ATHENS, GREECE
REFUGEE SUPPORT PROGRAM
Athens is the capital of Greece, a city widely renowned for its history and at the same time a modern European metropolis. Since 2015, the face of Greece has been transformed by the millions of refugees fleeing war, prosecution, natural disasters, and poverty. Today thousands of them live in Athens, aspiring to build a safe and better life here, Our Squads volunteer at a polyclinic and shelters for refugee minors to provide health and educational assistance to the local refugee population, with a special focus to women and children. We are a registered Greek organization partnering with the Greek government and all important actors in the field.
SUPPORTING HEALTH AND EDUCATION FOR REFUGEE CHILDREN
Squads Abroad implement both Global Health and Global Education programming in Greece in conjunction with our parent organization, Global Brigades. The projects vary from building educational infrastructure to supporting health clinics for children in conjunction with the Greece government health system.
THE HOME-BASE
Our home-base is located in Glyfada, a beautiful and cosmopolitan suburb along the Athens coast. All rooms are comfortable, each with a private bathroom, air-conditioning, and free wi-fi connection. All staff are very friendly and willing to help with whatever our volunteers might need. The cook prepares traditional Greek and Mediterranean cuisine meals, with locally sourced, fresh ingredients. Plus, the home-base is located just 100 meters away from a long, sandy beach ideal for swimming. What better way to relax from a busy day and reflect on your volunteering work?
IN-COUNTRY STAFF
Tina Voulgari has more than 15 years long international work experience in education, and international development. For the last 4 years, she has focused her work on the refugee crisis in Greece. Tina has developed our model for both medical and economic assistance programming in Athens 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. She leads a team of 7 permanent local staff along with tens of coordinators, healthcare professionals, cultural mediators, and logistics staff. The staff will make you feel at home during your stay in Athens, supporting you in every way possible and helping you gain insight into Greek culture and the recent refugee crisis.
Cultural Immersion Activities
Volunteers will tour the famous city of Athens to view its great history with sites such as the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum. We will also visit different Athenian neighborhoods, we will walk along the oldest street in Europe(!), stroll cobblestone streets with neoclassical houses, souvenir shops, and tavernas (Greek traditional restaurants), and meet refugee/migrant business owners in the most colorful, and multicultural area of Athens: Kipseli. In the evenings, volunteers will follow Greek lessons and special guest talks on the Refugee Context, the case of Refugee Unaccompanied Children in Europe, the Healthcare and Education System of Greece.
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.
