We provide a safe space where children of all genders and ethnicities can build their identity.
With child participation and family involvement at the core.
Girls make up more than 50% of the participants and take on leadership roles.
Our Refugee Youth Scouts program has helped more than 300 children stuck in refugee camps develop meaning, routine and identity. This age group is conscious of what displaced them and often lack support systems to help process their trauma. This can lead to anti-social behaviour and a lack of confidence, which also inhibits learning and positive self-development from taking place.
The program has demonstrated its ability to create a safe space where, despite their circumstances, young people can develop into role models for their peers. The programme builds three core values in children: kindness, focus, and respect.
Peer Scout leaders take responsibility for the group and are trained to support sessions and implement activities. They are supported by our team of qualified volunteers, who guide the program and deliver daily English classes, Greek homework support and workshops at two refugee camps.
On weekends, the participants go on an excursion outside of the camp to explore the local area, and begin developing a sense of belonging and familiarity with their new community.
Families are involved and regularly attend meetings about the program and their child’s participation. This investment in community engagement has created strong bonds of trust, which have had very practical benefits (e.g. girls now make up more than half of the participants!).