Offene Arme is the only remaining NGO on Chios that is continuously providing Non-Food Items (NFIs) to asylum seekers and refugees through a Free Shop. NFI items include essentials like clothing, shoes, and hygiene items. We distribute these through.
We are in need of volunteers to help with the following projects:
- A Free Shop where asylum seekers and refugees can choose their own clothes, shoes, hygiene and other items, helping them to maintain a small sense of normality;
- Baby project: When a baby is born from parents who are asylum seekers or refugees, we provide the family with a basket full of all the essentials for the first days of the baby’s life. Its contents include a baby blanket, bibs, clothes, toys, and hygiene products such as wet wipes, nappy cream, diapers, as well as supplies for the new mother, like sanitary pads, and underwear. Additionally, we provide strollers to 0 – 2 year old babies.
- Distributions of hygiene items and seasonal supplies are run outside of Vial CCAC whenever possible to provide as many items as possible;
- Our cooperation with our partner organizations to provide supplies to Unaccompanied Minors (UAMs)
- Landing Packs of essentials that can be distributed to asylum seekers and refugees in emergency situations when they arrive;As a volunteer, you will play a vital role in our organisation’s mission, working alongside a dedicated team to support our projects. You will also have the opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge on the current situation and struggles of people on the move in the Greek islands.Your role will include: working in our free shop supporting asylum seekers and refugees on Chios; working in our free shop for locals; sorting donations at the warehouse. When necessary we occasionally carry out distributions outside Vial camp.The situation on Chios is constantly changing, so our projects may be slightly different when you come to volunteer.
Regarding volunteers, we request:
- A current visa for the Schengen area
- Good working English as all our operations are in English
- Compassionate and empathetic approach.
- Flexibility to help wherever is needed.
- Ability to work in a team and contribute to a safe and comfortable working space.
Volunteers are the core of Offene Arme and the work that we do, and we need your support in order to continue responding to the needs of people on the move in Chios.
How to apply
Please complete the Volunteer Application Form, which is available here:Â https://forms.gle/zmvksamSgMCrD4EX6, or contact us by e-mail cesrt@offenearme.org
Please get in touch by e-mail if you are applying as part of a curricular internship.
Check our website offenearme.org, Facebook, and Instagram offene_arme.
We are offering a 50 euro per week allowance to the first three volunteers who commit to coming for at least four weeks in July or August. It is paid at the end of the volunteering period and is allocated on a first come basis. We would confirm the offer once you present us with your flight and accommodation confirmation.
We are unable to provide any accommodation to volunteers during their stay.
Also, note that Offene Arme is not able to help with obtaining a visa for you to come volunteer in Greece and you must have a valid visa when volunteering with us.