Thank you for your interest in joining Offene Arme e.V.!
Offene Arme e.V. is a nonprofit organization that is run mostly by volunteers. All our projects are sustained by people from all over the world who are willing to put in their heart, time and effort to address the situation of those seeking refuge on Chios. The open structures of Offene Arme enable everyone to take the initiative to unfold their ideas and creativity in terms of our projects.
The situation on Chios is constantly changing, so please be aware that the projects may be slightly different from what you see on the website when you come to volunteer. See an example of our in team in action at the warehouse in the video down below! Please keep in mind that our operations are not carried out inside of the camp, and our work mainly happens in the warehouse, 4km from Vial CCAC.
Before you continue our application process please note that we cannot provide documents to enable your stay – we can only accept volunteers who do not require a visa or residence permit to stay in Greece. We ask for a minimum of four weeks for volunteering with us, however we can be flexible with this. During the summer season (June to August) the mininum stay required is two weeks.
When planning your stay, please keep in mind that our activities are suspended on Greek public holidays. In 2026 we will be closed on 06/01; 23/02; 25/03; 13/04; 01/05; 28/10; 11/11; 25/12; 26/12.
Volunteer Stories
Amelie Fricke, general volunteer
Beatrice Forestan, former Warehouse and Distribution Coordinator
Nerissa Ucar, general volunteer
Edel Dale, general volunteer
Nerissa Eda Ucar – February 2025
Master’s Student of Migration Studies at the University of the Aegean
“Our goal when I was with Offene Arme e.V. was to deliver the most basic goods to people
who were arriving on the island, often soaking wet from their journey. We distribute items like
underwear, socks, shoes, baby diapers, strollers, sweaters, blankets, and hygiene products.
Since Offene Arme e.V is the only NGO providing these supplies, we tried our best to ease
the difficulties of life in Vial Camp, even if only slightly. New arrivals were making
appointments to choose what they needed most and we were distributing a limited amount of
each item to ensure fairness. But how do you explain fairness to a child in a world that has
been anything but fair to them? Some asked for Ronaldo jerseys, others for pink dresses or
shoes. A little girl carefully picked out a sweater and then struggled to decide between two
toys, knowing she could only take one. Since we were providing free items, some children
came up to me and quietly asked in Turkish, ‘Are they really free?’ As if kindness was
something unfamiliar or something too good to be true.”
To read Nerissa’s full story, click here
Soinbhe McAllister – June 2024
Human Sciences student at UCL & Laidlaw Scholar
There were many takeaways from my experience, all of which have changed the way I approach volunteering and leadership for the better. There’s one I would like to share and it’s that the little things matter. Although the help we gave was at the core and forefront of what Offene Arme does, it wouldn’t have been possible without the little things such as cleaning up the warehouse every day, making thank you notes to our donors and having a daily debrief with the team. These small actions make up the glue of the team and keeps everyone in high spirits and gives a sense of conviviality. I am so grateful to the team at Offene Arme and the Laidlaw foundation for affording me an opportunity of a lifetime. To my surprise, I genuinely think this has made a lasting impact on my leadership skills and has instilled an aspiration to continue volunteering.
To read Soinbhe’s full story, click here