Dust, dirt, run-down camping tents settled under a highway bridge on a tiny stretch of concrete. Piraeus, the port city six miles south of Athens has been the first best option for the thousands of people now stuck in Greece - the frontline of Europe’s refugee crisis.
The refugees in this camp all come from the Middle East, with most of them having fled Syria’s and Afghanistan’s seemingly perpetual wars. The refugees had no choice but to escape from their countries. Without money or papers they don’t get far. If they get caught they get de- ported. The conditions at the port could not be worse. EU aid goes to Turkey. Greece the country that is on the brink of collapse, is left alone.
During my time volunteering at the camp, I had the opportunity to get to know and photograph the camps’ refugee children. Objective was, to put emphasis on the children’s personalities and spotlight each character rather then focus on the journey and the misery - the stories told by the media. Their strength, emotions, kindness, and open mindedness deeply inspired and taught me a lot. Because of these kids, I strongly believe that everyone can learn to free themselves from society’s expectations and norms. Every human has the same basic needs. There are no borders, there are solely barriers inside our heads.
