In Greece’s remote islands, initiatives that strengthen safety, education, and local infrastructure carry particular importance. Τhis CNN Greece article focuses on a series of initiatives in Anafi, supported by Qualco Group and Qualco Foundation in collaboration with HOPEgenesis and Omada Aigaiou. From enhancing local fire protection to supporting the island’s school community, the story highlights how practical actions can create meaningful impact. Read the full story below.

In Anafi, mornings begin differently. The wind carries the silence of the Aegean, the island’s few roads slowly come to life, and eyes constantly turn toward the sea, where isolation is not a figure of speech, but part of everyday reality.

On this small, remote island of the Cyclades, every new piece of infrastructure and every act of support carries a significance far greater than its size.

On Friday, 8 May 2026, that feeling was evident across the island. CNN Greece visited Anafi and followed the donation of a firefighting pump for the Civil Protection services of the Municipality of Anafi, an initiative by Qualco Group and Qualco Foundation, in collaboration with HOPEgenesis, carried out as part of the 32nd Omada Aigaiou Aegean Crossing (Diaplous).

“At Qualco Foundation, we believe that meaningful contribution begins with understanding the real needs of each local community,” said Anna Maria Kosmoglou, Strategic Programs Executive at Qualco Foundation, speaking to CNN Greece.

“In collaboration with Omada Aigaiou, who identify the needs of small islands and coordinate the initiative, as well as HOPEgenesis, we stand by local residents with immediate and practical solutions,” she noted.

The delivery of the equipment took place without formalities or grand staging. Instead, what stood out was the sense of immediate need. On an island with limited resources and difficult access to critical infrastructure, strengthening fire protection becomes especially important at a time when concerns over fires across the Aegean continue to grow year after year.

“Our mission is to respond where the need is greatest and provide practical, immediate solutions—not in theory, but through meaningful and consistent action. The donation of the firefighting system is part of this commitment to the safety and support of the islands”, said Anna Maria Kosmoglou.

“We would like to thank Qualco, together with HOPEgenesis, for donating the firefighting unit to our island. What may seem simple elsewhere is extremely important to us,” said Iakovos Roussos, Mayor of Anafi, who also expressed his thanks to Stefanos Chandakas, President of HOPEgenesis, and Deniz Tsimi, President of Omada Aigaiou.

The new firefighting pump is expected to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Municipality’s Civil Protection services, providing an additional tool for immediate response in the event of fire or emergency. For the people of Anafi, however, the significance of the donation went beyond the equipment itself. More than anything, it conveyed the message that a small island, often left outside the public conversation, has not been forgotten.

“The people who came here brought new energy to an Aegean island that went through a difficult winter, and everything they contribute is truly meaningful,” the mayor added.

Small islands with major priorities

The initiative took place as part of this year’s Aegean Crossing by Omada Aigaiou, a long-standing initiative that for years has brought together volunteers, organisations, and institutions to support Greece’s remote islands through meaningful actions.

In Anafi, the presence of Qualco Group, Qualco Foundation, and HOPEgenesis extended beyond the donation to Civil Protection services. As part of the mission, actions supporting the island’s infrastructure and education were also carried out, aiming to strengthen the local community and especially the young people who choose to remain and build their future on the remote island.

“We firmly believe that small islands do not have small needs; they have major priorities,” noted Anna Maria Kosmoglou.

“It is extremely important for these schools to receive support, because remote Greece also has the right to public education,” said Dimitris Zachariadis, Head of Anafi Primary School, speaking to CNN Greece.

Referring to the contribution of Qualco Group, Qualco Foundation, and HOPEgenesis, he added:

“It has a meaningful impact and contribution, supporting not only healthcare-related needs, but also the broader spirit of offering and support. Through thoughtful gifts and these actions overall, they have shown that they stand beside us despite the difficult conditions.”

The moments inside the island’s school carried a different kind of symbolism. Students, teachers, and residents spoke with members of the mission in an atmosphere that felt more like a community gathering than a formal corporate initiative. In small communities such as Anafi, personal connection remains perhaps the most important aspect of any intervention.

The resilience of islands is built through action

The resilience of Greece’s remote islands is becoming an increasingly important topic of discussion, whether in relation to civil protection, demographic support, or access to basic infrastructure and services.

HOPEgenesis, which in recent years has been particularly active in addressing demographic challenges and supporting remote regions of Greece, already maintains a presence on several Aegean islands. At the same time, Qualco Group and Qualco Foundation continue to develop initiatives with social impact, focusing on education, social cohesion, and support for vulnerable or isolated communities.

In Anafi, all of this took on a more tangible form. It was not simply a donation of equipment or a symbolic visit. It was a day during which a small island welcomed people who did not arrive just to make an appearance, but to leave behind something genuinely useful.