facilitated over 250 family reunifications in total, and they will continue helping all children arriving at our shelters claim their legal rights.

SUMMER CAMP: The youngest children under our care are off to summer camp, where they’re spending their vacation immersed in play, activities, and new friendships. Quintessential childhood experiences like this one are vital for their social development, helping them build relationships with those around them and develop important life skills. As part of our child protection model, we focus on creating opportunities that foster participation and social inclusion for the children under our care, ensuring that every child can experience the joys of childhood in a safe and nurturing environment.

FAMILY REUNIFICATION: We are thrilled to share that a 9-year-old girl from Iraq who has been under our care for the past 3 years, has reunited with her family in Germany. To prepare for this new chapter, she worked with the shelter’s psychologist to create a Mental Health First Aid Kit filled with items that bring her comfort and remind her of happy memories, such as a book they read together and art supplies so she can express her feelings through art. The kit is the result of 3 years of dedicated work with our team of child protection professionals and a testament to the importance of child-friendly and culturally sensitive mental health care interventions. We wish her the best of luck in her new beginning and we are confident that she has been equipped with the tools to adjust and thrive in her new environment.

MEANINGFUL PARTNERSHIPS: Two of our shelters ventured on day trips to Agistri. These outings are more than just a chance to escape the city—they offer children and teenagers under our care the opportunity to explore new places, create lasting memories with friends, and connect with nature. We are committed to providing stable and supportive environments where children can thrive, and experiences like this are essential to their journey toward independence and building their own futures. A heartfelt thank you to @saronicferries for providing the tickets and making these trips possible.

We are very proud of Fahimeh for receiving the Sigma Iota Rho Honor Society Outstanding First Year Student in International Relations award at the end of her first year at Roger Williams University! Fahimeh has been with us since she was 17. From the moment she arrived in Greece, she set ambitious academic goals and worked tirelessly to achieve them. She attended the ACS Athens high school thanks to a  Shapiro Foundation scholarship and upon graduation, she was admitted to Roger Williams University in the US on a full-ride scholarship. We know this is just the beginning of many more achievements for Fahimeh, and we will continue to support her in her next steps.

Members of this year’s cohort from the Harvard-NKUA Summer Program on Migration and Refugee Rights visited our shelters, engaging in a meaningful discussion with our COO, Maria Kaldani, about our mission and our unique child protection model. Organized by the Harvard FXB Center for Health and Human Rights and the NKUA Refugee and Migration Studies Hub, this program offers participants a blend of conceptual and practical insights into contemporary forced migration issues. We are honored to share our work and collaborate with institutions dedicated to addressing critical global challenges.

Building bridges with the communities we operate in is a vital part of our work. During Refugee Week Greece, teenagers from one of our shelters participated in the creation of a mural in the heart of their neighborhood, at the Kypseli Municipal Market. This beautiful piece, commissioned by Counterpoints Arts Greece and Menelaos Karamaghiolis' Døcumatism, was brought to life by Alexandros Simopoulos, with local teens putting in the finishing touches. Collaborations like this one are essential for facilitating integration, as they connect our youth to the communities they call home and foster a sense of belonging.

Teenagers living in our shelters, along with interns and staff, gave back to their communities by volunteering at the Refugee Week Greece Community Celebration in the heart of Athens. Their dedication and hard work highlight the spirit of service and community fostered within our HOMES, through a child protection model focused on integration and holistic support that empowers our youth to become active, compassionate members of society.

On this World Refugee Day, we honor the resilience, strength, and achievements of unaccompanied refugee children and reaffirm our commitment to a child protection model focused on integration and support. Today, we celebrate a member of our community who just graduated from ACS Athens! She will be continuing her academic journey at Roger Williams University in the US, studying applied math on a full-ride scholarship. Her journey exemplifies the power of equal access to education and the importance of open and inclusive learning environments.

We are happy to introduce the newest member of our community – meet Aldo, a 7-year-old dog we recently adopted from Navarino Pet Community, through an adoption program implemented by stray.gr. The program “We live with Animals” is supported by the A.G. Leventis Foundation as part of the Points Of Support program, co-funded by 10 philanthropic foundations. Aldo now lives in one of our shelters accommodating teenage boys and enjoys the endless stream of pets, treats, and walks.

