https://e-thessalia.gr/efivi-apo-ton-volo-sto-plevro-ton-prosfygon-meso-erasmous
Invalid URL for PDF ViewerKOUTSOHERO IN LARISSA, GREECE: ANOTHER WORLD
In October 2017, within the framework of the European Erasmus + program on immigration and the role of women, we and our European peers were given the opportunity to visit the immigration camp in Larissa.
Specifically, we visited the camp at Koutsohero, which hosted 1,200 people last year, and this year it houses 400.
All refugees are provided free houses and a sum of money sufficient to meet their personal needs. The structure includes support departments with physicians, psychologists, sociologists and lawyers, as well as kindergartens for the entertainment of younger children, as well as schools with specialized teachers for the learning of the Greek language.
Among the refugees who have been in the camp, there have been children as well, the number of which reaches 480. Many of these children chose to attend public schools in order to be able to integrate into the Greek society, which also provoked reactions by refugee parents. In particular, the mother of a child did not want him to attend an outside school, as she wished to protect him. Characteristically she stated: “I saved my child from war. I do not want to lose it here. ”
Both children and adults have the right to move out of the premises. Most consider their stay temporary and want to move to northern Europe.
The combination of what the teacher told us, offering her services to the structure, with the detailed descriptions of the refugees left us with mixed feelings. We felt sorry for what some people have been through, as well as the uncertainty and unsafety in which they live. We strongly felt the obligation to offer care and love to these troubled people. Finally, we felt grateful both for the materials and spiritual goods that we can enjoy daily, as well as for the peace that exists in our country.
All in all, and as many of the children in attendance have pointed out, this experience will remain unforgettable, and will be a factor in mobilizing and raising awareness of global social problems.
Written by
Themeli Marizeta
Limberdopoulou Vasia
Students in the 1st Lyceum of Volos, Greece