Volunteers wanted for our textile maker space in Athens At Glocal Roots

Glocal Roots is a small non-profit organisation. It was founded in Switzerland at the end of 2017 and is tax-exempt. Glocal Roots develops projects with the aim of strengthening the resilience and independence of refugees. Currently, the organisation runs several projects in Switzerland and Greece.

Since May 2022 we have been running women and kids’ spaces in the Victoria Community Center in Athens. In the designated textile maker space, we offer refugee women the opportunity to attend sewing courses, sew independently. or become part of our sewing project (for very good seamstresses). Our sewing studio aims to give women the opportunity to design and make various products themselves, learn a craft and find a way to generate a small income, thus promoting their independence and integration.

Our sewing room provides five workstations and is well equipped with two industrial sewing machines, an overlock machine and 6 household sewing machines.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide appropriate support and guidance to the women using the sewing space
• Prepare and maintain the sewing space (overlock machines etc.)
• Plan and deliver sewing workshops
• Manage the tailor project
• Remain flexible based on the project needs
• Build a supportive environment strengthening the confidence, resilience and self-esteem of the women using the space
• Attend weekly team meetings (depending on the number of shifts)
• Clean the spaces after your shift along with the rest of the volunteer team

Your desired set of skills:

• Experience in handling sewing and overlock machines (including industrial machines),being able to do simple repairs and adjustments of the machines
• Experience in altering, mending, modifying and constructing garments and other articles
• An awareness and interest in migration issues
• Motivation and passion for working alongside a dynamic and hard-working team

Volunteers are responsible for covering transport costs to and from Athens. Shared accommodation with single rooms is available in our volunteer flat for a contribution of €5 per night (for full-time volunteers).