Our work in Greece started in 2016 when we responded to a need created by thousands of refugees traveling from their homes, across mountains and sea, to the islands and mainland of Greece.
We recognized the opportunity to help fill the physical needs and give hope in a time of need.
The work on Lesvos has changed dramatically from the days of volunteers running themselves ragged trying to house 500 people per day.
With fewer people in camp, we still work hard, but also have time to listen to a widow’s story over tea, help a child with homework in their housing unit, and get to know the mothers and fathers of camp. We expanded to more social care, education, and community engagement programs.
Our women’s ministry is operated nearly half a mile from Mavrovouni camp. It’s a home where women can come to rest, paint, cook, pick fruits and vegetables from the garden, or have a cup of ice water as they walk past.
Whether it’s one person or ten, it is a delight to have a space where volunteers and camp residents can be together as friends.
Located on the Greek island of Lesvos, Camp Mavrovouni is managed by the Hellenic Ministry of Migration and Asylum. This camp was built in 2020 after the previous camp Moria burned to the ground. We've joined hands with EuroRelief – a European relief organization – to work in various areas of camp.
The Oasis, our community center, is located half a mile from Camp Mavrovouni. It serves as a place where camp residents can come to relax, play games, have tea or ice-cold lemonade, and fellowship. We strive to make it a place of safety where people can ask questions and experience hope and love.The Oasis also serves as a gathering place for the international Christian community each Sunday.
Education Programs
Our volunteers work alongside partner organizations in the education area – teaching English to the young residents of camp. The teachers also tutor the students throughout the week, getting to know their families as they interact in their homes.
Social Care
Although living conditions in the camp on Lesvos have improved dramatically in the last years, camp residents still suffer under the weight of past trauma and ongoing uncertainty about their future. Many of them are sick, wrestle with mental illness, and experience depression. Unfortunately, refugees are a target for human traffickers, and domestic violence is common. And when new people arrive in the camp, they are often unaware of how to access services for any of these concerns.
The social care team tries to address some of these gaps by meeting with new arrivals, triaging needs, and making referrals to other NGOs, the UNHCR, and medical actors in camp.
Shift Leading
Shift leading is done by a team member who has experience working in camp. Following are a few of their responsibilities:
- Lead out in briefing volunteers at the beginning of every day.
- Make sure the team leaders have the needed number of volunteers to complete jobs.
- Respond to any medical or other emergencies.
- Support volunteers and refer them to member care if they’ve encountered particularly stressful or traumatic situations.
- Support social care in certain medical or domestic violence cases.
Warehouse
EuroRelief’s warehouse is where all non-food item donations are stored and sorted. Whenever a new shipment of donated items comes in from one of their partner organizations, volunteers are kept busy sorting, counting, and adding all the items to inventory.
In addition, volunteers put together clothing sets, bedding, and hygiene kits for new arrivals in the camp. They prepare orders for clothing and hygiene distribution.
At the warehouse, there’s always the opportunity for great conversations, an amazing view, an endless supply of coffee and tea, and great music.
Data Office
The data office keeps track of where people are located in camp, who has received items during distributions, and who has received paperwork volunteers distribute for other organizations. They also print and deliver paperwork sent for the residents from the doctor's office or the government.
Driver
Yes, there’s a volunteer specifically designated to driving because it’s a full-time job. What does that look like? Here’s a brief description:
- Taking volunteers to-and-from camp.
- Bringing items from the warehouse to camp for clothing and hygiene distribution, the Social Care team, or the New Arrivals area.
- Picking up supplies for projects and education classes in camp.
- Picking up or dropping off a vehicle at the mechanic.
If jobs are completed before the end of shift, the driver gets to interact with camp residents or help with other jobs in camp.
Towards the end of 2021,
after much prayer and thought,
i58 began an internship program
based in Greece and including travel
to other countries.
Why did we start an internship program?
We see many short-term volunteers returning for a 2nd and even 3rd time because of a deep connection with the work on Lesvos. The i58 Internship Program is being initiated out of the desire to offer something more to young people who are committed to growing personally, have a long-term interest in missions, and are looking for ways to build their ‘tool-belt’ for ministry.
If interested please contact us for more information.
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