Mental health is one of the pillars of our child protection model and we are always open to finding alternative ways to promote mental wellbeing in our shelters. The teenagers in the shelter have embraced the joy and therapeutic benefits of spending time with and taking care of Aldo and have learned valuable lessons about responsible pet ownership.

Last night, children and youth living in our shelters, staff, neighbors, friends and supporters from all corners of the globe came together at the Kypseli Municipal Market to celebrate the connections we have built with the neighborhoods our HOMES operate in, embrace diversity, enjoy home-cooked food prepared by our shelters, and witness the power of community and networks of mutual support.

Thank you to our guest of honor and former CEO of the IKEA Foundation, Per Heggenes, whose unwavering commitment to our mission has helped us persevere and grow, to our partners from Hip Hop 4 Hope, El Sistema Greece, Free Movement Skateboarding, to our volunteers running the art workshops, and to everyone who gathered to support our community!

Participation in cultural activities is important for fostering integration and positive interactions with the communities we operate in and allowing children to explore new interests and talents. With the support of Friends & Patrons of the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center, children and teens living in our shelters attended a performance of Coppelia at the Greek National Opera. After 7 years of operations, we are proud to have built a network of partners that understand our mission and provide opportunities for children and youth to grow and connect with the cultural institutions in the city they call home.

Our CEO, Sofia Kouvelaki, moderated an enlightening panel discussion at the 2024 GCDN Convening at the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center on how three Athens-based initiatives are activating public spaces to foster cultural integration and social cohesion. Public spaces are vital for human interaction and cultural exchange, offering platforms for sharing stories and perspectives. The session, featuring Anis Barnat from El Sistema Greece, Will Ascott from Free Movement Skateboarding, and Yolanda Markopoulou from Polyplanity Productions, delved into what these processes look like in action, discussing the impact of music, theatre, and sport in promoting successful cultural integration.

The youngest children under our care spent their Saturday at the ARCHELON Sea Turtle Festival, held at the Sea Turtle Rescue Center in Glyfada. They had an amazing time learning about the journey of Caretta caretta turtles in the Mediterranean through engaging games and activities. They particularly enjoyed discovering what scientists do to protect sea turtles and how each one of us can contribute to environmental conservation. Environmental education and hands-on activities like this one help children develop new skills, explore new interests, and grow up to become socially aware citizens.

In April 2022, we welcomed 10 children who were urgently evacuated from a children’s home in Slavutych, Ukraine, into the safety of one of our shelters in Athens. Today, we are celebrating two years since their arrival and their amazing achievements, showcasing that when a holistic child protection model is in place, children and youth can seamlessly integrate into the communities they call home. We remain committed to caring for all children fleeing war and persecution, safeguarding their fundamental rights to education, health, and safety, and providing them with a supportive environment where they can reach their full potential.

Seven young adults —once unaccompanied minors living in our shelters— stepped onto the runway in an open street fashion show by Parthenis, presented by Orsalia Parthenis at Omonia Square. These individuals brought their uniqueness and their stories to the heart of Athens, showcasing the beauty of diversity in a spectacular showcase of inclusion and multiculturalism. We are immensely proud of their achievements and always grateful for opportunities that empower our youth.

Another cycle of the School Project, our educational program in collaboration with Athens College, has come to an end. Every Saturday, our teens joined forces with students from the school to engage in a variety of classes and sports activities. This program demonstrates how educational experiences can be transformed into powerful tools for empowerment and community building. On the final day, students presented their countries of origin, shared music and dances, and celebrated each other's cultures in a vibrant exchange. We are excited to continue building our educational partnerships, proving that together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive society.

The youngest children under our care who participate in the sports program at The Moraitis School every Saturday were also invited to join the school’s “Panigiri” celebration.  The event was a wonderful opportunity for the children to further connect with the school community. Our Saturday educational programs, developed in partnership with private schools in Athens, build bridges between the schools and the refugee community, challenge prejudice, and foster equal learning opportunities for all children. We are glad to have educational partners like The Moraitis School, who share our values of acceptance, diversity, and inclusion.

