EDUC 499: Greece - Summer 2019’s Updates
5. Greece Refugee Crisis & Education
As I learn more about the refugee crisis in Greece, I consider the definition of citizenship and how that term needs to be adapted or changed when there is such a large number of refugees entering the country. As someone who has benefitied from refugee sanctuary, I believe it is important that refugees, especially those who are seeking asylym due to unsafe conditions in their home country, should be given a chance to be viewed as citizens as they are deserving of the basic rights that citzens are granted. While there has been a lot of work done to help the refugees in Greece, such as through the refugee camps, this is a temporary solution that needs a more permanent answer. Due to this, strandedness of many refugees, and how long it takes for refugees to be granted asylum (around a year) as well as the high number of refugees entering the country, there needs to be a bigger push towards making this process for refugees easier and faster. While Greek law does states that all school should be open to all people living inside the country, regardless of their citzen status, as we have learned in previous updates, this has created discrimination towards immigrants and refugees in school settings because of their lack of citizenship.
From reading through this week's articles and videos I definetly see parallels between the Greek refugee crisis as well as the refugee crisis here in the US. The main difference that I see is that Greek law allows for non-citizens in schools, wheras non documented students in the US are not given the same treatment. I think that there are also differences in the capabilities of both Greece and the US to take in such a large influx of refugees, especially considering the Greek financial crisis. However, even with more limited finances, Greece still seems to be more open to accepting refugees into their country than the US.
Hi Phoebe. I agree with you about adapting the definition of citizenship. It is really important in order to change the views that society has on these refugee individuals as we can see from the situation in the US. I also agree with you on finding a permanent solution. Although these temporary remedies are helpful it still has society viewing them as refugees because they are not permanent. I also think it's great that Greece allows refugee children the chance to an education and I can't wait to be able to observe and witness this in a few short days!
Hi Phoebe. I really enjoyed your discussion of this topic as I think it is important for us to all share our thoughts and stance on such critically topics prior to heading to Greece very soon. I really think it is important that you pointed out that this might be a good temporary solution for this crisis but it is not something that will be successful long term in helping to provide an equal education opportunity to all students. I know this is also something that we struggle with in the US, a topic we discuss in many classes.
Hi Phoebe! You brought up some great points in your update and I enjoyed reading your perspective. I like how you mentioned that the work being done is simply a temporary solution, yet there must be a more permanent development. Your perspective on citizenship was interesting and informative to read about. As mentioned before, education is a great topic to weave in here. Finally, you brought up great points regarding the parallels between the Greek refugee crisis as well as the refugee crisis here in the US. It was also insightful for you to explain the main differences you see. Great update!