A little chat with Mohamed
Two weeks ago, the Erasmus team of our school visited the Paster Institute, where we had the opportunity to attend an educational program together with refugee children. There we first met Mohamed, a young man who translated the program for the refugee children to the Farsi language.
The previous Sunday, we met again the refugee children at Eleonas refugee camp at Athens, where a festival took place, about diversity and acceptance. When I saw Mohamed, I talked to him. He seemed so happy, friendly and willing to communicate! I thought that it would be nice to introduce myself, hoping that he would do the same. I was right! He was indeed very friendly and ready to answer all my questions.
Mohamed is 22 years old, with dark skin and hair, but with a bright smile on his face. He came to Greece from Iran, two years ago, after a long and dangerous journey, through mountains, battlefields and seas. When I told him about how much I admire the civilization and history of Iran, ancient Persia, he reminded me the Greco-Persian wars that had been held during the 5th century BC. “We were enemies then, but now we can be friends”. It is strange to realize how human history changes the situations of our lives. Persians in ancient times came as conquerors, but now they come as refugees, looking for a better life.
Mohamed told me that it was his own decision to live Iran. “It was unbearable for me to live in such a country, where no human rights were accepted, and no freedom in personal choices was recognized”. I asked him what the cause of that oppression is and he explained me what a theocratic state is. “In a theocratic state, like Iran, the administration and legislation are organized according the beliefs of the prevailing religion. The citizens have to obey, despite their objections. If someone doesn’t submit, the punishment will be very strict”.
In order to achieve his freedom, Mohamed left behind his old life, but also his family, his parents and his brother, who weren’t able to follow him to his difficult journey to the unknown. “I might not see them again. Even though, I wouldn’t change my decision to leave”. Now Mohamed works for the Amnesty International as a translator. He is very lucky, because his knowledge of the English language has helped him find a meaning in his life at the camp, and become useful for the other refugees. When I asked him what his plans are for the future, he told me that he would like to complete his studies and leave Greece for a county in Northern Europe. “I don’t know what is coming next. I try to go through the difficulties with courage and self-confidence. I enjoy my freedom every day, and I enjoy to meet people willing to communicate, as I am. I am looking forward to a better world, and I want to be a part of it”.
Good luck Mohamed! Perhaps one day we’ll meet again!
Eva
Flash cards-The Rights of Refugees
Refugees Who Succeeded
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Refugees Rights by Greek students
The Program Poster by Greek students
The program slogan
A work of Greek students
Reach out and lend a helping hand
A work of Greek students
A visit to the housing centre of refugees at Eleónas
With the ERASMUS+ group
Of the 2nd Junior High School of Kesariani
On Sunday, 20th March 2018, students from housing centres for refugees along with students from inter-cultural primary and secondary schools of Athens and their parents, teachers and Greek state representatives took part in a celebration which was organised at the Housing Centre for Refugees, at Eleónas. The main slogan of it was: “We join in celebration at Eleónas”.
Our students had the opportunity to visit the centre and participate in games, art projects, plays and creative workshops for children and adults. The celebration went on with singing, dancing and theatrical performances, which were about the principles of accepting human differences, respecting human rights and children’s rights, solidarity, peace and cooperation between people.
This celebration offered moments of emotion, joy and reflection, as well as food and music. In the end, there was the feeling that peaceful co-existence and prevalence of human ideals can be achieved through co-operation and activation of all of us.
The event was organised by the Greek Ministries of Education, Research and Religion, and Immigration Policy, as well as the Municipality of Athens. It was also supported by UNICEF and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).
A visit to greek istitute of Paster
On May 4th, 2018, the Erasmus + team of our school, participated in the educational and social action of welcoming refugee children and attended the program “The Greek Institute of Pasteur pasteurizes the microbe of xenophobia.” The program was held at the Institute’s amphitheater and was attended by 20 students from the Eleonas Refugee Reception Center.
After our welcome and a brief acquaintance with the Pasteur Institute by President Stylianopoulou, a presentation was made in English by the scientific staff on the subject: “Discussing about microbes, our roommates”. At the same time, the presentation was translated in Farsi for the refugees. Students then followed a demonstration of microbial preparations as well as live cultures through special photomicroscopes. After that, the students were guided to a photo exhibition entitled “Artistic Concerns in the Lab” and had a light meal at the Amphitheater’s Foyer.
At the end of the program, our students had the opportunity to chat with the children from Eleonas at the Institution’s gardens, play with them, and overcome their fears and prejudices. Before leaving, we renewed our appointment with the refugees on May 20th, when our team will visit Eleonas to participate in a festive event.