Honoring the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we came together at Pedion tou Areos in the center of Athens to celebrate our vibrant and inclusive community. During the event, children living in our shelters planted a tree in the park to acknowledge the support of Per Heggenes, former CEO of the IKEA Foundation and Chairman of our Advisory Board, and Stelios Kyriakakis, COO of the IKEA Foundation and President of our Board, over the past 7 years. This tree symbolizes the roots we want every child and youth under our care to put down in Athens, and we hope that it will serve as a landmark they can return to when they are older. 

Thank you to our guest of honor, Mr. George J. Tsunis, US Ambassador to Greece for his commitment to our mission, to our partners from stray.gr, Diversity United, WWF Greece, The Flying Seagull Project, and Contaminando Sonrisas for their engaging workshops and performances, to the Region of Attica for providing this beautiful spot in the park for us to gather, and to everyone who attended!

“My dream is simple but very meaningful: I want to create opportunities for women to rebuild their lives, to find their voices, and reclaim their dignity. In every obstacle, I see potential for growth, resilience, and solidarity.”

As we approach International Womens Day, we celebrate the women of The Home Project. Andrely arrived at one of our shelters from Congo as an unaccompanied teenager 5 years ago. She learned English and Greek, graduated from Greek high school, and now works as a caregiver in our shelters, while also volunteering as a French and Lingala interpreter in other NGOs. Her next goal is to get a scholarship to study international relations and create an NGO to make a difference in the lives of women and children in Congo.

Andrely is one of the incredible women of The Hope Brigade, a photography series curated by WOW Athens and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.

When the war in Ukraine broke out two years ago, there was an urgent need to evacuate an orphanage in Slavutych and welcome a group of children to the safety of one of our shelters in Athens.

A few days ago, one of the children celebrated his 9th birthday by inviting classmates from school, friends from the neighborhood, and teammates from soccer practice to the shelter. His birthday party was a community event, showing that when a holistic child protection model is in place, children and youth can seamlessly integrate into the communities they call home.

Few people can motivate the children and youth under our care like Kostas Antetokounmpo, who visited our shelters and inspired the kids with his love for basketball and his resilience and determination. The story of the Antetokounmpo family shows that youth from all backgrounds can shine if they are provided with the opportunity and the work that the Charles Antetokounmpo Family Foundation does to create inclusive environments for all closely aligns with our mission to empower children to develop into active, socially conscious citizens.

Community, diversity, and inclusion are powerful forces that guide our work. Events that bring together children and youth under our care, staff, supporters, and friends not only celebrate unity, but also connect the Greek and the refugee community, directly tackling racism and xenophobia. We are grateful to our guest of honor, Mr. George J. Tsunis, US Ambassador to Greece, for his inspiring leadership and his commitment to our mission, and to everyone who attended our first community building event of the year.

Building partnerships that transcend borders and exchanging knowledge with organizations working in child protection worldwide is a mutually empowering endeavor. Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting a team from the Wubanchi Project, an organization that provides housing and equal opportunities to vulnerable children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, alongside representatives from Greenwood Place. The team and our staff exchanged best practices and delved into shared insights through a clinical meeting and a capacity building training on our child protection model. The team also visited our shelters and educational programs and spoke with young adults we are supporting in their next steps, gaining a deeper understanding of our work.

We take pride in collaborations that benefit children across borders. A heartfelt thank you to the Bleu Blanc Rouge Foundation and Greenwood Place for fostering these connections and supporting our joint efforts in the global mission to protect children in need.

Embracing the power of education to change lives, ACS Athens stands as an invaluable partner in our efforts to provide equal educational opportunities to children and youth under our care. We are happy to share that two brothers, 8 and 9 years old, have secured full scholarships to attend the ACS elementary school. The school’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity not only provides these boys with an opportunity to thrive but also contributes to the creation of a rich and safe learning community.

Originally from Congo, the two boys grew up in South Africa and arrived at one of our shelters last spring. As they embark on this educational journey, the older brother aspires to become the CEO of an AI company, while the younger one wants to be either a doctor or a pilot.

At just 12 years old, O. from Palestine is one of many children who have been separated from their families and forced to flee their homes in Gaza in search of safety. Upon arriving at one of our shelters this past fall, he enrolled in the 22nd Primary School of Athens. His story touched his classmates, highlighting that children innately understand the importance of peace.

