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els that I wish all kids living within the safe confines of their homes had the opportunity to meet. They are kids that take care of their younger siblings as their parents (if they are alive) remain in other home countries, looking forward to the day when they will all be reunited again. They are kids who woke up one day and decided they deserved better. They left home country and shelter. Here, they live decent lives, respect what they have been given, and look at their past with a smile, befriending the nightmares they’ve lived for the sake of the better days to come. I shared the same desk with these kids and showed them how to write the letters of the alphabet, what words to use when they communicate in Greek or English, how to show up for a job, how to use the computer keyboard, how to combine notes on the xylophone and create melodies. I observed their fearless faces as they attended the class, and I could see their brave history unfolding within their entire being. They stood proudly to receive what was there for them in the present moment, appreciating the Home Project’s embrace and ACS Athens’ welcome.
“Youth-To-Youth” Becomes “Human-To-Human” Embracing Differences And Sharing Kindness To All by Despina Yannouli, ACS Athens Parent
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t all started out of curiosity. I saw how my son looked forward to going to ACS every Saturday to be with the Youth-to-Youth program participants. And when he returned home, he was always more compassionate, happier, more complete. So, I decided to volunteer, too! Thanks to the guidance of Julia Tokatlidou, there was always a seat for me in every classroom, to assist in the learning journey of the unaccompanied refugee kids. The teachers were already doing an amazing job, dealing with students of various ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, and learning levels. They knew how to grasp their attention and inspire them to learn. But they were working with fertile minds – the students’ willingness to learn, grow, and create a better future was remarkable. These kids are paradigms of perseverance, resilience, and determination. They are mod-
The bonds created between these kids and the ACS Athens student volunteers, teachers, and staff are incredibly strong. I see looks of love in their eyes, care in their hugs, and kindness in their intimate discussions. It’s a big family, and I am so proud to be a small part of it. I feel honored to be given this opportunity to offer some of my time and all of my love to this group of people, and I hope the message of hope, and the common humanity that we experience and share, become an inspiration for more peace, heartfulness, and joy.
