2,800 children of refugees and immigrants at the Greek school

About 2,800 refugee and immigrant children residing in open hospital centers participated this year in a training program funded by the European Union and implemented in Greece for the second year in a row. the International Organization for Migration (IOM). 19659002] On the other hand, the IOM Director General, William Lacey Swing, recognizing that the program was carried out for the second year in a row, highlighted the opportunity of refugee children and

"I am particularly happy to see these children return to school, especially after the difficulties and problems they face in Greek schools, the hardships they have experienced. Education not only harms the development of the child but also society in general, "he said, adding:" IOM is committed to supporting education and training. Integration of immigrant children and refugees in Greek language society.Education has value in itself, but we must also mention the power it has to help children and their families to participate and build relationships with local societies. "

European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianidis noted: "We have the responsibility to prevent the loss of generations and to avoid the risk of children being raised without education. The EU is the world leader in 8% of children 's access to schools this year and 10% of our budget next year is spent on education. This program is an excellent example of cooperation between the Greek authorities, the IOM and the EU, which allowed refugee and immigrant children to return to schools. "

According to the IOM, 88 buses with 117 escorts transferred 2,800 children from 26 open reception centers to 123 schools.The children received the necessary equipment

The majority of children (91%) come from Syria (35%), Iraq (31%) and Afghanistan (25%), where their education was suddenly disrupted and their schools bombed or destroyed. 19659003]

In an IOM study, 89% said they enjoy school, learning and communicating with other children – elements that are indicators of inclusion in the Greek educational program

"The Greek lesson is the favorite and it does not do much to me. I have friends at the Greek school. Once the bell rings for a break we go to court and we all play ball together. I like to go to school and when I grow up I want to become a doctor, "says the 10-year-old Iraqi juniors