IOM: 2,800 children of refugees and immigrants in Greek schools Greece

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 those who are unable to continue their education in Greek schools and, on the other hand, the extra step towards their accession to
Greek society

"I am particularly happy to see these children return to school, especially after the hardships and hardships they have suffered.The educational gap is not only detrimental to the development of the child but also to society in general, "he said, adding:" IOM is committed to supporting the education and integration of immigrant and refugee children 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 to build links with local communities "

The European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianidis noted:" We have a responsibility to prevent the loss of generations and to avoid the risk that children are raised without education, the EU is the leader ondial 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 majority of children (91%) come from Syria at 35 %, from Iraq 31% and Afghanistan 25%, where their education abruptly stopped and their schools

In an IOM survey, 89% said they enjoyed the school, learned and communicated with other children – elements that are indicators of inclusion in the Greek educational program

"The Greek lesson is my favorite lesson and it does not matter to me do not do much. 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

. This program is funded by the European Commission and is part of the wider project "Humanitarian and Recovery Support to the Population Population in Greece

^{Source: RES-MPE}