We support some of the world’s most vulnerable people, offering safe spaces for women and men, recreational activities for children and adults, and emergency laundry services.
What started out as a crisis in 2015 has turned into a long, unending story of suffering. Those responsible for caring for and protecting these people have largely failed to rise to the task.
Since its opening in May 2018, our Laundry Station has been 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. We are incredibly proud to say that our beloved station has now washed and dried more than 20,000 bags of clothing, blankets and sleeping bags!
Volunteer With Us
Volunteering with us is an exciting and rewarding experience. We work in a highly challenging and demanding environment, where your time and energy can have a real impact.
Who we are looking for:
We are looking for team players, who are also able to work independently. We need people who are patient, who will remain professional and respect pre-existing systems, but who can bring new, fresh ideas. Our timetable, and each volunteer’s role, varies depending on the day-to-day needs. For this reason, an open-mind and a flexible approach to work are essential. If you are a teacher, you probably won’t just be teaching!
Our volunteers work in a crisis environment.
Sometimes we have to work very long hours at short notice and we have to deal with situations that we are not used to, including emergencies. For this reason, everyone applying to our organisation needs to be mentally and physically fit. Our coordinators and supervisors will provide you with support and training throughout the process.
Before applying to volunteer with us, please watch the video below to have a better understanding of the situation for refugees living in the camp in Samos and make sure that you meet all of our requirements.
Built for 650 people, the camp is overcrowded, as some 4000 migrants are stuck on Samos. Dozens of tents pile up around the center, forming what both locals and refugees are now used to calling "the jungle".
Activities:
- Women-only activities
- Music class
- Kids' activities
- Laundry station
- Fitness
- Warehouse
- Running our community centre
Requirements:
- Strict 4 weeks minimum commitment due to the nature of our work;
- English-speaking;
- Over the age of 20;
- A working phone with Facebook messenger;
Self-funded. This includes organising and covering the costs of your own transport, living costs, and activities outside of our projects. For more information, see our Travel & Accommodation page;
We cannot accept applications more than three months in advance of your starting date; and
We accept researchers or interns only on an ad hoc basis. Please be very clear in your application what it is you intend to do, and be aware that Samos Volunteers can only provide minimal supervision and paperwork due to our capacity.
