Stavroula (Voula) Samara

Athens, Greece

Voula was born in Greece and lived in Canada as an immigrant for many years. This experience shaped her compassion for immigrants and refugees. She has a BSc in research psychology from the University of Toronto and an MA in education psychology. Returning to Greece, she started working with children with learning differences and counselling their families. Subsequently, she trained in human rights education, peace education, and drama in education and realized the power of the arts in addressing social issues. Her aim is to assist students and teachers become aware of social and environmental issues, while developing their critical thinking and empathy. Two years ago, she co-designed and coordinated in Athens a non-formal education program for 200 refugee children aged 6 to 12.