Empowering Refugees Through Digital Skills
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I’ve been at Cisco for 25 years, and I’m always looking for ways to volunteer and give back to our local community. As a Leader in Customer Delivery with Cisco’s CX Global TAC in EMEA, my focus is ensuring strong community engagement and excellent technical support for our customers and partners.
Each year, Cisco offers employees 10 days through the Time2Give program to volunteer for causes and communities they feel strongly about.
In May 2024, my colleague was recruiting a team for a Time2Give opportunity at a refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesvos in collaboration with Movement on the Ground (MOTG), and it grabbed my attention. The initiative to design and teach computer skills classes to refugees on the island seemed like a meaningful way to give back, especially with the ongoing refugee crisis.
With various work commitments and personal time off to coordinate, we developed two tracks for the computer skills classes: One for women with no prior computer experience, and another for men and women who had some basic skills.
Our goal was to empower participants with the knowledge they needed to navigate the digital world, opening doors to new opportunities.
On September 14, 2024, we set off from Amsterdam to Lesvos, filled with anticipation and a sense of purpose. Despite our preparatory information packs, videos, and conversations with the MOTG team, nothing could truly prepare us for the overwhelming reality we encountered upon entering the refugee camp two days later.
In 2024, 28,352 refugees and asylum-seekers arrived in Greece by sea. Of these arrivals, 20 percent made their way to Lesvos.
The camp housed around 1,300 individuals, all living in containers or tents with sanitary units positioned between them. It was a stark environment, but it was also one of resilience and vulnerability.
The experience was eye-opening. Each day, as we taught, we encountered individuals with stories of loss, hope, and newfound determination. Women who had never touched a computer before were eager to learn, asking questions and practicing skills that would help them regain a sense of autonomy. People with some prior knowledge were enthusiastic about enhancing their skills and exploring opportunities for remote work or further education.
Each session in the training room became a space not just for learning, but for connection — an exchange of cultures, dreams, and aspirations. We shared laughter, stories, and moments of profound understanding that transcended language barriers.
IT skills can be a powerful tool for refugees, providing them with the ability to connect with loved ones, access information, and pursue educational and employment opportunities. By bridging the digital divide, we can help these individuals rebuild their lives in a new environment.
As the week progressed, I realized that we were not just teaching skills — we were fostering hope, empowerment, and resilience. We saw participants transforming their apprehension into confidence, each keystroke representing a step toward reclaiming their life in an uncertain world.
Reflecting on this experience, I am reminded of the immense privilege of living in a country free from war. The contrast between our lives and those of the camp residents was striking. Yet, amidst the challenges, I felt a sense of purpose in being there to help bridge the digital divide for those seeking a better, safer future.
As our time in Lesvos came to an end, I left with a heart full of gratitude. The whole experience was a powerful reminder that small acts of kindness can make a significant impact in the lives of others.
In a world that often feels divided, we must continue to seek connections and offer support where we can. Consider how you might use your Time2Give this year. Together, we can help create a brighter future for all.
The refugee crisis remains an urgent humanitarian issue. For those interested in getting involved, consider volunteering through organizations like Movement on the Ground. Cisco employees can donate using the Community Impact Tool and receive matching funds. Every effort counts in making a difference.
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