We were deeply saddened to hear about the death of Giannis Balbakakis yesterday.
Giannis Balbakakis spent the last years of his life as the governor of the Reception and Identification Center in Moria, Lesvos, during a particularly difficult time. It is there that we met him and worked closely with him, mainly the Interpretation, Guardianship and Education of unaccompanied children team. He was one of the most capable governors we have ever met, inventive, finding solutions to unsolvable problems, making good use of any opportunity for cooperation. Present 24/7, he would not hesitate to take on extra responsibilities and surpass any problems, going beyond the standard procedures for the sake of practicality, that is, improving the living conditions of people in Moria. Apart from being an exemplary state official, we will remember him as a deeply sensitive man, always polite and smiling. METAdrasi’s team expresses its sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Photo courtesy of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.