Greece
Since 2015, more than one million people, fleeing war, persecution, natural disasters, and poverty, have risked their lives through the perilous sea and land crossings to seek refuge in Greece. Recent international political policies have limited immigration out of Greece resulting in more than 60,000 people currently trapped, scattered across detention centers and makeshift camps and the number is increasing daily. Our Squads volunteer at community partners to provide health and educational assistance to the local refugee population. In conjunction with the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM), we are a registered Greek organization working at the request of the Greek government to provide these services to refugees seeking integration around Athens.
Accommodations and Food
Located at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia, Greece boasts the longest coastline of the Mediterranean Basin and 227 inhabited islands. The birthplace of democracy, Western philosophy, the Olympic Games, Western literature, historiography, political science, and major scientific and mathematical principles, the country retains world-renowned landmarks and historical sites to explore. Our home-base is located just outside Athens, within a short drive from the community partners we will support and the many enriching cultural activities that Greece exposes students to.
Our Staff
Anastasios Graikos has been working in international development for nearly a decade leading WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) programming for renown humanitarian organizations in Greece, Turkey, Ethiopia, Uganda, Bangladesh and the Philippines. For the last two and a half years, he has focused his work on the refugee crisis in Greece. Anastasios has developed our model for medical assistance programming in the camps through the work of our parent organization, Global Brigades, and has established partnerships with the many medical actors, Greek authorities, and other NGOs to implement both education and health programming that support children.
Cultural Activities
Throughout the week, our local staff will help facilitate cultural activities alongside the refugee youth during the summer camp. Activities such as Arabic and Greek lessons, artisan craft workshops, and cooking lessons help build bonds between all the participants. Volunteers will also have a chance to boat through the Euripus Strait, see the rugged islands of central Greece, and tour the famous city of Athens to view its great history with sites such as the Parthenon.
Weekend Enrichment Opportunities
(Optional add-on Packages)
On the weekends your Squad may choose to explore other areas of the country through our guided overnight packages. Greece is famous for its striking islands, filled with blue and white architecture, against the backdrop of the Mediterranean. Spend a weekend lounging on the Greek islands, or hopping between a few to experience delicious food, a warm and welcoming culture, and the peaceful island life.
