Athens as Seen Through The Eyes of Refugees

Throughout the month of August, residents and visitors in Athens will have the opportunity to view a photo exhibition titled “Athens, My New Neighborhood.” The show, with photographs depicting the lives of refugees in Athens, along with stories about key issues that concern them, is taking place now at Kypseli Municipal Market.
Refugees’ Daily Lives in the Greek Capital
The European pilot integration programs called Curing the Limbo and synAthina, both initiatives of the city of Athens, invite the public to this special exhibition, which aims to introduce refugee participants to the citizens of Athens through their own stories and images.
These personal narratives and photographs are the result of a series of interviews which were organized and conducted by the synAthina team in order to explore the everyday experiences of refugees in the city of Athens.
SynAthina is the common space which brings together, facilitates and supports citizens’ groups engaged in improving the quality of life in the city.

The Social Integration of Refugees in Athens
The European-funded pilot program called “Curing the Limbo” aims to produce an innovative and dynamic model of social integration where refugees become active members of the city, attend English, Greek, technology and creative courses, access affordable housing and take part in customized employment training opportunities.
In this way, refugees will become an essential part of the city, connect with fellow active citizens, and participate in activities across all the neighborhoods of Athens. It is hoped that refugees and city residents will not only coexist together, but also forge new relationships and work together for common goals.
Exhibition Will Travel to Athens Neighborhoods
The Curing the Limbo project is made possible by support from the University of Athens, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Catholic Relief Services (CRS), and the Athens Development and Destination Management Agency (ADDMA).
The program is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the Urban Innovative Actions (UIA) initiative.
The photographic exhibition on the daily lives of refugees was first presented at the Commercial Triangle in Trigono, in the city center of Athens, on June 22nd, on the occasion of World Refugee Day.
The organizers aim for the exhibition to take place in many neighborhoods across the Greek capital city.