Everyday Support for Refugee Children and Families

Project Report | Oct 20, 2026
Helping children feel safe & look ahead at PYXIDA

By Mariana Fragkou | Coordinator: Programmes, Comms & Fundraising

Time to play, connect and simply be children!

At PYXIDA, the intercultural centre of the Greek Council for Refugees, support for refugee and migrant children includes something essential: a trusted person who listens and helps them work through difficult emotions. Alongside opportunities to learn, play and create, children and families can access psychological support that responds to their individual needs.

From January to September 2026, our child psychologist supported 29 children and adolescents and 21 parents—50 people in total. These included seven unaccompanied children. Fourteen of the families supported were headed by single mothers. These figures cover the first nine months of the year, including the period described in our previous update.

Children came to the service with difficulties including anxiety, low mood, sleep problems, challenges at school and strained family relationships. Regular sessions provided space to express feelings, develop trust and gradually find ways to manage everyday difficulties. Parents also received counselling to help them understand their children’s needs and strengthen communication at home. Where needed, our psychologist worked with schools, guardians and other services to connect families with additional support.

One young person’s experience shows what this sustained care can make possible. When he first approached the service, he was struggling with anxiety, poor sleep and very low confidence. He found it difficult to recognise his abilities or imagine a positive future. Over approximately seven months of support, he began to feel better, reconnect with his interests and explore educational opportunities. He joined an educational programme, began volunteering in his community and successfully secured a scholarship for the following academic year. He described looking ahead with less fear and greater optimism.

Support also extended beyond individual sessions. During PYXIDA’s summer camp in July, four group sessions helped adolescents explore anxiety management, abuse prevention and other issues relevant to their lives. Twelve children receiving psychological support also took part in the centre’s educational and recreational activities, creating further opportunities to build friendships and feel part of a community.

For children whose lives have been marked by uncertainty, continuity matters. Progress takes time, and a trusted relationship can help a child take the next step—whether that means managing anxiety, feeling more comfortable at school or asking for help.

Thank you for supporting PYXIDA. Your contribution helps us sustain a place where children and families can find care, encouragement and opportunities to move forward. With your continued support, we can maintain this essential work and reach more children who need it.

Colours, creativity and a little peace sign!

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Jun 25, 2026
PYXIDA Intercultural Centre: Recent activities

By Mariana Fragkou | Coordinator: Programs, Comms & Fundraising

Children and teenagers celebrate Carnival

Over the past months, PYXIDA, the intercultural center of the Greek Council for Refugees, has continued to provide refugee and migrant children with a safe, creative, and supportive environment where they can express themselves, build relationships, and regain a sense of normality. Through weekly theatre workshops, creative arts, collaborative storytelling, and youth-led newspaper activities, children and adolescents explored themes such as friendship, identity, peace, hopes for the future, and life in a new country. Since the beginning of the year, 57 children and young people have participated in 49 workshops implemented both at PYXIDA and in collaboration with shelters and partner organizations across Athens.

One of the highlights of the past months has been the growing participation of young people in creative expression and leadership. Through editorial workshops and the development of student-led podcasts, children became journalists, interviewers, storytellers, and artists, discussing topics that matter to them, from school life and friendships to environmental protection and creating a fairer world. While the first podcast recordings served as a learning experience, they also encouraged meaningful discussions, critical thinking, and confidence-building, laying the foundations for future productions led by the children themselves.

Our community also came together to celebrate Carnival and Easter through inclusive creative events that brought together children from many different countries and cultures. More than 50 children participated in arts and crafts activities, including mask making, Easter egg painting, and wreath decorating, strengthening friendships while celebrating together in a joyful and welcoming environment. These moments of celebration are especially meaningful for children who have experienced displacement, helping them feel included, develop their creativity, and simply enjoy being children again.

Every day at PYXIDA, we witness children becoming more confident, more connected with their peers, and more willing to express themselves. Thanks to your generosity, they continue to find a place where they can learn, create, heal, and look toward the future with hope. Your continued support allows us to sustain these activities and ensure that even more refugee children and families have access to the stability, care, and opportunities they deserve.

Every handmade mask tells a story

PYXIDA's Easter workshop

One small painted egg, one big smile

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Mar 9, 2026
PYXIDA Intercultural Centre: Recent activities

By Marianna Fragkou | Coordinator: Programs, Comms & Fundraising

Christmas artistic workshop

Over the past months, PYXIDA, the intercultural center of the Greek Council for Refugees, has continued to offer refugee children and their families something essential yet often missing in displacement: stability, creativity, and a sense of belonging. Many of the children who participate in PYXIDA’s activities have experienced interrupted schooling, and prolonged uncertainty during the asylum process. Through daily psychosocial support, Greek language classes, academic assistance, and creative workshops, children aged 7 -17 found a safe space to express themselves, build confidence, and reconnect with learning. More than 45 children participated in our Back-to School event, receiving school bags and essential supplies, while dozens more engaged in weekly educational and emotional support activities designed to strengthen resilience and school integration.

This winter, our community gathered again for PYXIDA’s Christmas celebration, where 41 children created handmade holiday cards and received personalized gifts in a warm, inclusive environment. For many, this was more than a festive activity, it was a moment of joy and recognition during a period often marked by uncertainty. Throughout the reporting period, children consistently demonstrated increased self-confidence, improved cooperation with peers, and stronger emotional expression. Caregivers, particularly mothers, also engaged with our support services, reinforcing the protective environment around their children.

PYXIDA continues to be a safe harbor for refugee families in Greece, where children can learn, create, heal, dream and simply be children. Continued support for PYXIDA will allow us to sustain these daily services and reach even more refugee children and families in need of stability, learning opportunities, and emotional support.

Back to School event

Artistic workshop at PYXIDA

Human Rights Festival poster

Pottery workshop

Collaborative art piece: The Tree of Rights

Links:

More about psychosocial support and integration initiatives.

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