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Better Days
About Us
Our Story
Better Days was founded in January 2016 in response to the influx of refugees in Lesvos, Greece. Our first project was the Olive Grove, an unofficial camp adjacent to Moria camp that supported the needs of thousands of people passing through Lesvos. During its first six months of operation, Better Days and its partners provided aid (medical, food, shelter, and non-food items) to approximately 70,000 people. Since the Olive Grove, Better Days has implemented more than ten projects providing legal aid, recreational activities, non-formal education, and counseling support, and other essential services to people on the move.
Today we focus on providing an integrated approach to education through educational and psychosocial support services for displaced young people to enhance their opportunities for personal development, academic growth, and independence. Our educational flagship, Gekko, was selected by the 2021 5th Global Entreps Awards Committee from among 5000 candidates in 126 territories as one of the 100 Best Practices in the world for the implementation of the UN Sustainability Goals. Global jurors highlighted Gekko’s mission to improve conditions for displaced and disadvantaged children and asylum seeking people in Lesvos, combined with quality education, as unique in the world. Our new Gekko educational center in the heart of Athens offers displaced young adults (15-24 years old) access to quality personalised education and psychosocial support services in a safe, trauma-informed, and dignified learning space.
Chronology of Projects
- The Olive Grove, 2015-2016: Moria Camp emergency response, sheltering, food & NFI distribution, medical aid.
- Community Support Program, 2015-Ongoing: Financial support for students.
- Elpida Home, 2016-2017: Recreational programming for adults and minors, info point, food and NFI distribution.
- Medical & Legal Intervention Project, Moria Camp, Lesvos, 2016-2017: Medical aid and legal info for vulnerable asylum-seeking adults.
- Gekko Kids, Lesvos 2017-2022: Non-formal educational programs.
- EcoHub, Lesvos, 2017-2020: Sustainable ecological garden with vocational training and ecological literacy for children and adults.
- TAPUAT, Lesvos 2017-2019: Non-formal educational programming, activities for minors, child protection, trauma support.
- Gekko X, Lesvos 2019-2020: STEAM curriculum, exhibitions, blended learning, e-learning.
- Central Triage Pharmacy, Moria Camp, Lesvos 2020: Medicine provision, Covid19 response.
- Socrates, Lesvos 2019-2020: Sports and development, SEL pedagogy, football sessions, trauma support.
- Gekko, Athens 2023-Ongoing: Non-formal educational programs.
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