How did I come up with the idea of traveling to the island of Lesbos during the semester break and actively helping refugees there for a month at the Parea Community Center? Before booking the flight and accepting the offer, I couldn’t give a straight answer to this question. It was more of a spontaneous decision. A gut decision that felt exciting, but also right. But more on that later.
The Parea Community Center is a place where many different personalities, cultures and stories come together. A place where people can be given back a bit of security, joy and dignity. All the people who are often denied precisely these important values and who spend their time in the Mavrovouni refugee camp full of hopelessness and fear for the future.
My tasks on site in Parea included working in the laundry service, handing out hygiene articles in the free store and organizing and logistics for the clothing and goods that were donated.
Even though the work took up a large part of my time on site, this was not the most important thing. The exchange and cooperation with other helpers, community volunteers and the refugees was far more important. It quickly became clear that everyone was driven by one vision, namely absolute humanity. Regardless of culture, origin or appearance. I have never experienced such a feeling before. I am convinced that this feeling reached most people on the ground and was even able to bring a smile to the faces of people who had experienced strokes of fate. Because all of this is reflected in the colorful, cosmopolitan and lovingly furnished Parea Community Center.
On the way back, I asked myself the question about the idea of the mission again and was able to reflect on what I had experienced. Friendships have been forged to this day and the feeling of having the privilege of being born in a democratic and prosperous country has become even stronger.
For all those who are also interested in working abroad and whose current life situation allows it, I would like to pass on the message that work is always needed and that you can achieve a very big impact with small things!
You are interested in volunteering on Lesbos? You can find more information here.
