How To Help Refugees On Your Greek Holiday

This volunteer-led initiative was set up earlier this year with the mission of providing child refugees with a structured curriculum to develop English language skills in school. The center is looking for long-term volunteers with a professional background in teaching English as a second language. The challenge is immense but rewarding so if you are interested, please contact them by sending a private message on their Facebook page.

This Facebook page has been set up to provide updates and information about the situation for refugees and immigrants in Athens and to help people interested in volunteering or making a donation. Information is updated once a week so do not hesitate to check back regularly.

This self-funded NGO mainly focuses on Thessaloniki and the surrounding area through the project Elpida (Hope), and is actively looking for volunteers for different positions. Missions can be a duration of one month (with accommodation provided) or longer. Make sure to check the information page. The website also features a list including updated requests.

This Facebook group was set up to provide all the information needed for anyone willing to volunteer in Lesvos. You can find tips and updated info about the current situation as well as some guidelines and things to know before setting out for the island.

This association of Christian churches set up an Alliance Relief Care Center where they offer food, internet access, child care, laundry facilities, showers, and English and Greek lessons for refugees. Volunteers are more than welcome though a minimum stay of two weeks is recommended.

This NGO is located in Lesvos. Though it was first set up to help and welcome refugees, it has now expanded its focus to local communities. If you are interested in helping, check the website and contact their office, but don’t miss a chance to visit the island as well.

CESRT is a locally organized team of international volunteers aiming to provide both immediate and long term support for refugees on Chios. Working closely with other collaborators on different levels, the CESRT is always open to volunteers to aid in providing support for unaccompanied minors, beach cleaning projects, responding to the needs of refugees through distributions of necessary items and much more. If you want to help, post a message on the Facebook page or send a private message.

This NGO is operating with qualified volunteers from all over the world to provide relief to refugees blocked in Katsikas camp and Ritsona camp in mainland Greece. Though the arrival of refugees has significantly dropped since May, they are still present to give emergency relief on Lesvos, whilst also supporting the locals in restoring their beautiful island through the ECO Relief clean-up project. Both short-term (less than three weeks) and long-term volunteer sessions are possible. Check the website for more information.