For a year, I have had the privilege of working as a European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteer at a shelter for unaccompanied boys in Larnaca. During this time, I experienced the challenges they face and the incredible resilience these boys had to develop and display every day. Through this journey, I learned how essential it is to provide unaccompanied minors with a stable, safe and enriching environment, and how much they thrive when given the right support.
The most salient challenges faced, as far as I have been able to witness are the following:
- Prolonged uncertainty. Common to all the unaccompanied minors, who have to wait for their asylum applications to be processed. This is a cause of anxiety and frustration, as they are unable to plan for their future and prevents them from seeing their family members, as they cannot travel. This is especially the case for asylum seekers of Syrian origin, as for them, Cyprus has suspended the examination of asylum requests in all cases.
- Cultural and language barriers: Arriving in a new country where they do not speak the language and are unfamiliar with he culture is very overwhelming, especially for children. Furthermore, the struggles faced in registering for school exacerbate this aspect.
- Trauma and isolation: Even in a safe environment, the absence of family can lead to isolation.
- Integration challenges: Unaccompanied minors face bias and stigma, and struggle to integrate into the Cypriot community. These barriers often leave them feeling like outsiders, increasing the risk of social marginalization.
One of Hope for Children´s primary goals is to create a stable and secure environment in its shelters, offering multidisciplinary and holistic services that address the children´s needs, with a special focus on psychosocial support and legal guidance, aiming for durable solutions, integration and rehabilitation. (See Hope for Children – Homes for Hope).
Beyond addressing basic humanitarian needs, the shelter focuses on supporting the growth and development of the minors, and in this the role of an ESC volunteer becomes particularly valuable. Many of them have missed years of schooling, so we helped organize language lessons (Greek and English). We also organized activities to nurture their emotional and social well-being. Art workshops, football games, and cultural outings allow them to express themselves and bond with one another. These activities help to restore confidence, build life skills and foster a sense of belonging. In collaboration with the legal, social and psychological specialized staff, we implement the activities ensuring efficacy and impact. These moments of joy are essential to childhood and underscore the goal of creating an environment where they can flourish.
During my time at the shelter, I focused especially on external and outdoor activities, to equip the minors with practical skills (like navigation skills for independence) and familiarize themselves with the Cypriot culture and integration. These activities were not only crucial for their growth but also a source of great fun, which is always welcome!
Providing opportunities for growth and enrichment is vital for unaccompanied minors as it goes beyond meeting their immediate needs—it supports their long-term well-being. Activities like education, art, and recreation help them to rebuild their sense of identity and belonging.
