Athens Comics Library joins forces with Refugee Trauma Initiative to create a safe and creative space for refugee and migrant children and their caregivers.

Baytna, meaning “our home” in Arabic, provides high-quality pre-school education and specialist psychosocial support to children aged 0-6 and their parents. The programme strives to give these children the opportunity to learn and play and to develop healthy and secure relationships. Baytna nurtures the attachment between parents and children to enhance the socio-emotional, cognitive, and physical development of children we work with.  

Baytna facilitates a safe environment to support the development of young refugees who are experiencing a prolonged period of distress and insecurity. A space where children can play and learn, and where families can strengthen relationships and feel empowered. Engaging parents and caregivers is a key part of the intervention as their capacity to provide care and protection is crucial to building resilience in children.

We are looking for partnering organisations who would like to become hosts of Baytna Hub and could invite us for a one-off visit to their location for the programme "Baytna Hub goes...".

"Baytna Hub goes...". consists of monthly visits to culture, education, community or sports organisations and green spaces as part of our creative learning programme of events, members of Baytna Hub together with the Hub Leader Vasileia and Hub Community Carer Nawid.

What could you offer?
- a 1 to 2 hours maximum visit to your location
- free entrance to your facilities for our members
- a creative activity (maybe a tour, a workshop, a talk or even come along to say hello to our group and talk to us about your role)
- a contact person from your organisation to be present on the day

What do we offer?
- opportunities for partnership building
- opportunities for networking with other host organisations
- audience development
- publicity via our social media networks

Purpose of our visits is to offer a wide range of creative activities and experiences across Athens to our members, to reconnect them with the local community and to empower them to get to know the city better.
Also, of course, to have fun, learn and socialise with other families!

Disclaimer: Due to the government's COVID19 regulations, the group will consist of a maximum of 9 members and all safety guidelines are met by our team. All visits will be organised and supervised by our very experienced team of creative playworkers. All visits will be held in greek and english but Nawid will be assisting with our activities in farsi, dari, urdu.

For more information or questions please visit https://athenscomicslibrary.gr/baytna-hub-athens-comics-library/ and email our Networks Coordinator Dina, at dina.ntziora@gmail.com