The Peacemaking Taskforce is happy to announce Efi Latsoudi as the 2021 International Peacemaker
Efi Latsoudi, a psychologist who was born in Greece in 1968, is the coordinator of the Pikpa Solidarity Camp – the most virtuous refugee camp in Lesvos and perhaps in the whole European Union, as Daniele Biella has described it in his book “L’Isola dei Giusti: Lesbo, crocevia dell’umanità”. In the last decade, Efi has been of fundamental importance in the helping and welcoming of refugees fleeing their Countries (mainly in Africa and Middle East) towards Greece. She has provided migrants for a first shelter, any need and, in some cases, also for a proper funeral – after having tried to identify them and to inform their relatives.
Despite her work is particularly difficult and psychologically challenging, she has never shirk her responsibility. She has also involved her son in this activity, so that they can spend more time together.
To Efi, April 18, 2015 – when 70 migrants drowned in front of the coast of Lesvos – has been the most tragic day ever. This episode left a profound mark in her humanitarian experience.
In 2016, she has won the Nansen Award, conferred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to the most important people who has dedicated their time going above and beyond the call of duty to help people forcibly displaced from their homes.
Lesvos Solidarity is a local activist group on Lesvos that manages an open refugee camp based in the ex-PIKPA camp in Mytilini. It is a self – organized, autonomous space which has existed since 2011, is run by volunteers and is built on the basic principle of solidarity. Lesvos Solidarity also supports Mosaik Support Center for Refugees and Locals provides a space of warmth, safety and community for the most vulnerable populations on Lesvos. Built on principles of solidarity, integration and empowerment, Mosaik aims to move beyond immediate crisis response and to offer sustainable structures to support refugees in their resolve to live with dignity. Bringing together over 630 students aged 4 to 89, from 20 countries, Mosaik offers language courses in English, Greek, Arabic and Farsi, legal support for asylum applicants, vocational training in arts and crafts, upcycling workshops, music and dance classes, daycare for young children, and cultural events supported by artists, activists and organizations from across the world. Mosaik is a reaction to non-existing developements and responses to the improvement of the situation of refugees on Lesvos – also to set a counterexample and to prove that other solutions are possible than the ones always said to be without alternatives and still practised.
(from source: https://www.borderline-europe.de/projekte/das-mosaik-support-center-für-flüchtlinge-und-lokale-bevölkerung)
Efi’s schedule so far:
September 30 arrival
October 1 available
Oct. 2 speak at the Presbyterian Women’s Fall Gathering at Marion/First Presbyterian Church on Saturday morning at 10:15 a.m.—all welcome.
Oct. 3 Sunday Iowa City: preaches at St. Andrew Presbyterian, possible engagement with Iowa City/ afternoon and evening engagements at First Presbyterian
Oct. 4 Monday all day in Manchester, IA (First Presbyterian Church)
Oct. 5 Tuesday event at Davenport First Presbyterian Church
Oct. 6 Wednesday event at Mt. Pleasant First Presbyterian Church
departs on Thursday Oct. 7
There are still opportunities to have Efi at your church. Contact Lisa Ross Thedens if interested.
