Young refugees are being denied their right to education. Data shows only 37% of refugee children globally have access to secondary education and only 6% to tertiary level. In countries like Greece, dropouts amongst older refugee children remain alarming. In response, we are launching our award-winning education programme, Gekko Kids, in Athens. Our non-traditional teaching methods and individualized approach to education will help students obtain accreditation and widen their future prospects.
Recent reports observe an alarming rate of dropouts amongst older refugee children, exacerbated by poverty and difficult living conditions. Community censuses link student registration, performance and attendance in Greek public education to systemic discrimination, understaffed classrooms, language barriers and limited access to transport. Furthermore, there is inadequate support for refugee youth who wish to attend higher education or access accredited courses.
Considering the difficult living conditions of the population, Gekko Kids Athens will offer a personalised and flexible approach to learning for refugee youth 15-25yrs. Our experienced teaching and special ed. staff will assess and customise educational programs that meet the needs of each student and are reflective of their previous experience and ambitions. We will also offer yearly homework support, access to public transport, training and accreditation in several modules.
Addressing needs holistically promotes academic, social and emotional development. While working with students, we provide ongoing counselling, tutoring and access to small student grants. Working on young people's sense of self-worth, autonomy, and independence, they grow more confident to take the lead in their lives and realise their dreams. Through our studentship program, students get extra support to compete in national Greek exams and attend higher education.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
