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We change
refugee narratives

Second Tree works to change the way that refugees are seen by society, and the way that they see society and themselves.

Our work is underpinned by an approach that tackles the stereotype that refugees are villains, heroes or hopeless victims – and promotes the reality that refugees are just people.

Our model is applied in all our activities:

Through thought leadership and training that challenges the narratives of refugees as victims

With refugees

Through language learning, youth wellbeing and integration projects that take refugees out of camps and into local life

We are Second Tree

Second Tree is a grassroots, volunteer-run humanitarian organisation that works with refugees in Northern Greece.

Our work is underpinned by a core ethos: to treat refugees as the people they are and overcome stereotypes of victimization and romanticization.

Do some good today

  • Do the names Zahra, Yahya, & Muzda ring a bell? The sibling trio often appears in our social media posts, & their family has long been part of our community.⁠
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Last month, however, it was time for the final step of their journey, 7 years after having left their home in Afghanistan – though not without a proper send-off! 🎉⁠
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As tradition goes, we invited the family for dinner at the Second Tree apartment. It’s the best way to spend a final evening with the people we’ve gotten to know & love. We talked about memories, laughed at all the times things went wrong, & dreamed of where & when we might meet again. ⁠
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After dessert, Yahya handed a guitar to his older sister & a flute to his father, Saabir. With some table drumming to accompany the tunes, the dinner ended in a jam session. Before saying goodbye, Saabir thanked all the teachers for the English his kids had learnt.⁠
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We wish the Hoseini family the best of luck in their new home!⁠
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Want to help us support more families like theirs? Donate through the link in our bio ⭐⁠
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#refugeeswelcome #everydayrefugees #refugeecrisis #refugeestories #leavenoonebehind #standwithrefugees #refugeesarepeople #solidarity #refugees #refugeecamp #nonprofit #education #volunteer #socialgood #humanitarian #bethechange #donate #causes #fundraising #activism #hope #humanity #humanrights #greece #nonformaleducation #learning #dinner #afghanistan #music #sendoff
  • A rare opportunity to leave the refugee camp, today is no ordinary day for Elyaz & his classmates 🤩⁠
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After 35 hours of intense English learning, it's only right we reward our students for all of their hard work over the last 7 weeks of classes 👨‍🏫⁠
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It's time for a rewards trip! 🥇⁠
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As we arrive at Katsikas refugee camp, Elyaz & Zinat jump onto the bus shrieking, "Where are we going, teacher?!" 🚌⁠
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Teacher Darius finally reveals the surprise, & on the whole way to town Elyaz, Zinat & their friends chant, “Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!” 🍕⁠
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We had a delicious meal at one of the best pizzerias in town, @ilpazzopizza, & then played games overlooking the city's iconic lake view 🏞⁠
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Donate today to help us reward more youngsters like Elyaz & Zinat with surprise pizza excursions! Link in bio ☝⁠
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#refugeeswelcome #everydayrefugees #refugeecrisis #refugeestories #leavenoonebehind #standwithrefugees #refugeesarepeople #solidarity #refugees #refugeecamp #nonprofit #education #volunteer #socialgood #humanitarian #bethechange #donate #causes #fundraising #activism #hope #humanity #humanrights #greece #nonformaleducation #learning #pizza #reward #pizzeria #lakeview
  • 📚 Since 2016, we have delivered English classes to 1,500 refugees in Northern Greece. ⁠
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Last week, 4 more classes of kids were added to the list as they finished our English module "Us & the Universe"! After 7 weeks & 35 hours of classes each, they are more comfortable with their English skills than ever.⁠
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"My favourite thing is when the kids start using things they learnt in class," says Teacher Darius. "Like Benedite, who scored full marks on questions about stars, space, & Earth, comfortably using all the words she’d learnt!"⁠
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Teachers, students, siblings & parents celebrated the module's completion with a certificate ceremony & lots of running, laughing & panting as we played some of our favourite games! 🏃⁠
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In two weeks, we'll jump into our next English module. The topic? We'll be speaking about "My Future"! 💭⁠
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Help provide our students with all the material needed to discover their dreams & ambitions! Donate through the link in our bio 😊⁠
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 #refugeeswelcome #everydayrefugees #refugeecrisis #refugeestories #leavenoonebehind #standwithrefugees #refugeesarepeople #solidarity #refugees #refugeecamp #nonprofit #education #volunteer #socialgood #humanitarian #bethechange #donate #causes #fundraising #activism #hope #humanity #humanrights #greece #nonformaleducation #learning #party #universe #englishclass #games
  • Intelligence + Character ➡ the goal of true education! 🏆⁠
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Encouraging our students to be critical & giving space for discussion without avoiding confrontation is crucial to treating refugees as the people they are. Find out more about our #refugeesarepeople approach through the link in our bio! ☝⁠
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#secondtree #refugeeswelcome #noborders #refugeecrisis #openborders #leavenoonebehind #standwithrefugees #solidarity #refugees #refugeecamp #nonprofit #education #volunteer #socialgood #humanitarian #bethechange #donate #causes #fundraising #activism #hope #refugee #humanity #humanrights #greece #quoteoftheday #inspirationalquotes #character #nelsonmandela
  • 🚲️ 22-year-old Ethiopian cycling champion Trhas Tesfay is preparing to lead London's @ridelondon 100-mile event in May! But her training period has not been without challenges.⁠
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After seeking asylum in 2023 due to conflict in her home country, she was placed in an asylum-seekers hotel by the UK’s Home Office, where she shares a cramped room with two other women. Banned from working, Trhas & others in her situation receive £8.86 a week to live on. Trhas shares that the daily meals provided at her temporary home leave her feeling unwell & lack nutrients. ⁠
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Despite cycling providing an outlet away from her subpar living conditions, Trhas worries that the difficulties she faces are stopping her from “competing on a level playing field” with other cyclists participating in the race. ⁠
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@teklehaimanottrhas determination inspires, but collective action is still needed to provide people in her position equal opportunities. When given the chance, refugees can achieve remarkable things just like anyone else. Trhas, as you prepare for your race, know that we stand with you! 🏆️ #RefugeesArePeople⁠
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#athlete #cycling #refugeeswelcome #refugeestories #leavenoonebehind #standwithrefugees #solidarity #refugee #refugeecamp #nonprofit #education #volunteer #socialgood #care #humanitarian #everydayrefugees #bethechange #donate #causes #fundraising #activism #hope #humanity #humanrights #goals #learning #motivation⁠ #inspiration ⁠#success⁠