The Echo-Hub-Leros
Community center for refugees
ECHO100PLUS has worked successfully on Leros, Greece, since 2015, providing much needed services and programs for the many refugees on the island. In Oct 2016 we opened a community and educational centre – The ECHO-HUB-LEROS, to shift from providing first aid response to offering educational, vocational and recreation programs. In the HUB a team of professional teachers and volunteers organize and provide education, activities, training and counsel to the refugees stuck at the local hotspot camp for up to two years. Our main objective is to help prepare our students for a successful restart into their new life.
The provision of music, computer and languages courses is hugely important for refugees as they try to rebuild a „normal“ life. Echo100Plus also acts as a bridge by involving the local community in the services provided by the hub. As a result, locals and refugees are enjoying a better degree of cohabitation on Leros than elsewhere. It is a truly exemplary project.
WINNER STATEMENTIt is getting increasingly difficult nowadays to raise awareness and support for refugees arriving on Greek shores. People simply don't want to hear any more about refugees and the offer of humanitarian aid is losing popularity. Having our work recognized by the iF SOCIAL IMPACT PRIZE 2019 is definitely a morale boost and spurs us on. We are overcome with joy and incredibly grateful for this award!
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