By Lisa Campbell | Project Manager
In the past three months, lots changes have come to our camp here in Oinofyta. The catering that was provided for the residents was discontinued in May. Through the donations from our wonderful supporters, we have been able to make sure that none of our residents are going hungry. We have been able to continue to provide weekly fresh vegetable deliveries and supplemental food packs for each family unit. Thanks to a generous grant from GlobalGiving, we are installing a commercial freezer and two commercial refrigerators so that the large food deliveries can be kept safe in the summer temperatures and we can now provide dairy products and meat. The new electrical panel has been installed and the units have been ordered for delivery soon.
We have been able to remodel our warehouse space to make it a much friendlier experience for each of our 500 residents. Now they can come for the clothing distribution and actually ‘shop’ for what they need for their families. This gives them a sense of dignity that can’t come when they have to sort through boxes or bins of donations.
Our workshop has outgrown it’s one container and we are moving it to a new location in the camp where we can have two containers with a roof between them so that more of our residents can enjoy making for themselves. The workshop has been a great place for creativity to show through. We have built two beautiful shade areas that are the new social gathering spaces for residents of all ages.
The sewing center is growing in both the number of residents working there as well as the number of people who want to support their work by purchasing the items they make. The generosity of our supporters is allowing them to have the supplies they need to make beautiful, high quality products. The regular routine has been a great way for those who are working there to regain their sense of self-worth.
The women’s space has become the gathering place every afternoon. Our team is providing English classes and other activities for the women so that they can gather and socialize while learning new things. We have regular classes on women’s issues and provide breastfeeding classes and baby care classes.
Our teen center is giving the youth an opportunity to explore their skills and talents with photography workshops, computer classes and other activities provided five days a week.
Our newest project is a child friendly space for the children from age 5 to 12. We are putting a fence in this week and are looking to raise the funds to purchase 2 portable classrooms so that the younger children can have a place to go that is just for them.
We do not know exactly what the future holds for us here, but we are confident that thanks to the generous support of our GlobalGiving donors, we will continue to be able to provide for the needs of our residents!
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