We are an international and local team with various personal and professional backgrounds, speaking many languages and with a background in refugee-related work. Our co-founders are both Greek citizens. Over half of our volunteers are themselves refugees.
With approximately fifteen volunteers each week, we work in conjunction with other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), informal settlements, and local Greek government organizations to deliver a variety of services.
Mission
Za’atar’s mission is to empower refugees and migrants to build self-sufficient lifestyles by providing constructive spaces for education, employment training, and cultural integration. Our primary space for offering these services is The Orange House, located in Exarcheia, Athens.
Volunteer
Zaatar is run and managed by volunteers – we cannot do this without you. Volunteers come from many countries with different backgrounds, bringing unique strengths and passion that makes a real difference. The volunteer experience can definitely be challenging, but it is also rewarding. You will be changing the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in the world!
We are looking for committed, flexible, and proactive people who have two weeks or more to commit to Zaatar’s work in Athens.
- Volunteers must contribute a minimum of 2 weeks.
- Volunteers are expected to work 4-5 six hour shifts per week.
- Tasks include: teaching languages, cooking, cleaning, and interacting with our refugee community.
- For teaching, no experience necessary.
We prioritize volunteers who take initiative. As our team is run completely by volunteers, we sometimes lack the resources to provide constant oversight to short-term volunteers. Therefore, we seek individuals who are able to identify shortcomings in our programs and take the initiative to fix them.
Roles
Volunteers with Zaatar are primarily involved in helping us to run the Orange House.
Most of our volunteers are generalists—covering shifts (days, evenings, or nights) and doing whatever is needed. In addition volunteers with relevant skills and backgrounds assist with teaching classes and offering a variety of activities. Our volunteers are proactive, suggesting activities and offerings to enhance what we are currently doing.
As we don’t have funds to cover volunteer expenses, volunteers are responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation and personal expenses. We have an affordably priced apartment for volunteers located 5 minutes from the Orange House, with preference given to long-term volunteers.
Volunteer English Teaching
As the international development sector continues to grow, most jobs at international not-for-profits, charities, and NGOs will require their employees to have experience working abroad. This volunteer education position represents an excellent opportunity to gain on-the-ground experience for anyone wishing to pursue a career in education or development.
The Volunteer English Teacher will spend a minimum of 6 weeks in Athens, working both to produce education materials and to conduct English as a Foreign Language lessons. As well as gaining excellent education experience, the volunteer will get a valuable insight to the work of an NGO.
This volunteer role is an excellent opportunity for a new or recent graduate to gain experience of implementing education for development initiatives at both the project and classroom level while living and working in a beautiful part of the world and working alongside interesting and worthwhile projects.
Volunteering with Zaatar will be a meaningful experience.
