Hi all!

I am usually very shy in asking for support but I think in this case it is very important to raise as much awareness and resources as possible. I will be volunteering from 17th to 28th July in the Souda refugee camp in Chios. This camp hosts 1200 people coming from Syria, Afghanistan and other countries that have been bombed. The capacity of this camp should be of 600 people. As you probably know, women, children, young and elderly people face very dangerous travels by sea, hoping to survive wars, droughts, and negation of human rights in their countries when coming to Europe but they end up encountering hostility, hatred and uncertainty when they arrive. The situation is desperate as you might have realised through various channels.

I will be volunteering with a Norwegian organisation called Drop In The Ocean, made of all volunteers whose work is only supported by donations. With other volunteers we will carry out activities for both adults and children and help with preparing and distributing food and clothes 12 hours a day, over the whole period. I believe it is important to be there to show these people they are not abandoned but that we still consider them meaningful human beings, giving them hope. Many refugees have been stuck in the camp for over a year, in unbearable conditions, and we are not sure of what will happen next. Anxiety and desperation are always present and suicide occurs more and more often. I will be there only for 10 days but I will continue to raise awareness wherever I am.

Donations will be spent to buy material for activities and clothes and other needed items for refugees on the island. I know everyone struggles with finances or has other causes to focus on. This is just to remind you about these human beings. If you can donate donate; if can’t donate, push your politicians in EU and UK and whenever you are to be more sensitive and sensible towards this matter and foreign manoeuvres.
Thanks in advance
Ciao
Leyla