Achilleas Suras, a 17- year-old artist and activist from Greece, has come up with his own response to the humanitarian crisis of the 21st century.
After having spent time abroad he returned to Athens this year to attend the IB Diploma Programme (DP) at Moraitis School, Achilleas wanted to give his own response to the refugee crisis and is concerned about how inequalities between people can be smoothed out.
He set up his own project called ‘Save Our Souls’ (SOS) where he re-cycles life jackets to build shelters for refugees. The idea emerged from seeing life jackets polluting the shores, and he thought that something that offers security at sea can also provide protection on land.
The young activist encourages young people to express their feelings and concerns with any means they deem appropriate or most effective. About the project he states that it is both practical and symbolic and is noticed by many people, not only in Greece but also internationally. He believes that more young people have other ideas for projects similar to SOS and once they communicate them to society a lot can be achieved.
Read more about Achilleas’ project here and here (only available in Greek). More information about 'Save Our Souls' is available in English here.
