Better Days was founded in January 2016 in response to the influx of refugees in Lesvos, Greece. Our first project was the Olive Grove, an unofficial camp adjacent to Moria camp that supported the needs of thousands of people passing through Lesvos.

During its first six months of operation, Better Days and its partners provided aid (medical, food, shelter, and non-food items) to approximately 70,000 people. Since the Olive Grove, Better Days has implemented fifteen distinct projects providing legal aid, recreational activities, non-formal education, counseling support, and other essential services to people on the move. We have distributed millions of euros worth of aid and coordinated over three thousand volunteers.

Better Days programs have received international recognition for their emphasis on quality and high standards. In 2021, our Gekko educational program was shortlisted for the 5th Global Entreps Awards as one of the Best Practices in the world for the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and our Eco Hub project was awarded the Permaculture Magazine and Youth in Permaculture Prize.

Today, we focus on providing an integrated approach to education through educational and psychosocial support services for displaced young people to enhance their opportunities for personal development, academic growth, and independence.

Our new Gekko educational center in Athens offers displaced young adults (15-24 years old) access to quality personalized education and psychosocial support services in a safe, trauma-informed, dignified learning space.