Our Story

who we are

We are Movement On The Ground, we catalyze sustainable change within the humanitarian sector, enabling individuals affected by humanitarian crises to become productive members of society within the same year.

Our Story

We specialize in transforming refugee camps into more safe, enabling and self-sufficient communities by serving both hosting and hosted, and consulting stakeholders in the management of a humanitarian crisis.

Our Story

get to know us

Founded in 2015 on the Greek island of Lesvos, at that time the epicenter of the Europe’s refugee crisis with over 500,000 refugees arriving in just a few months, Movement On The Ground has since grown rapidly into an established organization in the global humanitarian field.

With a pragmatic, solution-oriented and community-centered approach, Movement On The Ground has developed the holistic “Camp to CampUs” methodology over the years as the core of its mission. The methodology embodies the vision that forcibly displaced people are as much a part of the solution equation in the provision of safe shelter and reception as any other stakeholder.

By actively involving the displaced communities from the very start in both the co-creation and the management unlocks their potential to contribute rather than being only beneficiaries of aid. The result is a sustainable, cost-efficient and wholesome environment for all involved.

The Camp to CampUs approach, grounded in International humanitarian principles and best practices, aims to enhance the safety, security and quality of life for displaced populations by integrating a community-enabling ecosystem of services that lead to educational, social, and economic opportunities within the camp environment while ensuring cost efficiency in the use of resources.

The primary objective of the Camp to CampUs methodology is to create a holistic and inclusive community model that unlocks the potential of refugees by providing them with access to education, vocational training, and psychosocial support. This model seeks to facilitate self-reliance, resilience, and a sense of normalcy among camp residents, all while optimizing the cost-effectiveness of humanitarian interventions.

In 2023 Movement On The Ground was active in 3 continents addressing some of today’s most challenging conflict areas including Ukraine, North West Syria and Lebanon.

 

Guiding Principles

our core values driving systemic change

Dignity

We ensure that basic needs are met through co-created CampUs infrastructures that empower residents with access and agency.

Self-Reliance

We foster community unity by encouraging participation in volunteer programs and co-created social activities.

Belonging

We restore a sense of belonging and purpose by integrating individuals affected by crises into supportive communities.

Advocacy

We drive policy changes that support the societal integration of those impacted by humanitarian crises.

Impact

Partnering with leading humanitarian organisations to deploy our Camp to CampUs methodology worldwide.

movement in action

Our Vision

We envision a society where everyone, regardless of their background, belongs and feels free to contribute to societal changes.

We believe that a better world starts with building stronger communities, through our methodology, we enable individuals affected by a humanitarian crisis to reintegrate and become active, productive member of society.

 

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