Amigo Mio

The book “My Friend!” is a project by Open Cultural Center that was created in the refugee camp of Cherso, to the north of Thessaloniki. The words and drawings by children in the refugee camp explain the journey of refugees to arrive in Greece. Abdul, Elaf, Amar and Heva are some of the children who illustrated and explained their personal stories: their life in Syria, before and during the war, the journey to Europe, life in the camp in Greece and their dreams for the future.

At OCC Spain we use the book to raise awareness and spread knowledge about the experience of thousands of refugees displaced by war for months and years, stuck in limbo between their past and the unknown future. Thousands of children have had their lives and education interrupted by war or violence. The book teaches us about these children's reality, and helps us to understand that, despite living in such a different situation, their dreams and hopes are not so far removed from the dreams of our own children, siblings, nephews and nieces, and even those we used to have when we were younger! To be able to be with family, go to school, play with friends and imagine our future.

We continue to use the book as a tool for raising awareness among the population. It is great to use in schools with children to teach values such as inclusion, respect, and tolerance towards other cultures.

"The story is overwhelmingly eloquent, because it exudes that naturalness with which children speak of the horror, the tenacity and hope with which they cling to life, their joy at making friends or dreaming of a better future.“ Rosa Montero in El Pais

The price/donation of the book is 10 € which will be used to continue financing the activities of Open Cultural Center in Greece.