Refugee camp conditions in the Greek Islands and along the border to Turkey are at best poor and at worst catastrophic. The current Corona crisis has only worsened the situation and increased tensions between locals and refugees. Children and adults have been traumatized, families torn apart. Unaccompanied minors are without protection and forced to fend for themselves. Women and children are extremely vulnerable, and children suffer developmental delays; both require special care, protection, and support. Persian refugees face linguistic and cultural barriers. 

 

As native-speakers, Dr. Ramin and his wife Verzhik Changizi have been able to bridge the cultural divide and offer hope and help to a hurting Persian community. Doors have opened for them to minister, and they have won the hearts of families and children.

 

In April 2020 there were 39,500 refugees stranded on the Greek Islands. One-third of them are children, and six from ten are under the age of twelve. Approximately 1,800 children are unaccompanied and separated from their families!*

 

What is our strategy and approach?

 

*Source: UNHCR Aegan Islands Weekly Snapshot