Fundraising by Giacomo Giordana

Hello! My name is Giacomo and I am turning 20 today.

Last summer I took my high school graduation exam and decided to take a break from studying: starting university without a valid motivation was not in my plans, so last winter I left with Operation Dove and spent 3 months in the Greece project.

This project made me aware of what is happening under the banner of a European Union considered welcoming and progressive: refugee camps where people die because ambulances don't arrive, stabbings, rapes. Migrants who leave with enormous expectations about Europe and find themselves living in a container for years and years. A far-right government that does everything to hinder their reception and, for example, moves the refugee camps away from population centers: this means away from schools, hospitals and any attempt to integrate with the local population. This leads people to live in a state of isolation that causes constant and serious psychological problems.

The task of us volunteers is to give a taste of normality to those who have long lost it: a coffee at the bar, a dinner with friends, a swim in the sea or an accompaniment/translation in case of medical or legal visits, but above all to gather information, to keep track of something that would otherwise be ignored and forgotten.

So why not take advantage of a couple of free weeks before starting university to return to Athens? I think the best way to celebrate my birthday is together with those who were simply unfortunate, found themselves fleeing wars and violence, only to find themselves suffering psychologically as well.

The word "Greece" should not only bring to mind the famous beaches of Mykonos or Corfu, as much as European Union does not necessarily mean protection of human rights.

So if you'd like, please support the daily expenses we face, such as gasoline or the livelihood of us volunteers! Thank you!