With the support of our legal team, O. received a positive family reunification decision to join his brother in Belgium. In a heartwarming farewell gesture, O. and his classmates planted an olive tree in the schoolyard to symbolize peace and solidarity. They named it “O.’s Olive Tree” and the school community pledged to take care of it, fostering a lasting connection with their friend. This symbolic act reflects their shared commitment to building bridges and overcoming divides. Witnessing children and youth supporting each other inspires us to continue working to provide all children with a stable and nurturing HOME and equal opportunities to develop into community-minded citizens

Some of the children living in our shelters got to experience an afternoon filled with laughter at Allou Fun Park and enjoy the rides and games. We are grateful for partners like Allou supporting us in our work helping lone children reclaim their childhood.

Fotis Parthenidis, Head of our Child Protection Unit, participated in a panel discussion alongside representatives from Elix, Network for Children's Rights , and ARSIS - Association for the Social Support of Youth. The conversation focused on the challenges that migrant and refugee children face in Greece, including equitable access to the educational system, school retention, and education as a means of integration. Thank you to KMOP for organizing the event and for inviting us.

Launched into a new cycle of the School Project, our educational partnership with HAEF Athens College - Psychico College. Every Saturday, teenagers under our care team up with students from the school and participate in classes and sports activities. Beyond helping students develop new skills, this program is a force for positive change —combating xenophobia, challenging stereotypes, and bridging communities. With education at the core of our child protection model, we are proud to continue creating equal learning opportunities for lone children.

On this World Children’s Day, we stand firm in our commitment to uphold and protect the rights of children whose lives have been wrecked by war and persecution. In our shelters, we implement a holistic child protection model built on four pillars: education, mental health, legal support, and providing lone children with all the necessary tools and life skills to develop into active, community-oriented citizens. Our vision is a society where all children have equal access to opportunities and can forge their own futures and transform their dreams into reality.

Katerina Sakellaropoulou, President of Greece and Heracles Moskoff, General Secretary for the Protection of Vulnerable Persons & Institutional Support for inviting us to the Presidential Mansion gardens to attend an open rehearsal of the El Sistema Greece Youth Orchestra. This unique event celebrating music and inclusion gave three teenagers under our care the opportunity to explore the world of orchestra music and try out various instruments.

Kids under our care enjoyed the Okeanida Regatta, organized by ΝSailingTeam78, thanks to the kind invitation by Daphne Zoumpoulaki. The kids took part in sailing demos and environmental workshops, but everyone’s favorite had to be the skateboarding lesson with Greek Surfing Academy.

We are grateful to President Barack Obama and the Obama Foundation for supporting our CEO, Sofia Kouvelaki, in changing the lives of lone refugee children, empowering them to integrate and create a future for themselves. We are honored to have you be part of the HOME Project community. #nochildalone

Our staff organized a workshop for girls and minor mothers with their babies, detailing the importance of recycling and the dangers of pollution, with the goal of raising environmental awareness. Together, they watched informative videos and learned about the ways they can contribute to creating a greener future. The girls were tasked with creating and decorating pots using milk cartons and plastic bottles, and planting small indoor plants.

We welcomed Red Noses International to our shelters, where they brought a lot of magic and smiles to children under our care. Their positive energy and enthusiasm created a lively and uplifting atmosphere that brightened everyone's day. 

M. asked for a visit to the Acropolis, so we did it. One of our goals at The HOME Project is to introduce children under our care to Greek culture and history. A big thank you to the Acropolis Museum, The Association of Licensed Tourist Guides and our amazing guide Konstantina Griva for a beautiful day. 

We were happy to welcome Nicole De Moor, Belgium Secretary of State for Asylum and Migration, in one of our shelters for girls and minor mothers with their babies, operated in collaboration with Movement On The Ground. Members of The HOME Project team discussed with her the urgent need for an elaborate and effective system of child protection leading to integration for refugee children on a national and international level. 

In collaboration with our partner Hip Hop 4 Hope, we have organized dance workshops in our shelters for girls and minor mothers with their babies. The aim is to create a safe space of interaction where all girls can join, bond as a community, learn about the diverse elements of Hip-Hop culture, build confidence and establish a healthy state of mind. 

