By Hadley Jackson | Communications and Fundraising Coordinator
Dear Friends,
Greetings from Athens! As the autumn months bring cooler weather and shorter days, Gekko is busier than ever. Thanks to your support, we are able to respond to the urgent needs of a growing number of young people arriving in Greece seeking safety and stability.
This year, over 37,000 people have arrived in Greece seeking asylum—a 25% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Of the 501,560 applications for international protection submitted in 2024, a quarter are from children, including nearly 4,000 unaccompanied minors.
At Gekko, we see these numbers reflected in our classrooms. This fall, we received over 300 applications—an increase of 44% from Summer School. Nearly 40% more students registered for Fall Term compared to Summer. A remarkable 50% of our Summer School students returned for Fall Term, reflecting the strength of the relationships and quality of learning they have found at Gekko.
Currently, 61% of our active students attend classes over 70% of the time, making them eligible for Gekko’s monthly attendance rewards—a testament to their dedication and the importance of the welcoming, context-aware Gekko environment.
With a student body of 175 students, our small team has been working tirelessly to meet the increasing demand, facing each new challenge with resilience and commitment. Every milestone we reach, every daily achievement, is a testament to your belief in our mission and your commitment to helping displaced learners have access to education.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. Your generosity makes a meaningful difference in the lives of Gekko students.
With warmest wishes,
Hadley
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By Hadley Jackson | Communications and Fundraising Officer
By Hadley Jackson | Communications and Fundraising Officer
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