“I felt safe here, I felt loved, and I felt at home”.Clifford, 23 years old, Ghana
When Clifford, originally from Ghana, arrived at one of our shelters as a teenager, his gentle character and kind spirit immediately stood out. Although he spoke no Greek and could barely communicate in English, he was respectful and eager to collaborate with those around him. Despite the language barriers, his determination to build a future through education was unmistakable. “I felt safe here, I felt loved, and I felt at home. The team welcomed me and helped me believe that everything would be ok”, he admits.
He studied diligently, often encouraging the other boys to follow his lead. Clifford passed the official Greek language exams and graduated from Greek high school. This achievement gave him the right, under the Greek Migration Code, to apply for a ten-year residence permit after he was denied asylum. With the support of our legal team, he successfully submitted his application and is waiting for his residence card to be issued. In the meantime, he can continue to live and work legally in Greece. This is not only a personal victory for Clifford, but also a milestone for our organization, as he became our first beneficiary that we have supported through this legal pathway.
As an adult, Clifford completed vocational training courses, transitioned to our 18+ shelter and joined our team as a night-shift caregiver. What inspired him was the positive influence of those who once supported him. “I still remember one of the caregivers from my original shelter. He was like a role model for me and inspired me to want to become like him, to help others”.
Clifford knows firsthand what it feels like to be new, uncertain, and in need of comfort. “I can understand the boys, I can relate to where they are coming from and what they have been through. I am just like them, and they are just like me”, he says. His lived experience has undoubtedly shaped his approach, from recognizing when a child might need space, to understanding why someone might prefer to take food to their room or resist bedtime.
He treats the boys like brothers, connecting through music, shared meals, and everyday conversations. “It makes me happy that they trust me. Our relationship truly feels like a family. I feel very protective of them and try to support them in every way that I can”, he explains.
Clifford also carries his cultural values with pride. “In Ghana, respecting others is fundamental. And this is something that I have helped to cultivate within the shelter. I’m proud to see the children being respectful when interacting with each other and with the people who work tirelessly to support them”.
Afternoons are especially meaningful to him, as they create space for connection and learning. “We are all from different countries, but in reality we have a lot in common too, we are all human”, he emphasizes. Sharing culture, stories, and laughter has brought them all closer. “The boys have taught me so much, and they have made me curious to see other parts of the world. Because of them, I dream of visiting Egypt one day”, he reflects.