EDUC 499: Greece - Summer 2019’s Updates

Refugee Crisis and Education in Greece

After reading the articles and watching the videos, my definition of citizenship in context to the refugees in Greece is one that is concerning to me. Although a citizen is someone who is legally recongized as a subject or national of a state, either native or naturalized, I think when we consider the regugees, we must extend our definition. These individuals have been brave enough to leave their country and the unsafe conditions, traveling to a new place like Greece in hope for a better life. Unfortunetely, not being considered a citizen, these people find their rights much less than those who are native to the country. 

This is a condition that I think must be improved not only in Greece but globally as well. For example, when we compare and contrast the refugee crisis in Greece to it in the US, there are some similarities and differences. For example, in Greece, refugees are given the chance to an education one that is not necessarily provided in the US to non-citizens, something that I think must change especially with the world we live in today. In addition, a country like the US has the financial and ability to take in more refugees although we are not as open to this group compared to a country like Greece. 

My main ideas from these readings and videos is that our definition of citizenship is so limited and narrow and as conditions change for people we must change our definitions as well. Being able to allow these regugees to gain equality and citizenship in a fast and easy manner will give them the ability to equality, edcuation, success, and a better life.

  • Derek Patterson
  • Kiley Isaacson
  • Angelica Rackow