What We Do

The temporary camp Mavrovouni on Lesvos and in camp Zervou on Samos are very different. Correspondingly, our work in each place is also diverse in nature.

Lesvos: Mavrovouni
After the fire in September 2020, a new temporary camp on Lesvos was built and has developed a lot in the past years. Currently (July 2024), less than 1000 people live in different types of shelter units, but numbers are always going up (to 5000 in summer 2023) and down. We are involved, among other things, in foodlines, building, and maintenance projects. We also run a non-formal education program as well as extracurricular activities for children, welcome New Arrivals and provide clothes, hygiene and other basic items. Our work has always been very hands-on and sometimes hectic but has been shifting recently as needs in the camp change. Since 2021, we see a shift towards more community engagement and are developing this area more.

Samos: Zervou
The camp and the work on Samos are very different. In September 2021, the new CCAC “Closed Controlled Access Center” was opened, and most physical needs of the residents were met. With a population of about 2500 (July 2024), we concentrate on building a culture inside the camp and creating environments where residents can feel safe and be seen, heard, and valued. We offer a safe space for women, gymnastics and handcrafts as well as activities such as sports, education (informal), games and arts. We also run a sewing center, a free clothes shop and a library.