A brighter future for refugee children How Alise Shafer Ivey’s retirement vacation sparked change in the lives of many others
Tracey Long speaks with Alise Shafer Ivey, Pedagogical Institute of Los Angeles (PILA) founder and former Director of Evergreen Community School in Santa Monica, about her refugee early education project, The Nest.
Alise Shafer Ivey on her ‘retirement’ vacation to Europe
fter retiring as Founder and Director of Evergreen Community School in Santa Monica, California, Alise Shafer Ivey and her husband Tom decided to take a vacation to Europe. Both avid foodies, they chose the Greek island of Lesvos as their final destination. They took great delight in exploring the small tavernas, fournos (bakeries) and traditional cafes, while soaking up the historic architecture and verdant landscapes. They had no idea that their visit to this beautiful island, situated just off the coast of Turkey, would dramatically change their lives and the lives of many others.
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“One day while on our way to a taverna we found ourselves on this tiny mountain road,” recalls Alise.
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“ I jumped out of the car to help navigate us through, just as a young woman came bounding down some steps with a broad smile.” Originally from Kansas, the young woman was working in Lesvos as a relief worker. Her role was to keep watch at the beach every night as refugee boats from Turkey washed ashore. Along with other volunteers, she would help the weary, frightened and often traumatised passengers to disembark safely and find their way to the refugee camps. Alise admitted that she knew little about the situation for refugees on the island, so the young lady suggested that Alise and Tom could visit one of the refugee community centres to find out more.
