Bainazeer's Path to Aid Refugees in Greece

Help Me Make a Difference for Refugees in Greece

Hello everyone!

My name is Bainazeer Fatima Sheikh, and I am a student currently pursuing my Master of Social Work at Columbia University in New York City. This spring, I have a life-changing opportunity to participate in a course that focuses on working with refugees and displaced persons. As part of this course, I will travel to Greece during Spring Break 2025 to collaborate with local organizations dedicated to supporting refugees. This experience is not just about learning—it’s about contributing directly to the lives of individuals and families in need while building the skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact in the field of social work.

Why Greece?

Greece is a major entry point for refugees fleeing conflict zones in regions like Syria, and sub-Saharan Africa. Refugee camps there face significant challenges, including overcrowding and limited access to basic necessities like food, water, and medical care. Through this trip, I will work hands-on with organizations addressing these issues, gaining a deeper understanding of the systemic barriers refugees face while contributing to solutions.

How Your Support Helps

Unfortunately, the cost of this trip is not covered by the university, and each student is responsible for their expenses, which are $2000. This includes airfare, accommodations, food, and other essential travel costs. As a full-time student with limited financial resources, I’m reaching out for your help to make this incredible opportunity a reality.

Your contributions will directly support:

Travel Flights NYC→ Athens, Greece

Hotel costs

Food costs

Additional flight to Thessaloniki, Greece for a special project

Any additional expenses to ensure I can fully engage with this learning and service opportunity

Why This Matters

I’ve dedicated my life to supporting marginalized communities, especially refugees and displaced persons. My professional experiences include providing psychotherapy to college students and families experiencing homelessness, leading workshops for individuals working with Autistic people, and mentoring refugees to achieve their educational and career goals. My work is deeply informed by my personal history as an immigrant myself and being the daughter of an asylum seeker, which has given me a unique understanding of the challenges faced by displaced individuals.

This trip is a vital step in my journey to become a leader in social work, advocating for refugees and creating programs that provide mental health support, resources, and legal assistance to those in need. By helping me fund this trip, you’re investing in a future where I can better serve vulnerable populations and bring about meaningful change.

Every Dollar Counts

Whether it’s $5, $50, or simply sharing this campaign with your network, every bit of support brings me closer to this goal. Together, we can make a difference for refugees in Greece and beyond.

Thank you for believing in me and my mission.

With gratitude,

Bainazeer