The Learning Refuge
Who we are What we do Get help Volunteer I need help
The Learning Refuge mosaic Sacred Heart logo
The Learning Refuge

Learning, belonging, and a place to feel safe.

I need help →

Who we are

A safe place in Paphos where refugee, asylum and local women and children learn, belong, and are not alone.

We are one of Paphos' longest-running volunteer groups: a registered Cyprus association, around 30 volunteers. Just food, classes, workshops and someone on your side, since 2016.

2016running every week since
250+children supported
25-30families helped weekly
100%volunteer-run · zero salaries
Music class
Mosaic workshop
Art workshop
Art and homework club
Sewing circle
Our volunteers

What we do

Practical help, learning, and a community to belong to

Practical support

  • Food bags, medicines and travel cards
  • Clothes and shoes, especially for children
  • Household and baby essentials
  • School uniforms, bags and stationery
  • Emergency supplies for families in need

Learning and workshops

  • Greek and English language classes
  • Homework support for school children
  • Art, music, theatre and mosaic workshops
  • Sewing circle for women

Community and guidance

  • Listening and evaluating needs
  • Guidance with family issues
  • Access to Cyprus Refugee Council and UNHCR expertise
  • Free and confidential

We stand beside the most vulnerable in our community

  • Single mothers and their children
  • Women enduring violence and oppression
  • People facing eviction and homelessness
  • Those facing religious or ethnic persecution
  • Adults and children living with trauma
  • Adults and children with special needs

* As volunteers we are exempt from any responsibility for any legal, medical or official matters affecting beneficiaries.

Where your support goes

Direct help: food, clothes, classes, supplies86%
Rent and utilities for the centre14%
Salaries: we are all volunteers0%

Registered and recognised

Registered Cyprus association · Reg. no. ΠΑΦ/Σ/0172 Caritas Paphos ↗ Pan-Cyprian Volunteerism Council ↗ View our certificate ↗
Your organization has been a source of hope, encouragement, and opportunity during times when we truly needed guidance and support. The assistance, care, and educational support we received from Learning Refuge have not only helped us overcome challenges but have also inspired us to look toward the future with confidence and optimism.
Melvis and CliffordFamily from Cameroon

Get help

Need help? Just come.

If you or your children need food, clothes, classes or simply advice, come and see us, or write first. We will find a way to understand each other.

Always free Confidential
Message us on WhatsApp +357 99 595385
Visiting

Times vary with volunteer availability, so please message us before you come.

We speak

English, Greek, Arabic, and we always find a way.

Our entrance: look for the heart

Volunteer

Two hours a week is enough

Teachers, artists, musicians and helping hands are always welcome, whatever your background or beliefs. Pick a role, send one message, done.

Tutor

Help children with learning, creative and communication skills.

Wednesday afternoons are children's time. I'm in! Message us

Workshop leader

Run art, music, theatre, mosaic or sewing sessions. Share whatever you love doing.

Flexible: you set the rhythm I'm in! Message us

Organised minds

Sort donations, pack food bags, set up the room. The engine room of everything we do.

Flexible, by arrangement I'm in! Message us

Driver

Pick up donations around Paphos and bring supplies to families who can't reach us.

A few hours, flexible I'm in! Message us

Quick answers

Do I need experience or a teaching degree?

No. Warmth and showing up reliably matter far more. Experienced volunteers will guide you through your first sessions.

Do I need to speak Greek?

No, English is enough for almost every role, and Arabic or Farsi are a wonderful bonus.

How much time do I have to commit?

Two hours a week for a month or two is genuinely useful. Tell us what you can give and we'll build around it.

Can I join if I'm not religious, or from another country?

Of course. We welcome volunteers of every background and belief, exactly like the families we support.

Bring things

Now we're collecting

Suitcases and travel cases
Shoes for children and adults
Diapers and baby formula

30 Alexandrou Papagou is an easily accessible drop-off point, but please message us before you bring donations, to check it's really what we need. Everything goes straight to families, never to resale.