KASAPI-Unity of Filipino Migrants in Greece is an organization of Filipino migrant workers in Greece. One of our activities is a day-care center, Munting Nayon (‘Small Village’), set up as a self-help project in 1994. In spite of limited resources and many obstacles, we have managed to continue offering this service to migrants until today.

We were recently informed that the two-storey building in Kypselli, housing Munting Nayon, does not meet the legal requirements for kindergartens. If the centre is closed, where will mothers bring their children? Private schools charge high tuition fees and state nursery schools do not operate beyond certain hours. Children will be left in their homes, with just food and water on the table, so their parents can work the long hours necessary for them to survive. If this happens, the Greek state will have done a grave injustice to migrants and their children.

We are making this appeal so we can continue providing a second home for these children. In order to do this, we will have to carry out repairs to the existing building at a cost of over 180,000 euros.

Why Munting Nayon must continue

1. Munting Nayon serves the desperate need of migrants of all nationalities to have a place to leave their children, where they are cared for and educated in a safe and respectful environment.

2. Since Munting Nayon is the only children’s project that has been set up entirely by migrants, it has great significance as a model of empowerment for migrants.

3. Munting Nayon provides children with a multicultural environment where they become aware, from an early age, that they are part of a multi-racial world, learning to accept and respect each others’ differences.

4. The schedule of the Centre is adapted to the long working day of the parents.

5. Most children who have passed through Munting Nayon have entered Greek schools and have generally adapted well.

Save Munting Nayon! How you can help:

• Donate money; even 10 euros will be appreciated.

  You can support our campaign to save Munting Nayon by depositing the amount you wish in the following account:

  National Bank of Greece
  Account Number: 100/296034-60
  IBAN: GR0701100690000010029603460
  

• Show your solidarity by participating in our fundraising events:

  - On the 16th April we will be in the Dimotiki Agora at Kypseli, at an event organised by the ‘Ergastirio Spoudon Fylou’ of the Pandeion University, under the auspices of the EU 7th Framework Programme. We will be there to give information and we will also be selling lottery tickets to raise money for the running of Munting Nayon.

  - Join us on Labour Day, May 1st celebration and enjoy an afternoon of Rembetika Music and Philippine cuisine at 1:30pm, in the Dimotiki Agora at Kypseli, Fokionos Negri 42.

  - Come and participate in a Solidarity Picnic in Exarchia, at Navarinou & Zoodochou Pigis Park, on Sunday 2rd May, and enjoy a day of Filipino music, dance and cuisine, and karaoke.

  - Look out for further events on our website (www.kasapi.gr), and for information as to how you, too, can be involved: in a concert starring Greek celebrities in May/June, a bazaar, a Festival celebrating migrants.

We would appreciate hearing from anyone with information on, or connections with philanthropic organizations or foundations, in Greece or abroad, where we could apply for funding.