Our mission
Boat Refugee Foundation is committed to providing humanitarian aid. We adhere to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. We offer assistance to those in need and focus on people who have been forced to flee their homes.

The organization’s work has evolved over the years. We have been active or have worked on various programs at different locations. Currently, we are in Lesvos and Athens.

In 2015, our work in Lesbos primarily involved providing aid after boat landings, conducting rescue operations, and medical work. Now, we aim to provide more customized support, including (psycho)social assistance and medical help for the population of the refugee camp on the island. We couldn’t do this without our volunteers!

Starting from 2022, we are also active in Athens, where the urban environment presents new challenges for our organization and those seeking assistance. In Athens, we focus on establishing connections between individuals in need and the right organizations. We provide psychosocial support and conduct capacity-building training for organizations operating in Athens.

What do we expect from you?
We expect you to align with the program and objectives of the organization and to promote them. We are an organization that includes people from various backgrounds and beliefs within the volunteer team and the people we assist. We are here to provide help, regardless of someone’s background.

Safety
When you choose to work with Boat Refugee Foundation, it is crucial that you are aware of the socio-political context of the location you are heading to. The organisation makes every effort to ensure the safety of its staff. Therefore, we have strict safety policies in place, and it is expected that all volunteers and staff adhere to them. You will receive a comprehensive safety briefing upon your arrival.

What can you expect from us?

We expect a high degree of flexibility from our volunteers because the fieldwork experiences rapid and significant changes. We prioritize providing comprehensive support to everyone. Before your departure, we aim to inform you as effectively as possible, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions. During and after your stay, you can speak with a psychologist or coach to discuss your experiences. Additionally, there will always be a point of contact during your stay to address any questions or concerns.

We have collected several training modules to prepare you as effectively as possible. Regular training sessions will also be organized during your stay.

All volunteers are screened by volunteers from Stichting Bootvluchteling. We follow the same procedure for everyone: every individual is screened in the same manner and must meet the same basic requirements. You can find these requirements in the job description. Group registration is not possible. We are also unable to consider multiple people in planning the general schedule and weekly rosters.

The steps for screening, planning, and registration are as follows:

1. Screening
You apply through the website. A screener will contact you by email within 7 days and provide you with information. After that, the screener will conduct an interview with you via video call, during which the code of conduct will also be discussed. In the interview, the screener will ask about your work experience and personality, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions. After this screening, the screener will inform you if you are suitable to work at the location you applied for. However, your position in the team is not guaranteed at this stage. Depending on team composition and your availability, a decision will be made on your placement as a volunteer. You will coordinate this with the planner.

2. Planning
After a positive screening interview, our planner will contact you. Together with you, the planner will coordinate your travel dates. Once your availability aligns with our schedule and you have finalized your travel dates with the planner’s approval, you can book your tickets. We recommend arriving on Lesbos on a Thursday, so you can get acclimated with introductions and training. There is no fixed arrival date for other locations. If you find a ticket with a different arrival date, please consult with the planner before booking.

3. Registration
Once your travel dates are confirmed, you will receive necessary information from the planner about the registration process. 

Before understanding what documents to supply for the registration process the following information is important to understand. Camp Mavrovouni was reclassified as a CCAC (Closed Controlled Access Camp) through a presidential decree. As a result of this reclassification, all non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operating within CCACs are required to officially register with the Greek government to continue their activities within the camp.

After navigating a rigorous registration process, we are successfully registered with the Ministry of Migration and Asylum. While this official status ensures the protection of our work, it also entails adherence to specific registration requirements.

All volunteers and staff members associated with an NGO working in the camp must be registered through the portal facilitated by the Greek office for registration and migration. This necessitates the uploading of documentation previously shared with Boat Refugee Foundation onto this portal.

Given the novelty of this registration process, we anticipate some initial challenges. Please take note of the following key points:

1. Upon receipt of your documents, including translations, we will commence the registration process with the office. They retain the authority to deny or request additional information within 60 days of submission. In the event of a request for additional information, we must respond within a 10-day window.
2. According to article 10 of the decree no. 10616/2020 from the Greek authorities, the register will be maintained as long as our organization remains active in Greece. However, it remains unclear whether your details will be removed from their database upon your departure (as mandated by the General Data Protection Regulation). You may need to personally request the removal of your information.

We require the following from all volunteers:

• A copy of your passport
• A signed volunteer contract, code of conduct, solemn declaration, solemn self-declaration
• A completed form with your contact information
• Criminal Record Check (VOG) (requested for Dutch volunteers after passport submission)
• Criminal Record Check (VOG) translated into Greek by a sworn translator

For the registration of medical and MHPSS (Mental Health and Psychosocial Support) volunteers, the Greek government requires additional documents. For medical volunteers, the following documents are required:

• Copy of diploma
• Diploma translated into Greek
• Apostille
• CCPS (BIG registration)
• CCPS translated into Greek
• TELIKO registration form

For MHPSS volunteers, the following documents are required:

• Diploma relevant to MHPSS work
• Diploma translated into Greek
• Registration with a psychological or professional organization (optional)

4. Preparation
Once you are invited to complete the registration, you will also gain access to the Shared Drive for your location. Here, you will find information about the location you are heading to, the context in which you will be working, and training modules that we expect you to complete before your departure.

Overview costs
Boat Refugee Foundation’s existence depends on the many volunteers and donors, without which we’d not be able to do our job. Our financial means are mostly spent on medical and psychosocial care. That is why we ask all volunteers to pay for their own registration, travel and stay. 

Have you carefully reviewed the information and feel adequately informed? If you have not done so already, please apply as a volunteer by filling out the application form for the position that interests you. If you have any questions, please contact us for more information or ask your questions during the screening interview.