Children are the main victims of war, and of natural and man-made disasters.
Through local, practical projects we strive to make an immediate but lasting impact on their lives.
OUR PROJECTS
RESTORATIVE SUMMER CAMP
We welcome children coping with poverty, war, violence and life threatening diseases to a restorative, free-of-charge residential summer camp by the Cretan Sea. During their stay, the children and young people improve their health and spirit, experience fun and friendship and gain confidence…
CONFLICT AND DISPLACEMENT
In addition to the summer camps, Crete for Life is committed to helping people who are victims of the unprecedented migration crisis. Families with young children, young men and unaccompanied minors are stranded in Greece without the possibility of schooling, working legally or moving to another country to start a better life…
HEALTH AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Through the years, we have supported our local community and extended our help further, both in Greece and abroad. Hospitals are at the centre of every community, today more than ever…
CRETE FOR LIFE NEWS
Another difficult winter for the children of Aleppo
At dawn on February 6th, a terrible earthquake struck Aleppo, a terrible earthquake that left behind a lot of devastation,…
Empowering Children Through Education: Rebuilding Hope in Post-War Syria
Education is a fundamental right that every child deserves, regardless of the circumstances they find themselves in. In war-torn countries…
Now is the time to help all Syrians.
Over a decade of war and destruction, paralysing international sanctions, the debilitating Covid-19 pandemic and a massive earthquake have left…
WATCH OUR VIDEO
IMPACT
WHO WE HELP
We give priority to:
- Children and young adults who are vulnerable subjects such as children with chronic diseases, disabilities, refugees, victims of violence, children in extreme poverty
- Families, groups or single people lacking food and essentials goods
- Youths needing medical, psychological or legal support
- Emergency interventions
OUR RESULTS
Over 200 disadvantaged children have been hosted in Crete’s restorative camps
Many children, unaccompanied minors, young adults and families have received regular or occasional support with food, essential goods like shoes and clothes, and assistance by our volunteers
On average, 92% of our income goes directly to the children we help. Our accounts are audited independently.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
SOME OF OUR VOLUNTEERS
Leontine, Holland
I have volunteered at Crete For Life restorative summer camp several times and it gets better every year!
Francesca, Germany
Crete For Life brings together. people from all walks of life and nationalities, who all have one thing in common, and that is to help with making the recuperative holiday of the children from Belarus and elsewhere as enjoyable and memorable as possible. Crete For Life offers a friendly and welcoming atmosphere to all the young children in their care during their stay in Crete. Making friendships that last a lifetime.
Margaret, UK
I feel really honoured to be a volunteer with Crete For Life. I see first-hand how these recuperative breaks impact the lives of the children. They arrive uncertain and reserved. They spend a month getting involved in team building games, singing, dancing, learning to swim. They love the sun, the fun and the healthy Cretan food. They leave carefree, happy and make life long friends in the process.
Luigi and Iacopo, Italy
This summer we jumped at the chance of volunteering for three weeks on the island of Crete, hosting a group of children with serious health problems. We were very curious and it turned out to be a wonderful experience. Our main occupation was to help the children to gain confidence with the sea and swimming, in fact almost all of them have never seen the sea before!
STORIES
K. and R., Syria
K. and R. are two 16-year-old girls and both left Syria, their school, friends and extended families 4 years ago, running away from the war and their Isis-ruled village. Crete reminded them of their previous lives where they would be out with friends, eating ice cream. While they were in Ierapetra, they also learned to swim.
M., Belarus
M., who is an 11-year-old-boy from Belarus, has gone through excruciatingly painful surgery with the aim of extending his height a little. At first, he was very shy and kept by himself, but thanks to the inclusive, fun atmosphere he found in Crete, he started to play and swim and he never missed a game.
M., Syria
For 17-year-old M. from Aleppo, the Cretan Sea acted as antidote against his traumatic escape from Syria. He was the funny, cheeky, gentle one of the group and while in Crete he became protective of the youngest children. He made sure everyone was always included in the activities and communicated through laughter and smiles.