Days in Ritsona

Lydia Duquette
Sep 6, 2018 · 5 min read

When I was little I had an unceasing habit of collecting journals. I relished the patterns, varieties of leathers, and the idealistic moment when the pages would be full of scattered thoughts and ideas. The only problem was, I never actually wrote in them.

The first few pages were written in my most impressive penmanship and signed “until tomorrow, Lydia”, but then weeks would pass and the time would come to purchase another because said journal was now a symbol of inconsistency. Time and time again, I would restart the clock. Give myself another chance to do this one simple task each day. Each time I failed, my resentment of the concept of daily reflection grew stronger and stronger.

You may find it somewhat absurd that this resentment has continued through my young adult life, so I would like to say thank you in advance for your patience as I try to organize my thoughts without obsessing on the daily log of things. It is simply not my style, and I now know that this is perfectly fine.

Wildire burning just beyond Chalkida as we drove in from the Athens airport

I have now been in Chalkida, Greece for ten days. Chalkida is 76 kilometers north of Athens, one hour driving or one and a half on the train. The quirky town boasts a large pavilion directly on the sea, full of kitchy coffee shops and people who are happy to be in them. Time moves slowly here, a holiday destination for residents of Athens and its surrounding areas. Chalkida is strange and charming, its proximity to the sea a source of energy and solace for all who come here. My first few days here revealed logistical challenges with accommodations and cell service that have since been resolved. The language barrier has proven minimal to accomplish everyday tasks, though it would certainly be more conducive if there were none at all.

Ritsona Refugee Camp

Twenty minutes outside of Chalkida, amongst mountains and vineyards, is Ritsona refugee camp. It lies just off of a busy road and if you aren’t looking for it, you would easily pass without noticing. The wide dirt road beyond the gates reading “Syrian Refugee Camp” has hundreds of isoboxes on either side. Lighthouse Relief programming begins in the early afternoon, yet each day when we arrive it is still quiet and calm. Of course there are spurts of violence and intensity in camp; but on these hot, cloudless days children run free and laugh. Clusters of men stare curiously and talk amongst themselves. Women are scarce, mostly seen when traveling from point A to B.

I spent my first days in camp engaging with residents in the LHR facilities and learning protocol. I worked mostly in the YES (Youth Engagement Space) organizing, cleaning and introducing myself to all who approached. Lighthouse Relief has very specific protocol in place to protect the integrity of the residents and to keep all parties safe and comfortable. Physical contact (even with the children) is discouraged. Conversations are to be directed on the present and the future, as to not trigger traumatic experiences from the past. The residents, both children and adults, are extremely friendly and eager to introduce themselves. They ask where I am from, what my name is (Which I repeatedly break down as LEE DEE UGHHH).

Youth Engagement Space (YES)

As I mentioned, most young-adult women stay in the residential areas but are eager to participate when female-oriented workshops are available. I’ve had the opportunity to assist an amazing fashion workshop led by Anrike Piel for the past several days. The women are engaged and receptive to the creative ideas we present. I am consistently blown away by their artistic abilities and resourcefulness, watching in awe as a woman turned a skirt into a pair of pants in mere minutes. I am currently working on a piece that will provide a detailed overview of the workshop, including photographs and interviews with the remarkable young women who wish to tell their stories.

I have also had the opportunity to work in the CFS (Child Friendly Space) with the youngest age group. Programming ranges day to day, but the general schedule includes free play, crafts, reading, singing and dancing. It is a remarkable experience to make connections based not on language or spoken words, but with actions and demonstrated interest.

Child Friendly Space (CFS)

In addition to volunteering in the LHR spaces, my assigned work includes graphic design, photography, and post production editing. I am also involved in managing social media platforms and blog content. Things are changing quite frequently in Ritsona, so it is vital that LHR and its volunteers remain adaptable and informed.

“I predict you will come back frustrated. I worry you will feel defeated at having not changed anything.” The sailor I met from Germany had pity in his eyes, not for me, but for the daunting task at hand. He explained that if I were a politician I might be able to make a considerable difference, but then softens his tone to reiterate that nevertheless, we must help in the ways that we are able. Despite the vast and overwhelming issues related to the refugee crisis, I have learned in the past several days that if I can focus attention on even a few individuals whose stories and opinions deserve to be heard, whose zeal for life and beaming personalities have ripple effects to those hurting the most, that will be a tremendous start..


Originally published at www.lydiaduquette.com.

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