Skylar, a student at the Boston College – School of Social Work, offered volunteer work in METAdrasi’s Transit Accommodation Facility for Unaccompanied Minors in Lesvos in Spring. The three months she spent with the children and the facility’s staff marked her memories and inspired her to appreciate life differently, as revealed through her own words at her posts on Boston College blog. Below are some of our favorite parts:
One night when my roommate and I were talking, he told me, “Skylar… ‘Opou gis kai patris,’” which is a Greek saying that essentially means, “Wherever there’s a land there’s a home.” I love this phrase so much as it wonderfully expresses the Greek value of hospitality that I have so graciously benefitted from.
It’s been humbling to watch these boys from unspeakable traumas forget their troubles for at least a few small moments of recreational fun.
I asked one boy once what his biggest wish is, and he said, “My family”.
When I asked a boy what he dreams about at night, he said, “To see my mother”.
I asked a boy, “What do you boys need the most right now?” (thinking I could raise money or buy them something) and he said, “Hope”.
Read more about Skylar’s experiences in our accommodation facility in Lesvos, through her posts:
Arriving in Greece
The placement
Successes and Relationships
Moving Moments with Unaccompanied Minors
More info regarding METAdrasi’s Transit Accommodation Facilities for Unaccompanied Minors in Lesvos, Samos, Chios, Thessaloniki and Athens.