Momodou, 18 years old, is from Gambia. Ηe arrived in Greece two years ago and found protection and support in one of our shelters. After a long asylum process, which lasted almost two years, and with the tireless efforts of our legal unit he has been granted asylum. During his stay in the shelter he attended multicultural school and completed a cooking training. Now, he is getting ready to leave to work at Kos island during the summer season. His story inspires us to continue providing child protection services to lone refugee children, empowering them to grow into active citizens.

Following the continuous support of our legal team Ali, a young boy under our care, just received back his legal documents. His asylum request was rejected twice exposing him at risk of being excluded from the public welfare system despite his vulnerable situation as a victim of child labor. Ali arrived in Greece 5 years ago but his immersion into Greek society started when he found a home in our shelters 3 years ago. Today, we are here to reiterate once more our call for an individualized legal approach for every child during the asylum process.

Sofia Kouvelaki, THP CEO, participated at the “The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Initiative (CAMHI)” conference at Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. Sofia spoke about the challenges that both our children and our staff are facing on a daily basis around mental health support. Thanks Stavros Niarchos Foundation and Child Mind Institute for providing such platforms where we can voice and share learnings to best empower professionals in supporting children in vulnerable conditions.

Constant training is part of The HOME Project child protection model, ensuring the staff responds to the changing needs of the children under our care. Our Child Protection Unit completed the first capacity building session of the year. The training was focused on the updated child protection protocols and guidelines of our operational manual.

Our educational programs started again this past Saturday. We are grateful for our collaboration with HAEF Athens College - Psychico College, ACS Athens and Moraitis School, enriching the educational aspect of our child protection model. The HOME Project child protection unit along with teachers and staff from the schools are implementing a curriculum designed according to children's needs and age, including language classes and sports, while integrating them with the rest of the student community.

Anna Maria Kountouri, Head of Legal Unit of The HOME Project was invited by WeSolve ProBono as a keynote speaker at the Library of the Law School. She presented our child protection model and our individualized legal approach during asylum and family reunification process to law students who wish to pursue careers on the humanitarian field. 

During the holidays season The HOME Project shelter staff and children decorated and set up Christmas trees. In one of our shelters for minor girls and minor mothers with their babies, this particular tree has a sparkle with ornaments and lights that have fascinated one of our youngest girls.

Youngest children under our care enjoyed the theatrical play “Planet Agents: Attack of the Sea Monsters” aiming to empower children aged 4-12 to take action on environmental issues. At The HOME Project, we aim to teach children social and environmental values necessary for protecting our planet and shaping a better future for everyone. 

Professional rehabilitation is one of the key tools for social integration. We are grateful to our partner ODYSSEA-Greece for offering the opportunity to children under our care who have reached adulthood to develop their skills and talents via vocational and technical training.Two of our youngsters completed a cooking training and have been employed to work at Kos island during the summer season. 

We are grateful to Red Noses International for bringing magic and smiles at The HOME Project shelters. With their artistic and interactive clown interventions they filled our shelters with positive energy. 

We were honored to visit the residence of the U.S. Ambassador in Greece, Mr. George J. Tsunis, and celebrate Thanksgiving together with his family, children under our care, our staff, and members of the U.S. EMBASSY ATHENS. We are grateful to him and his family for offering us the opportunity to spend a wonderful day, play, enjoy a delicious lunch and get inspired by his presence and genuine care throughout the day.

On World Childrens Day we want to take the opportunity and thank all of those who protect children’s undeniable right to education. We are grateful for our educational collaboration with HAEF Athens College - Psychico College, ACS Athens (American Community Schools) and Moraitis School, enriching the educational aspect of our child protection model and the interaction of children under our care with the wider student community.

Children under our care together with members of our staff joined Boutari team in order to participate and run the 5km of the 39th Athens Marathon. The Authentic. We’re beyond proud to be a part of such a diverse group aiming to raise more awareness and support for lone refugee children. 

We participated at “Okeanida 2022”, organized by SailingTeam78 providing the opportunity to children under our care to learn about the marine environment, admire sailing boats, try skateboarding, learn the first steps of surfing with the support of Greek Surfing Academy and enjoy refreshments offered by Desmos.

