CHILDHOOD INTERRUPTED: UNACCOMPANIED MINOR SHELTER

Perhaps the most challenging part of our journey was visiting the IOM shelter for unaccompanied minor boys—children sent alone in search of safety and opportunity. Housed in a repurposed hotel, these young people find themselves in limbo, with little to structure their days or nurture their development.

Our music and science programs represent rare bright spots in their routine. We watched as teenage boys who initially appeared withdrawn became animated while conducting simple experiments or learning string instument chords. The transformation was remarkable—proof that engagement and education can pierce through trauma and uncertainty.

However, the need far outpaces our current programming. We urgently need to scale these initiatives to provide more comprehensive informal education opportunities. These children deserve not just safety, but a chance to learn, grow, and prepare for whatever future awaits them.

*Due to child protection laws, we are unable to feature the children in this program.