For 10 years, SAO Association has been supporting displaced women and mothers with their children in Greece.
Thank you for helping us continue this important work!
Strong and resilient women become extremely vulnerable when forced to flee from conflict in their homeland.
On a daily basis, displaced women, mothers, and young girls are exposed to high risks and gender-based violence. Many are traumatised and suffer long-term effects from the abuses experienced.
We run two day centres for displaced women and mothers with their dependents - the Bashira Centre on Lesvos and the Amina Centre in Athens. Psychosocial assistance, offered by a professional group of women, is provided in a safe space where dignity and equality are safeguarded by all SAO members.
SAO Association supports these women on their way to a new, independent, and fulfilling life.
That is why SAO is needed. And SAO needs you!
News
NEWSLETTER
10 Years SAO
On 24 February, we will celebrate our 10th anniversary and are now more committed than ever to helping refugee women and mothers with their children in Greece.
What began as a small voluntary initiative by Raquel Herzog on the beaches of Lesbos has grown over the past ten years into a recognised, professional organisation providing trauma-informed psychosocial support and integration services.
EVENT
Charity Concert
Saturday, 14 March 26, 6 p.m.
Andermatt Concert Hall:
Charity Concert
"dances and dreams"
Enchanting melodies will fill the Andermatt Concert Hall during this concert conducted by Lena-Lisa Wüstendörfer. And it's all for a good cause:
CHF 50 from each ticket will go to the SAO ASSOCIATION.
Highlights
Red Cross Award 2023
In June 2023 We were awarded the Red Cross Award 2023 at the Swiss Red Cross General Assembly in Neuchâtel.
Visit oft the Swiss Federal Councillor
In November 2023, we had the pleasure of welcoming Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider and State Secretary Christine Schraner Burgener, accompanied by a delegation from the Swiss Ambassador in Athens, Stefan Estermann, to the Bashira Centre on Lesbos.
The two women spent two hours in intensive discussions with ten SAO clients and founder Raquel Herzog.
Stranded in Greek asylum misery.
Thousands of displaced people have to endure in Greek camps. If their asylum is confirmed, they are allowed to go to the mainland, but there they are often threatened with homelessness.
SAO Association supports displaced women stranded in Greece in a concrete, efficient, discreet, neutral, flexible and ethical way.
Learn more about the context we work in here.
Quotes from our clients
Fa.
"I cannot thank you enough, because you gave me life for accepting me in Amina when I desperately needed someone to support me."
T
"They always leave the door open - we know we can talk, when we are ready"
f
«In Amina not all my needs can be met - but what I always get there is love»
N
"Cet endroit m'aporte beaucoup de choses: de l'amour, de la chaleur et le sentiment de revivre."
A
«I left all my family behind me.
I only have my son M* and SAO. That's why my love for this
organization has no limits.»
Z
"I finally speak Greek!"
