Back to School 📚 September 2026

As September approaches, children around the world are getting ready to return to school. They will meet old friends and make new ones, get opportunities to learn and improve themselves, and return to the daily routine of the school year. 

For thousands of people seeking asylum on Samos, the reality is very different. They are missing many of these things, as their lives are regulated by the restrictions of the Closed Controlled Access Centre (CCAC).

Life in the camp is marked by uncertainty, isolation and long periods of waiting. The CCAC is located 7km away from the main town, with limited and expensive options for transports, making every service hard to reach for residents. In this context, the majority of people have few opportunities to learn, and their days are repetitive and lacking a sense of purpose.

That is why, throughout the entire year, Samos Volunteers provides free English classes. These take place five days a week at Alpha Land, our community centre located just five minutes from the CCAC. By offering classes close to where people live, we make education accessible to those who would otherwise face significant barriers to learning.

Our English programme welcomes learners of all ages and abilities. Classes are offered across four different levels, from ABC for complete beginners to Level 3 for more advanced learners, and run in one-hour sessions, with four class slots every day. Before joining, each student completes a placement test to ensure they are enrolled in the level that best matches their abilities. Due to high demand, many learners are placed on a waiting list until a space becomes available.

Every week, we see how strong the demand for education is. We are constantly working to reduce waiting times by increasing the capacity of our classes and weatherproofing our learning spaces. This includes expanding opportunities such as women-only English classes, ensuring that those who face additional barriers to participation can also learn in a safe and supportive environment.

Learning English is about much more than language. Whether someone is preparing for life in a new country, hoping to improve their employment prospects, or simply looking for a meaningful way to spend their day, these classes build confidence, foster community, and create opportunities for the future.

Every lesson is made possible by the generosity of our supporters. Your donation helps us provide learning materials, maintain and improve our classrooms, expand our capacity, and ensure that everyone who wants to learn has a safe, welcoming place to do so.

This back-to-school season, you can help ensure that education doesn't stop at the gates of the CCAC.