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
ALEPPO FOR LIFE
After years of relentless conflict, the people of Aleppo are undertaking the monumental task of rebuilding their lives and their city. Our community projects are led by local partners to provide direct, impactful support to those who need it most, helping them find stability and restore a sense of dignity and hope.
EMERGENCIES
Our emergency aid project offers a fast and concrete response to specific problems such as a family’s immediate need for food or housing, new or pre-loved clothes and shoes or support with medicine and hospital treatments. We act fast and effectively to find long term solutions.
SUSTAINABILITY
Climate change threatens 1 billion children worldwide, prompting efforts to raise awareness and protect our environment. All our programs encourage children and adults in activities that respect our environment. For example “Tomato Express” rescues from waste tons of imperfect vegetables in Crete and redistributes them to families and charities in Athens.
SUMMER CAMPS
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, to help improve their health and spirit, experience fun and friendship and gain confidence and hope.
CRETE FOR LIFE NEWS
One Child, One Coat: Give Warmth to Aleppo’s Children
Baydeen, one of Aleppo’s poorest and most marginalized neighborhoods, has long struggled with neglect—even before the war. The conflict only…
The Heartbeat of Aleppean Music
Music in ancient Aleppo captured the soul of the city. It carried the elegance of Andalusia, the spirituality of the…
“Tariq” Exhibition in Aleppo: Art Revives the Forgotten Tracks
On the platform of Baghdad Station in the heart of Aleppo, a striking artistic intervention unfolded. The exhibition, titled "Tariq"…
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IMPACT
SOME OF OUR VOLUNTEERS
Leontine, Holland
My experience at the charity summer camp in Crete was truly special. I had the opportunity to connect with children from different backgrounds and cultures through art. It was incredibly fulfilling to see the campers grow and learn throughout the program. The dedication and passion of the staff and volunteers created a warm and welcoming environment. I feel grateful to have been a part of this camp and will cherish the memories and connections I made.
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., Grecia
At just 12, K. and R. fled Syria, leaving behind their school, friends, and everything they knew to escape war and violence in their village. Five years later, they are studying and finding joy in simple moments, like being out with friends and eating ice cream. They embody resilience and hope for the future.
S., Syria
At just 2 years old, S. was running out of time. Born with Tetralogy of Fallot, the war and sanctions made essential, affordable care nearly impossible. Her life was saved by a surgeon in Damascus – a victory your support makes possible also for other children in crisis.
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.