Creating hope,
empowering futures
Faros School in Athens provides a safe haven for refugee children and teenagers. Through non-formal education, we empower them to discover their potential, learn creatively, and develop essential skills.
Our Impact
2,581
Students enrolled in our programs
Read the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) D-Lab’s [Evaluation Report (2019–2024)] of our design training program and its impact on refugee children and teenagers.
Our Story
Faros’ Non-Formal School is an educational program in the heart of Athens, Greece, providing a nurturing environment for refugee children and teenagers.
The initiative was originally launched in 2017 as the Horizon Project, in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) D-Lab. Initially focused on teaching design thinking and creative problem-solving, the program has since evolved to offer a broader range of educational opportunities..
Our programs are designed to spark curiosity, ignite creativity, and foster a sense of belonging for young people who have endured incredible hardships.
We empower our students to see challenges as opportunities, building a foundation of confidence, resilience, and hope that extends beyond academics. Through creativity, play, and practical skills, we guide students as they discover their own potential and envision a bright future.
… I never thought I’d enjoy learning.
Now, I’m discovering what I’m good at
and have met friends who feel like family.
Farid, 15 years, Afghanistan
What they said about us
Our team
Alexia Petraki
Director
“Empowering and guiding young minds is an incredibly rewarding mission- nurturing potential, fostering resilience, and witnessing their growth firsthand”.
Artemis Milona
Psychologist
“It’s a privilege to journey with young people, providing the care, support, and resources they need to overcome barriers and create a life of stability and meaning”.
Ebrahim Hosseinpour
Instructor
“I am passionate about fostering creativity in practical skills and equipping students with skills they can apply in real-world scenarios to navigate an ever-changing world.”
Lamprini Paschenti
Teacher
“I love teaching Greek to young refugees, because it’s a way to help them find their voice in a new world.”
Jonathan Papadopoulos
Facilitator
“I enjoy working with teenagers who have dreams, strive to achieve them, and where possible, I offer my help to do that”.
Sosana Mansour
Receptionist
“I love working at Faros and with refugee teens, because I enjoy being part of their journey toward a better life.”.
Marios Chatzakis
Accountant
“Being part of Faros means contributing to a mission that transforms the lives of children, helping them overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities with confidence and hope.”.
Vasilis Zaganas
Accountant
“I like working at Faros because my work contributes to a greater cause.”
Our partners
Join us in making
a difference
Your support helps us create a brighter future for refugee children and teens. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, partnering, or donating, your involvement brings us closer to a world where every young person can realize their dreams and shape their own story.
GIVE
Let’s connect
Have questions or want to learn more about Faros’ Non-Formal School? Reach out to us!
Cheyden 29, 10434 Athens, Greece
school@faros.org
school@faros.org