We were so happy to celebrate “Daphne” shelter second anniversary. “Daphne” shelter officially started its operation two years ago in collaboration with Movement On The Ground in an effort to provide more safe and enabling environments for vulnerable lone children in Greece. Since its opening, 53 girls and minor mothers with their babies have received a holistic network of child protection services including psychological, pedagogical, legal and social support as well as education and employment opportunities after reaching adulthood. Girls and staff shared their feelings and remembered some of the best moments they had together these last two years.

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This week we participate at the 2nd IKEA Foundation Ambassador Hub in Greece along with partners UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, Medecins Sans Frontieres, Justdiggit, HIGGS, What Design Can Do. Following shelter visits we worked in groups to introduce ambassadors from all over the world to our mission and explore ways to work all together to raise more awareness and support for lone refugee children.

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Thank you Stavros Niarchos Foundation for providing support to one of our shelters for lone refugee children and for sharing the amazing story of Chanel.

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Rosie was a minor when she arrived in Greece and found a home in one of our shelters for unaccompanied girls and minor mothers with their babies. Today, as an adult, she has joined our team as a caregiver and last week she participated as a speaker at the national workshop discussion on “Children’s Alternatives to Detention Protecting their Rights in Europe”. We are proud of her progress and how committed she is to helping and advocating for lone refugee children in Greece.

Our children, staff, volunteers, friends and supporters joined the first community building event organized by Brown Club of Greece aiming to communicate the importance of coexisting and offering in a spirit of respect at the wonderful premises of Organization Earth. Everyone was involved in an outdoor cooking activity with the goal to produce extra food portions to support people in need via Boroume NGO. Children under our care interacted with children in the autism spectrum supported by Avali, enjoyed a bubble show presented by Kokoika, participated in art and jewellery making workshops implemented by our staff, and attended the #Eat4change educational workshop by WWF Greece. A big thank you to Desmos and Café Femenino Greece for supporting us.

We are thrilled to share that Moraitis School will further mobilize the active participation of the school community to support our Little Pugad shelter accommodating children aged 6-12 years old. We strongly believe that every child has the right to education and the opportunity to succeed. Via this initiative, the school community will support children with home tutoring, school supplies while supporting the shelter’s maintenance needs, contributing to the provision of a safe and healing environment.

Thank you Emmanuelle Béart for supporting the children under The HOME Project care and raising awareness about the issue of lone refugee children in Greece. We are grateful to have your humanism and sensitivity bringing us inspiration during these challenging times. We want to extent our gratitude to Ambassade de France en Grèce and Institut français de Grèce for making this happen. It is our honor to welcome you in our shelters and at a Philanthopy Gala organized in collaboration with St. George Lycabettus Hotel.

S., 16 years old from Somalia, came to Greece as a lone refugee child one year ago. When he arrived, his first wish was to enroll in school. Today, he attends the 8th Lyceum of Athens and has developed into an active member of the student community. With the support of his teachers, he presented to his classmates Somalia and discussed aspects of culture, customs, religion and traditional food recipes of the country.

Following the continuous support of our legal team two of our children received positive decisions to their asylum requests. Previous rejected asylum requests had exposed both of them at risk of being excluded from the public health system even though they have serious medical conditions. We reiterate once more our call for an individualized legal approach during the asylum process protecting lone refugee children in Greece according to the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Mustafa, 19-years from Iraq, was under our care for 4 years. With hard work and proper support, he learned Greek and English and gradually developed into a responsible, dynamic and friendly young adult. Today after receiving constant training from our Child Protection Unit, he has been moved to the 18+ shelter of The HOME Project and has been hired as a caregiver in one of our shelters for teenage boys. Our goal is to provide children under our care with the tools to become active and responsible citizens, and be in a position to build a future for themselves.

We are very proud for our Alpha, a young adult who is working as a bakery assistant at Choc Chip Bakery. We would like to thank Alexandra Tsatsou for welcoming him and giving him the opportunity to gain valuable work experience. His story is a vivid example of a child transitioning into adulthood and becoming an active citizen. Because he was able to have access to opportunities after receiving the necessary, care and support.