Better Days is relocating our flagship educational program, Gekko, to Athens. Gekko's personalised, trauma-aware approach will help displaced young people obtain accreditation and expand their prospects. This project aims to raise funds to purchase Gekko Student Kits (backpack, stationary bag, notebooks) for all 50 of our summer program students. Student Kits provide essential school supplies and represent a student's first step to building her future.
Displaced young people in Athens face considerable barriers to attending school. Many struggle with unstable living situations, lack of living essentials, and limited financial resources. The experience of displacement can be stigmatized within the wider community. We understand that it is difficult to focus on learning when your needs are unmet. Better Days believes that, the more we can do to meet our students' basic needs, the more prepared they will be to succeed in school and in life.
This project will help us purchase Gekko Student Kits (backpack, stationery bag, notebooks) for our first cohort of 50 summer program students in Athens. In line with our mission to design dignified spaces and experiences for our students, supplies are purchased new for each student and are free from any Better Days/Gekko-related branding. Providing brand-new supplies to students upon registration is a meaningful message that they have ownership over their learning and their futures.
Our holistic approach to education promotes academic, social, and emotional development. We provide ongoing counselling, tutoring, and access to small student grants to ensure our students are prepared to succeed. As we work to improve students' self-worth, autonomy, and independence, they grow more confident to work towards their goals and realise their dreams. Gekko Studentships provide extended support for students wishing to sit for national exams and attend higher education.
