Shoulder to shoulder with the local community

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From the moment we started working on the beautiful island of Lesvos in 2015 we have been amazed at the strength, warmth and openness of the locals. Especially during the extreme hardship they have endured these last years, we have been inspired by their own journeys as well as their fathers and their fathers before them.

Movement on the Grounds focus has been to support the hospitable Greek population in managing the refugee situation. Together we went looking for sustainable solutions, programs that serve both the hosted and hosting community and activities that support the local economy. We can look back on this time and conclude that this has worked very well.

Today, our friends, the Greek population, is facing an important moment: the national elections on the 7th of July. A new government will be formed and will work on a new policy for the coming years. We respect every outcome and we are hopeful that a humane and sustainable policy shall be pursued. We hope they will continue to see the value of working together to try to help each other in these difficult times. 

We have always felt very well supported in our mission and have received a great deal of cooperation from both the Greek people and the Greek authorities, which we are grateful for each day. This collaboration has affirmed our inclusive approach and way of working and therefore we are fully motivated to continue our mission, as we see this approach works best. For us, the people of Lesvos has set an example that hopefully inspires the rest of Greece and Europe as a whole. 

We wish the Greek people wisdom in making an important choice on the 7th of July and expect and hope to be able to continue our joint mission after the elections.

Wishing you all the best Greece.

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