A letter from Rob to Lesvos

In today’s world, it can sometimes feel like the voices of division, prejudice, and hate dominate our screens, drowning out the quiet but powerful messages of unity, compassion, and peace. These voices, loud and aggressive, attempt to paint the picture that they alone represent humanity in 2026. But amidst the noise, there are still shining examples of kindness, of people coming together to help others, proving that love and solidarity can still prevail.

One such example is the work being done by the NGO I volunteered. Just last week, Liz and I were introduced to the people running this incredible organization, and we had the privilege of meeting its founder, Efi Latsoudi. Efi, a truly remarkable human being and the winner of the UN Nansen Refugee Award, founded the NGO in response to the largest refugee crisis since World War II. Lesvos, an island on the eastern edge of the European Union, has been at the forefront of this crisis, located just six miles from Turkey. This close proximity makes it one of the first points of entry for thousands of refugees fleeing war and persecution.

This NGO is dedicated to providing essential humanitarian assistance, not only to refugees but also to anyone on the island in need. Their work, though not large in scale, is deeply impactful. They’re a beacon of hope for many, offering support, safe spaces, and resources to those in distress.

One of the programs that stood out to me was Safe Passage, an initiative that recycles discarded dinghies and life jackets, items that have been abandoned on the beaches after the perilous journey across the Aegean Sea. Liz and I had the opportunity to work with the materials, cutting them into panels to be sewn into backpacks and shoulder bags. The work was both meaningful and hands-on, giving us a deeper connection to the lives impacted by this crisis.

As I spent more time at NGO, I also had the chance to work with the refugees on a football program. It was both humbling and inspiring to watch them come together despite language barriers, cultural differences, and difficult pasts. They were a team united by their love for the game and a shared desire to find joy in their lives amidst their struggles. I had the honor of introducing myself to the team and hearing each player’s name and country of origin. It was moving to hear their stories, especially when they came from places ravaged by war and conflict.

Through this program, I was also asked to help individuals with mobility issues, which allowed me to assist in ways that were more personal and fulfilling. Meanwhile, Liz has been deeply involved in teaching and child care. She has worked with mothers and infants who have suffered trauma, including those who fled their homes due to horrific violence.The work is challenging, but also profoundly rewarding, knowing that her care brings comfort and support during such difficult times.

The experience has also given us a chance to reflect on the importance of the work being done on Lesvos. In a time where the world feels increasingly divided, it is heartwarming to see people on the ground showing empathy and respect for those fleeing war and oppression. The true measure of humanity is not in how we respond to those who are similar to us, but in how we treat those who are different, in their culture, language, religion, or the color of their skin.

The NGO and the people here remind us that despite the hate we see in the media, there is a tremendous amount of love, kindness, and generosity still present in the world. It’s easy to be influenced by the fear-mongering narratives pushed by certain political figures, but the reality is that the people of Lesvos are demonstrating what it means to support one another, no matter where we come from.

I find it incredibly humbling to witness this level of human solidarity. The work being done here sets a high bar, but I believe it’s worth reaching for. If we all tried to be a little more like the people of Lesvos, showing love, respect, and understanding to those in need, perhaps we’d find the world a little brighter and kinder.

As we continue our work here, I’m reminded of one simple truth: it’s not the country you’re born in that defines your future, but the people around you who help shape your path. And here, the people of Lesvos are showing us what true humanity looks like.

Love to you all from Lesvos,
Rob