Lesbos Island, Greece 2017 – 2020
Refugees Teaching Refugees
Background:
The International School of Peace on the OHF (One Happy Family) campus was built by volunteers: residents of 2 nearby refugee camps and Israeli Jews and Arabs, alumni of Hashomer Hatzair and Ajyal Youth Movements . From inception until the school closed in 2021, it was a beacon of hope for refugee children, their parents and their teachers – themselves refugees. The school began operations in April 2017, teaching 180 children aged 6-12 in several languages including Arabic, French and Farsi. This was the only schoolroom in the region where refugee children were taught in their native languages. The teachers were skilled refugees, experienced educators in their home country, teaching the subjects in the children’s mother tongue. The children learned languages, math, art, sports and more. The educational team was mentored by Dr. Eitan Shahar, Head of NATAN’s psychosocial team and member of the Hashomer Hatzair movement.