Samos Volunteers
Samos Volunteers provides psycho-social support, informal education, NFI distribution to asylum seekers and refugees on the island. We are determined to remain on Samos until displaced people no longer need our support.
Where is it?
Vathy, Samos (Greece)
What will I be doing?
Samos Volunteers runs two community centres (Alpha Centre and Alpha Land) open to adults, two Warehouses, as well as a free shop. Both Alpha Centre and Alpha Land are communal spaces where refugees can enjoy a warm cup of tea whilst playing board games with their friends, take language classes, or join a recreational activity. Volunteers support by helping the running of our community centres and our laundry station. Daily tasks include, but aren’t limited to, teaching language classes, engaging with the community through recreational activities (e.g. art, music, sewing, fitness and yoga), reception shifts, working in the WH and in the free shop, support with logistics, facilitate a Women Safe Space, run a LGBTQI+ support group.
In our team we also recruit Officers that are supporting with: Communications and Fundraising (1), Community Centre Management(2) and Logistics(1). Officers receive a small stipend of 200€ and free accommodation.
What impact would I have?
Supporting people living in the Zervou (Samos) CCAC by providing informal education, psychosocial and hygiene services, distributing clothes and shoes, combating boredom and instilling a sense of normality in the life of people living in the camp. The asylum process often forces individuals and families to settle in Samos for months or even years, with limited access to sanitation services, education, or a safe space to become creative. At Alpha centre and at Alpha Land, people of all levels study with us, starting from those just learning their ABCs to advanced students. We also offer women-only classes and activities. Practical skills are also catered to our computer classes. Finally, at the warehouse, our field workers sort items before they are distributed outside the camp and in our free shop, they facilitate residents of Zervou Camp to find what they need in a dignified manner.
Who will I be working with?
You would be working alongside a group of volunteers from the camp community as well as with external volunteers coming from all over the globe to work in Samos.
Minimum age
20
Accommodation
Samos Volunteers rents two shared volunteer houses based in town. The rent is 7€/night all inclusive for the first three months, volunteers live rent-free from the fourth month onwards. Places in volunteer accommodation are subject to availability. Rooms are shared with up to 3 people. Alternative accommodation in town can be recommended.
Extra Costs
You are expected to cover all of your own living expenses (food, transport and housing).
Skills required
- English Teacher
- German Teacher
- French Teacher
- Greek Teacher
- Computer Teacher
- Organisational Skills
- Logistic Experience
- Warehouse Support
- Fundraising Experience
- Social Media and Communication Experience
- Admin and information Support
- Experience/Background in health, public health, or Wellbeing
- Job searching Support (CV making and Job applications)
- Tech savvy
- Activity Lead
- Arts, Sports, and Music & Textiles
- Car Driver
- Community Services
- Construction Maintenance and Renovation
- Solid Understanding of the community-based approach within the humanitarian sector.
Interested in volunteering?