Everyday Support for Refugee Children and Families

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.