Youth and Shelter Services (YSR) was founded by Estelle Jean with its roots in swimming, as a response to the thousands of people crossing the sea to reach Lesbos in 2016. The organization officially started in 2018 and now operates in four locations, with the goal of teaching swimming and providing a chance for both rescuers and migrants to reconnect with the sea after traumatic experiences. YSR offers daily swimming classes from May to October, open to men and women, with a focus on careful monitoring and instruction from dedicated instructors.
Volunteer instructors like Mitali Desai and Sara Balamurugan work with students to improve their swimming skills, offering guidance and support throughout the learning process. Students practice movements and strokes in the water, with more advanced swimmers venturing further out into the sea. Coaches like Luiza Lena Benz provide feedback and corrections to help students refine their techniques and become more confident in the water.
One student, Salah, shares his love for swimming and highlights his experience of crossing the sea from Turkiye (Turkey) to Lesbos, a journey that took six hours but was aided by a float. Despite the hardships, Salah’s determination and passion for swimming have brought him to YSR, where he continues to improve his skills with the support of instructors and peers. Through swimming, YSR offers a lifeline for migrants and locals alike, fostering a sense of connection and empowerment through the water.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com
