Latest news - Page 2 of 25 - Dråpen i Havet

Over the last year A Drop in the Ocean has had a great cooperation with PENN International Impact Consulting. Last month they came to visit us in Greece.

The decision of passing over our humanitarian aid programs on Samos to other organisations was made towards the end of last year. Such decisions are never easy, but one that we were obliged to take after accurate assessment and reflection.

On day 12 of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the UN estimates that more than two million people have fled Ukraine. Of these, more than one million people have crossed the border from Ukraine into Poland. Many travel to the city of Krakow which is located approx. 250 kilometers from the Ukrainian border.

War is madness. It is one thing seeing reports on TV or reading the news about people fleeing their homes, arriving in a safe place and another being close enough to feel the pain.

Thursday morning we saw violent attacks from Russia towards Ukraine, and a new war in Europe is a reality. The human suffering is already enormous.

Without public funding opportunities, the work A Drop in the Ocean does in the refugee camps in Greece and Bosnia and Herzegovina is supported mainly by contributions from private sector, individuals and companies. The needs are huge and it is important to always think of new solutions for funding. An associate of ours, experienced with the concept “challenges” in the UK, suggested for us to try this in Norway as well.

Another year has passed, and it’s time for reflections of the years we are leaving behind.
It is strange to think back to how we thought the flow of refugees fleeing to Europe through the Greek islands back in 2015, would last for a short period, until European politicians would find safe passage for survivors of war and torture. The overwhelming solidarity and desire to help was a source of optimism and faith in a warmer and more inclusive Europe.

“harnessing the potential of human mobility“

The Board of Annette Thommessen Memorial Fund concluded that Trude Jacobsen’s commitment to support refugees in Greece since 2015 deserved the 2021 Honorary Award.

As you walk through the gates, you prepare yourself to be hit by a wave of sadness. You watch your more senior and seasoned team mates closely, observing their every reaction to this new and unfamiliar environment. As you enter further into the belly of the camp, you start noticing things you consider inhumane, unsafe, unfair, and unjust.