- Is there a minimum stay required?
Yes, the minimum is three weeks.
This will allow you to acclimatize and integrate into the community, to have an overall idea of life in the camp and not to draw rash conclusions. Through experience we have come to the conclusion that a shorter stay is confusing, firstly for the volunteer, secondly for the community, and therefore for the coordination of the mission itself.
- Is there a minimum/maximum age requirement?
Yes. You must be at least 18 years old.
- Do I need to be able to speak English?
A good knowledge of English is necessary in order to work with the people living in the camp and to integrate well with the volunteer team, which is international.
- Do I have to self-finance my stay?
Yes. Such a mission has significant costs and the volunteer’s board and lodging cannot be covered by the organization. However, sleeping in QRT flats is cheap and Thessaloniki is not an expensive city.
- How does it work with accommodation?
As far as accommodation is concerned, QRT’s flats are mostly located in the upper part of Thessaloniki and are all equipped with a kitchen, a bathroom and shared rooms.
The cost: € 10/night
However, from the second month of stay there is a discount.
- How does the process of becoming a volunteer work?
Click on the “Become a volunteer” icon and answer the questions as precisely as possible. It is important to note that this is a humanitarian mission and, as such, is not to be approached in the spirit of a holiday. Acceptance of your application will depend mainly on the answers you provide.
If your application is accepted, you will receive the necessary rules and information you need to know before your departure. A few days before your arrival in Greece you will be contacted by the coordinator.
Please remember that communication should only and exclusively take place via the organization’s official email (quickresponseteamgreece@gmail.com), even if you know a team member.
- Should I do a fundraiser before leaving?
That would be the best! So… yes!
Fundraising is crucial. Indeed, without the money raised by volunteers it would be difficult to do what we are doing in Greece. Fundraising can also consist of talking to relatives and friends about the future departure, so as to stimulate their interest and possible support in financial terms.
- Are there any days off during the week?
Yes. In addition, the volunteer is free to take half or full days off when and if they feel the need.
- Is it dangerous to enter and work in the camps?
It is natural to answer no, but there is no 100% certainty. Working in such delicate contexts brings one to deal with delicate situations that are difficult to accept and understand. There are thousands of people who live in limbo on a daily basis, and so behind those smiles are hidden frailties and concerns, which must be respected. In addition, there are several ethnic groups in the camps who are forced to live in the same place. The suffering and difficult living conditions have on several occasions led to physical confrontations between refugees, without any volunteers ever being involved.