Who we are
Ariadni Lesvos is a charity based on Lesbos, Greece.
We create a place where people can come together, learn, exchange ideas and develop new perspectives for their lives.
Our work focuses particularly on women and children. We combine education, practical support, social interaction and opportunities to discover and develop new skills.
Our approach
We believe that support should not only respond to immediate needs. It should also create opportunities to learn, participate and become more independent.
Our programmes are practical and adapted to the people who come to Ariadni. We listen, learn from experience and develop our work according to what is needed.
Ariadni Lesvos and Hoffnung leben
Ariadni Lesvos and the German organisation Hoffnung leben e.V. work closely together, while remaining independent organisations.
Hoffnung leben supports several programmes on Lesbos and works with Ariadni in areas such as environmental education, language learning and women’s empowerment.
Ariadni provides spaces, local support and practical cooperation where appropriate.
Some programmes are run by Ariadni, while others are developed and supported by Hoffnung leben. We make this distinction clear because both organisations have their own responsibilities.
Learn more about our work with Hoffnung leben →
The story behind Ariadni Lesvos
The work that led to Ariadni Lesvos began before the organisation itself was founded.
A German documentary by public broadcaster WDR followed the development of this work on Lesbos, from the first activities and personal commitment to the beginnings of a more structured approach.
Ariadni Lesvos was founded shortly afterwards to continue and develop this work locally.
Watch the WDR documentary →
A place to feel welcome
Ariadni is more than a series of individual projects.
We want to create a place where people feel welcome, make connections, learn from one another and develop their own ideas.
Many of our activities are developed together with the people who come to us. What is needed changes – and so does our work.
Our team
Ariadni works with a small and stable team.
We deliberately bring together people from different generations and with different experiences. Our team members have worked together for a long time. This allows us to learn from one another, develop our work together and provide continuity for the people who come to Ariadni.
We believe that different generations bring different perspectives and experiences. This is particularly important in our work with women and families, where relationships between generations play an important role.
Our team’s stability creates stability for the people we work with.
Based on Lesbos
Ariadni Lesvos is based on the island of Lesbos in Greece.
Our work is rooted in the local community and develops through our relationships with the people who come to Ariadni, our team, volunteers, local partners and organisations we work with.
Ariadni Lesvos
Lesvos, Greece