Increasing the sense of dignity in and around the #Moria camp on #Lesvos is of great importance to us at Movement on the Ground. We always want to ensure that residents feel as safe and cared for as possible. It is this particular philosophy that has inspired the model for our recent distribution of shoes and socks in our Olive Grove. Hit the link bio to read more about the power of dignifying the distribution process and the positive impact it has had on our Olive Grove residents. #camptocampus #winter #dignity

While it’s important to recognise the strenuous circumstances in the #Lesvos and #Samos camps, it’s just as important to acknowledge the positive interventions that are helping to improve the living standards of camp residents. A few weeks ago, our friends at @because_we_carry started their annual winter jacket collection for the camp residents of Lesvos. Up to 15,000 warm and clean jackets were collected and now, these jackets are being distributed to the residents of the Olive Grove #campUs. This particular distribution is amongst one of the first of the winterisation process on Lesvos and is a practical way to ensure residents keep warm and dry during the harsh winter months. We as Movement on the Ground are delighted to be a part of the process, supporting in the transportation of the jackets as well as the dignified distribution of them to camp residents. And this is just the beginning! Right now, 8000 shoes and socks have also been delivered to Lesvos, with distribution scheduled for tomorrow. For more insight on this #winterisation initiative, check out our Facebook and Instagram stories! #camptocampus #winter #dignity #ngo

With the cooler temperatures and increased rains already sweeping over the Greek Islands, the current situation, which sees nearly 30,000 people living in dire conditions, is set to intensify. There’s no denying that the issue at hand is a pressing one so support and action is needed more than ever before! As a result, yesterday morning, a handful of prominent Dutch #NGO’s – big and small, agile-led and advocacy-based – came together to discuss and think in solutions about the situation at hand. Invited to the meeting were representatives from @amnestynl, @stvluchteling, @defenceforchildrennl, @artsenzondergrenzen, @oxfamnovib, #VluchtelingenWerk, @unicefnederland and of course, @movementonthegroundofficial. The diverse backgrounds of those gathered meant that many discussion points hit the table from the effectiveness of current activities being carried out in #Greece to what kind of solutions can be collectively implemented moving forward. Perhaps the most striking thing to come out of the meeting was the consensual push for a collaborative effort to resolve some of the most pressing concerns on the island this winter. What can be concluded from today is that powerful actions can occur when Dutch NGO’s stand in #solidarity. ✊ Photo credit: @mariekeodekerken #camptocampUS #dignityforall #empowerment #community

An important day in The Hague. Yesterday Johnny de Mol and Adil Izemrane, two of our founders, had the opportunity to present a petition to several Members of Parmelent in our House of Representatives. With the petition they expressed our great concerns we have about the very dire situation on the Greek islands. The urgency is more pressing than ever and with record numbers of people stuck on the Greek islands, something needs to be done to not risk many unprotected lives this winter. It was a constructive meeting as we were able to talk about our sustainable, inclusive and cost-efficient “camp to campUs” approach and how that is making a positive impact on the ground. It was a lively conversation that resulted in tangible next steps for us to undertake in asking support from the Dutch government for expansion of our efforts. We thank all the representatives that took the time to speak to us and to accept the petition. We also take this opportunity to thank all the MP’s who have visited us on the islands and have been advocating on our behalf to their colleagues and about the urgent situation on the ground. We look forward to joined future steps in our mission: “Dignity for all”

Our focus on Lesvos & Samos is obviously on the situation in and around the CampUs’es. It only takes a look in the other direction to imagine that everything that is going on these beautiful islands challenges the local community in its livelihood. The towns and local people who are burdened also need our support just as much as the people that are being hosted. We’ve always valued our connection with the local community and because of our holistic approach our efforts have always been welcomed. As we say we are not here only for the refugees, but for the refugee crisis we will continue to pursue a dignified environment for all. #camptocampUS #dignityforall #empowerment #hosting #hosted #community

Our Dutch Minister for Migration, @ankiebroekersknol (Staatssecretaris (J&V) visited Lesvos. She witnessed first hand the reality on the ground. The situation of the people in Moria and the surrounding olive groves worries her. We shared our challenges and our Camp to CampUs philosophy. She encouraged our inclusive efforts and collaborative approach in finding sustainable and impactful solutions together with the Greek authorities in this complex environment. We are thankful for her constructive visit. The minister will convey her insights of the visit in Greece with the Dutch parlement. #camptocampUs #inclusion #collaboration