Check out our monthly project update for September 2024 at Paréa Lesvos
The word paréa in Greek means “company, circle of friends”: everyone is welcome in Paréa!
Located within walking distance from the CCAC (Closed and Controlled Access Camp) on Lesvos, our community center Paréa Lesvos offers a safe space where people on the move, locals and internationals can meet and spend time in a peaceful and welcoming environment.
Paréa is run by Europe Cares, responsible for the safety, major facility costs, maintenance and development of the center. It is also a home to another 11 civil society organizations: Artists Giving Back, Boat Refugee Foundation, Circus Lesvos, Collective Aid, Leave No One Behind, Makerspace Lesvos, ReFocus Media Lab, Refugee Assistance Doro Blancke, Sporos Regeneration Institute, Terra Psy and Yoga and Sport with Refugees. In a time of high political uncertainty and constant withdrawal of support and international attention from Lesvos, our network of partner organizations joined forces to offer people on the move a wide range of services including food and NFI distributions, legal and psychosocial support, education and social care activities. But first and foremost, we offer a sense of community and belonging.
We are one community in solidarity. Will you join us?
View of Mavrovouni Camp from Paréa Lesvos
LESVOS UPDATES
In September 861 people arrived in Lesvos, bringing the camp population to 1,181. Meanwhile, 59 pushback cases were recorded in the Aegean Sea, affecting 1,569 people, including children, women, and men. Tragically, a girl and three women drowned off Samos Island, while 26 others reached the shore, and 5, including a child and a pregnant woman, were rescued. This incident, though not isolated, underscores the deadly consequences of the lack of safe passages to Europe. So far, 40,422 people have arrived in Greece by land and sea, with 35,140 entering by sea, while Turkish interceptions have affected nearly 40,000 people on the move in 2024.
Within the camp in Lesvos, community feedback highlights ongoing infrastructure issues, particularly damaged toilets and housing units. Fortunately, the camp’s technical department has started repairs, reporting that 70-80% of the WASH facilities are in need of maintenance. However, concerns remain regarding the unresolved issue of cold water as winter approaches. Although solar boilers are being installed, it is still uncertain whether they will adequately meet the camp’s winter needs. Additionally, concerns about the availability of blankets are growing, which could become critical in the coming colder months. In addition to these issues, another pressing concern is the lack of an emergency and evacuation plan for the Lesvos CCAC. Given the large population housed in the camp, the absence of such protocols is a critical oversight that needs urgent attention. On a positive note, a new laundry station is under construction within the camp, expected to be fully operational soon, finally restoring a much-needed service to residents nearly a year after its suspension.
On another front, despite some residents showing interest in employment, challenges persist, including limited job opportunities, illegal short-term work, low wages, and administrative delays. The suspension of the Helios integration program in Lesvos has complicated matters further, leaving many without housing support. These issues have led to children missing vaccinations and schooling, and adults losing jobs due to delays in securing documents like residence permits.
Finally, in terms of financial support, 19 humanitarian organizations have called on the Greek government to resume cash assistance payments for asylum seekers, which have been delayed since May. By June 2024, 57% of eligible asylum seekers were not receiving this support. Though modest (75€ per person per month, 135€ for couples or single parents with one child, and 210€ for families of four or more), the payments help cover essential expenses like transportation, healthcare, and legal fees. However, 93% of applicants report that these amounts are insufficient to meet basic living costs, and uncertainty over when payments will resume is creating anxiety among asylum seekers.
SEPTEMBER IN NUMBERS
Highlight of the month
In September, our partner organisation, Collective Aid, launched a free clothing shop for women.
Open three times a week, the free shop allows women to select up to five items of their choice. Although the store opened just recently, it is already receiving steady numbers of visitors. This is indicative of another gap in fulfilment of state actors’ responsibilities towards people on the move on Lesvos.
By providing essential clothing to women, Collective Aid plays a vital role in supporting this basic yet critical need.
Faces of Paréa
Paréa is a good place for women and for our happiness. We can be comfortable here and happy, because this is a safe and good place for us. When I come here, I feel serene and relaxed. Here we can enjoy food and music. The people in Paréa are polite and active, and I thank them for all the services here. Hayat — from Afghanistan
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Meet our partner: TERRA PSY
Our partner organisation, Terra Psy, offers psychological support to vulnerable adults and children in France, Morocco, Palestine, and Greece.
In Paréa, Terra Psy provides psychological & psychosocial support sessions for children, teenagers, and parents along with recreational activities for both parents and children. These workshops and sessions are crucial in helping families create a safe space and address their individual challenges.
Since psychological support for children is scarce on Lesvos, Terra Psy plays a vital role in filling this critical gap in essential services for families on the move.
Welcome to our space: CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND
Our children’s playground, located at the heart of Paréa, provides a central and easily accessible space for young visitors and their caregivers.
Designed not only for fun but also for development, the playground encourages children to enhance their physical strength, coordination, and balance through active play. Beyond its physical benefits, it fosters mental well-being by offering a joyful, secure environment where children can experience a sense of normalcy amidst challenging circumstances.
Recently, we refreshed the space by freshening up the paintings, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that invites children to engage and explore.
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