Summary
We’re raising funds to provide the refugees in Lesvos, Greece with laptops so they can pursue their dreams of graphic design, art, video editing, etc. This space will serve as one of the only means of education they are able to access on the entire island.


The Situation
The devastating conflicts across the middle-east have forced over 2 million people to abandon their homes and embark upon the dangerous trek to refugee camps in Europe. 

The most common route leads families to spend their entire life savings on precarious rafts to try crossing the most narrow part of the ocean that separates Turkey and Lesbos, Greece - considered the unofficial entry-point to Europe.

Those lucky enough to make it across find themselves in a refugee camp facing atrocious conditions. Blistering hot tents, the threats of physical and sexual violence, waiting in lines for 4+ hours per day for bathrooms and food, no Wifi, and no rights. 


The WWBT Sports, Arts, and Wellness Center
Refugees in Lesvos are deprived of opportunities to build physical fitness, access counseling and mental health resources, develop peace and friendships across cultures, and generally escape the day-to-day inhumane realities of the camp.

To address these needs, WWBT created “The Dave Schultz Sports, Arts and Wellness Center for Humanity” outside of the camp that is open daily to help provide individuals with ways to find purpose and growth, as well as a sense of belonging and community.

​The Wellness Center hosts an array of programs, including (but not limited to): English lessons, children's education, arts, guitar and music, mindfulness, group and private therapy, dancing, fitness, and field sports. 

One of our key principles is that many of the programs are “for refugees, by refugees”. Instructors and teachers often come from the refugee community.


Climate & Design Courses
Partnering with Plan A Academy  and HOO KOO E KOO , we are looking to open up the possibilities of careers in climate and design. A program with over 200 content pieces will be made available to students to encourage the refugee women and children to consider building their career around protecting the environment, a fast growing industry of the near future. We will also be here to assist those who decide to follow such a path.


The Plan
What we’re funding:
- 12 Chromebook Laptops
- 6 desks
- Power cables
- Router & modem for internet connection
- Teacher salary


Our Story
We have been serving refugees in Lesvos since 2015, when we first volunteered during the peak of the island's crisis. We formed WWBT shortly after, in February 2016.

While most aid efforts focused on the basic needs (like clothes, food, shelter), we noticed people in refugee camps were often stuck for years with limited opportunities for personal growth and happiness. 

At WWBT, we operate community centers so refugees can access programming that provides joy, growth, and purpose in their everyday lives.


We believe…

1. Life is best lived when a person has a “why”. It is silly to believe that someone can emerge mentally healthy from years in a refugee camp if their days do not have purpose and a direction.

2. Problems need to be solved holistically, with all stakeholders taken into account. This is why we integrate support of the Greek locals into all of our operations, whether it be through the rent of our center, the purchase of equipment, or the employment of our teachers and drivers.

3. Those closest to the problem are best positioned to lead the solutions. This is why suggestions for programming comes from our refugee community and classes are led by a mix of refugees and locals.


Thank you!

- Jordan, Matt, Stavros, Zoë, Xander and the team