The UNHCR states, “Persecution, conflict and poverty have forced an unprecedented one million people to flee to Europe in 2015”. Over 800,000 refugees from Syria, Afghanistan Iraq and Iran crossed the Aegean Sea from Turkey into Greece. Many attempted to travel through the Balkans with the hopes of gaining asylum in Western Europe. However, countries along the Balkan route closed their borders and/or tightened up security measures resulting in 50,000 refugees trapped in Greece.
Non profit, NetHope, has been installing Wi-Fi hotspots in refugee camps across Greece to aid those who have been trapped. In order to access vital information and loved ones, internet is as important as food and water. In December 2016, I volunteered with NetHope as storyteller, to document the work being done by engineers as well as interview refugees to learn more about how they utilize the internet. These drawings were created during a technical deployment.
Team J installing an access point on top of container homes, north end of Koutsochero camp, Larisa Greece.
In each camp, I started interviewing refugees and after a few sessions, I needed time to process their stories of fleeing war and persecution. To decompress, I'd sketch on location which would soon attract a crowd. Many would invite me into their tents or containers for tea and share their rations with me. This would then result in getting to know them on a more personal level.
In Eleonas camp, I found a spot to sit on the ground and draw. Syrian Kurdish refugees [pictured left] offered me tea.