Our Ark...
by Monika Tsiliberdi

“In the Ark, it was possible for racism not to exist. All those in there are created by the same God. Nobody is discriminated against for being a Greek, Kurd or Albanian. Everyone is equal…” One of the hundreds of children who have found shelter and love in the Ark, at the Centre for Young People at the Holy Temple of Aghios Dimitrios of the Plato Academy, can only describe this experience with the most eloquent and real words.

More than 300 children have found a refuge in the Ark, a hope for life without it being of any importance whatsoever what their origin is, the color of their skin or their religion. Father Antonios Papanikolaou, the founder of this initiative embraces all children with the same warmth and interest, offering food, knowledge and, in particular, unconditional love. The SpiritualCenter of the parish has been turned into a multinational refuge of life for young children, who have the opportunity to have lessons with volunteer teacher, to develop their skills, to work on electronic computers or to participate in various sports. Most of the children are very poor and belong to single-parent families and the Ark is their only outlet and refuge in life. Lately, Father Antonios also started up a refuge for homeless families or children, who up till now have found refuge in town squares and old buildings. The Ark was given a prize for its work by the European Observer for Racism and Xenophobia. The Ark is funded almost exclusively by financial support from citizens as well as from voluntary work.

The Ark is found at 73-75 Pylou St, at the PlatonosAcademy. Whoever wishes to contribute to this project, can call 210 – 5141935 and can offer love to children who are really in need. Every bit of help, whether large or small, financial or otherwise, is significant.