Dive into the heart of one of Glocal Roots’ most important missions as we explore the benefits of early childhood care services, offering not just education but a lifeline of stability, community, and hope for refugee families in Athens. 

Something that transcends culture, language, and background is childcare. Also transcending cultural boundaries is the fact that women often bear the brunt of these childcare responsibilities alone. 

Data by UNICEF’s Europe and Central Asia Regional Office estimates that only 1 in 3 refugee children are enrolled in early childhood education and care (ECEC) in their host societies. In Athens, there currently exists no free public ECEC services, which not only hinders refugee children’s future access to education but also the family’s integration into the host community. Our informal childcare center aims to fill the gap left behind by a lack of government resources and make sure children continue to develop. So, why is this one of the most important services we offer? 

Access to ECEC for all children, but especially refugee children, is critical because “a strong foundation developed early in life determines a child’s later success and productivity.” Many of the refugee children who visit our center have experienced profound loss, trauma, and instability in their short lives. ECEC services serve to bring back a sense of structure, stability, and normalcy, and improve children’s emotional regulation and communication skills. They are able to practice sharing, creative thinking, independence, language development, and keeping a regular schedule – all things important to their growth and development. 

There are immense benefits for parents and families of children who attend ECEC as well. 

Firstly, the time made available by ECEC gives parents time where they can work during the day, or dedicate time to other pressing needs. Many of the children at our daycare center come from single-parent households, so this extra time made available during the day is invaluable. Secondly, language acquisition, either indirectly through their children or directly by communicating with staff, other children, and parents. And finally, it is a community-building opportunity where parents can build social contacts, which also increases employment opportunities.

However, even for school-aged children, there still exist many barriers to entry. Families are required to present proof of residency and up-to-date vaccinations for the child. These requirements alone, coupled with language barriers and issues such as lack of transportation, prevent hundreds or even thousands of children from enrolling. 

As long as there are no free childcare services provided by the state, we at Glocal Roots do what we can to support the community of refugee mothers and children to ensure they are exercising their right to education. But this is an urgent need in the Athens area; a lack of transportation, funding, employment opportunities and more keep refugee children out of schools and facilities they are entitled to attend.