Volunteer at the SKILLS FACTORY on Samos (Greece)

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SKILLS FACTORY on Samos | Volunteer Opportunity

The SKILLS FACTORY on Samos brings together craftspeople, professionals, community members and volunteers from around the world to share knowledge, develop skills and create practical solutions to humanitarian needs. Rather than viewing people simply as recipients of aid, the project creates opportunities for people to use their existing abilities, learn new skills and take an active role in their community.

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The SKILLS FACTORY produces humanitarian aid locally, by hand and with a focus on sustainability and self-reliance. It is a project of selfm.aid, a Swiss-Greek NGO working in the areas of humanitarian support, empowerment and self-reliance. Together with members of the refugee community, local residents and international volunteers, the project runs workshops and services that offer training, practical support and opportunities to gain experience.

The overall aim is to create an environment where people can develop their potential. The project is currently organised into six main departments: Tailoring & Sewing, Kitchen, Media, Barber/Hairdresser, Craft Workshop (Maintenance) and WASH. Across these areas, the focus is on training, production and connection. Volunteers help others gain skills and confidence, while the products and services created by the project provide practical benefits to the wider community.

This is not a traditional volunteer placement. The SKILLS FACTORY looks for people who are prepared to take responsibility, contribute ideas and become actively involved in developing a grassroots humanitarian project. International volunteers work alongside around 35 community volunteers and a small team of international facilitators, helping to create a supportive environment where people can learn, contribute and become more independent.

Tasks & Roles

Volunteers will normally take responsibility for supporting one of the six departments, although cooperation between departments is an important part of everyday life at the SKILLS FACTORY. Depending on their experience and the needs of the project, volunteers may help manage materials, equipment and stock, support production and services, organise projects and improvements, and keep records and handovers up to date.

The role also involves working with new applicants and volunteers. This can include helping with introductions and onboarding, encouraging participation, supporting skill development and creating an inclusive environment. Volunteers help community members build confidence and independence while identifying needs and passing relevant information to the project coordinators.

As part of the wider team, volunteers take part in daily morning meetings and regular department and welfare meetings. They may also assist with shopping, cleaning, logistics and events. Other tasks can include taking photographs, creating content for reports and social media, supporting the coordinators and contributing ideas for new projects and improvements.

The ideal volunteer is proactive, responsible and reliable, with the confidence to take initiative. They should be flexible and able to adapt to a changing environment, while also being organised and focused on finding practical solutions. An open mind, cultural awareness and an interest in empowerment rather than charity are important. Volunteers should also be comfortable supporting both practical work and team development, and able to deal with challenging situations while maintaining healthy personal boundaries. The minimum age is 23.

The role is not simply about providing assistance. International volunteers act as facilitators, mentors, organisers and team members, sharing their own knowledge while learning from the people around them.

Living & Getting There

Volunteers stay in shared accommodation within walking distance of the SKILLS FACTORY, usually sharing with one other volunteer. The accommodation has Wi-Fi, bedding, towels and kitchen facilities.

Lunch is provided on workdays, along with tea and coffee. Volunteers can also use project bicycles and have shared access to a project vehicle when required. Airport or ferry collection is provided when they arrive.

The closest airport is Samos Aristarchos Airport (SMI). Samos has regular flights to and from Athens and is also connected to the Greek mainland and other islands by ferry.

Samos is a scenic Greek island with mountains, forests, beaches, walking trails and traditional villages. Volunteers are encouraged to make the most of their weekends by exploring the island, taking time to relax and enjoying the local surroundings.

What else

On arrival, volunteers receive a full orientation and introduction to the project. Bi-weekly welfare and self-care meetings are also provided throughout the placement. References may be available following successful completion of the placement.

The experience offers an opportunity to learn about the realities faced by asylum seekers at Europe’s borders while working alongside people from many different backgrounds. Volunteers can exchange knowledge with craftspeople and professionals from around the world, discover different ways of approaching problems and gain a better understanding of what people can achieve when they work together.

The project encourages volunteers to bring their own ideas and experience while remaining open to learning from others. Collaboration, creativity and mutual respect are central to the SKILLS FACTORY, making the placement an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful community project while developing skills and gaining a broader perspective.

Volunteer at the SKILLS FACTORY on Samos (Greece)

Tasks & Roles

Living & Getting There

What else

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