This summer, the Greek America Foundation celebrates ten years of service, volunteerism, friendship and impact throughout Greece with our Greek America Corps summer volunteer program.
To mark this milestone, we’re inviting current volunteers, alumni, supporters, families, local partners and friends from around the world to join us on the island of Chios for two days of hands-on service, community and celebration.
At the heart of the weekend will be our work with METAdrasi, one of Greece’s leading nonprofit organizations supporting refugees, migrants and other vulnerable populations. Founded in 2009, METAdrasi was created to fill critical gaps in the reception and integration of refugees and migrants in Greece.
Its work includes interpretation and intercultural mediation, the protection of unaccompanied children, education and integration programs for children and adults, and support for asylum seekers and other vulnerable groups.
Greek America Foundation volunteers have supported METAdrasi’s work at the VIAL refugee center on Chios through teaching, sports, music, arts and crafts, cooking, painting, maintenance projects and recreational activities with children.
During Community Days, participants will have an opportunity to learn directly from METAdrasi’s staff about its work, the people it serves and the realities facing refugees and asylum seekers living on Chios.
Please note, REGISTRATION (SEE BELOW) IS REQUIRED FOR OUR COMMUNITY DAYS EVENTS.
If you have additional questions, please email eleni@greekamerica.org
FRIDAY, JULY 31
9:30 AM–2:00 PM
SERVICE ACTIVITIES WITH REFUGEE CHILDREN
Transportation will be provided from a location in Chios town. Details TBD.
Participants will join Greek America Corps volunteers and METAdrasi staff for a morning of service and activities with refugee children ages 5–15 connected with the VIAL community.
The morning will begin with an introduction and Q&A session led by METAdrasi. Staff members will share information about the organization, its work on Chios and the educational and humanitarian programs it provides.
Participants will then divide into projects that include:
Baking kormos, the traditional Greek chocolate biscuit dessert, with the children.
Cleaning and gardening, including preparing new planters and adding plants and soil to improve shared spaces.
Creating a collaborative group artwork or banner with the children.
Sharing fruit and snacks during a group break.
Participating in sports, games and music activities designed to encourage movement, creativity and interaction.
2:00 PM – DEPARTURE FROM VIAL CAMP
Transportation will be provided back to Chios town. Details TBD.
6:30–8:00 PM – COMMUNITY BEACH CLEANUP
Transportation will be provided to/from the beach from a location in Chios town. Details TBD.
Greek America Corps volunteers, Community Days participants, adult refugees and members of the METAdrasi team will come together for a beach cleanup.
The activity will offer participants an opportunity to serve alongside members of the refugee community while contributing to the protection of Chios’ natural environment.
8:00 PM – A TASTE OF CHIOS
Following the beach cleanup, participants will gather for a tasting of Chios specialties, including products made with the island’s world-famous mastiha.
9:00 PM – COMMUNITY DINNER
The evening will continue with an informal dinner bringing together volunteers, alumni, supporters, partners and friends of the Greek America Foundation.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 1
9:30 AM–2:00 PM
COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AT VIAL
Participants will return to the VIAL site for a second morning of service alongside adult refugees and members of the METAdrasi team.
Projects will include cleaning and painting a mural on one of the facility’s containers, organizing a storage area and completing additional maintenance and beautification work.
These practical projects will help improve shared spaces while giving Community Days participants an opportunity to work directly alongside the people and organizations serving the refugee population on Chios.
AFTERNOON – VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BEACH PARTY
Following the morning service activities, volunteers, alumni, families, supporters and friends will gather for an afternoon special beach celebration honoring our current Greek America Corps volunteers, alumni, service partners and the community that has supported the program throughout its first ten years. There will be food and drinks available for purchase. The exact time and location TBD.
Families are welcome throughout the weekend, and age-appropriate opportunities are being planned for children and teens. Additional instructions regarding registration, transportation and participation in individual service activities will be shared with registered attendees.
Guests are encouraged to arrive on Thursday, July 30, when informal welcome gatherings will begin.
Join us in Chios as we celebrate ten years of Greek America Corps in the most meaningful way possible: by coming together once again to serve.