ESC volunteering in Athens | Recreations in institutional care system for disabled children

Tipology

Disabilities and special needs

Description

Tandem is a Non-Profit Company established in 2007 by a group of Greek and international volunteers willing to improve the quality of life of disabled children and young people living in an enclosed institution in Athens (P.A.A.P.A.V.).

The children and young people living in the institution have a wide range of physical and/or intellectual impairments, along with social and emotional challenges. They typically come from challenging family circumstances and in accordance to the Child Protection System of Greece, they have been institutionalized. As a result, they live cut off from the rest of society and are subjected to daily violations of fundamental human rights that life in an institution entails.

P.A.A.P.A.V. (more commonly known as PIKPA) is a public institution under the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs of Greece where around 75 disabled/neurodivergent children and young people live, aged 3 to 35 years old. The compound of the institution is quite big; the residents live in five different houses, there are several buildings for therapies (social service, physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy), and for other services (laundry, kitchen, technicians etc.), as well as a building for offices, a playground, a “special” school and Tandem’s activity center.

The lack of stimulation and education that comes with living in closed institutional structures (commonly mistakenly referred to as orphanages), as well as the lack of security, protection and love that a family would provide, has a severe impact on the mental and emotional wellbeing of the children and youngsters with whom we work.

The careers, mostly nurses, who are in charge of them cover their basic needs (such as washing, feeding and medicine administration), but other needs, such as social contact, affection, psychological, social, and educational support or stimulation through activities in to physical or social interaction are lacking. Even now, most young people are under-stimulated, spend a lot of time in bed and lack both personal space and human touch. The volunteers offer extra care and attention to them and act as a bridge between the institution and the society.

Through the systematic contribution of the volunteers inside the institution, Tandem aims to reduce the consequences of institutionalization. The organization provides the residents with social, emotional, affective and educational support. Additionally, it aims to raise awareness in society concerning disability and social inclusion and to empower vulnerable social groups.

Tasks

Every volunteer has a different program, depending on the person with whom they are working with and the personal strengths and interests of their own.

However, all volunteers share the following tasks:
* morning activities with the children/young people who do not attend school (going for walks, playing or listening to music, engaging in simple games, providing basic stimulation, etc.)
* various group activities in the activity center of Tandem inside the institution, including cooking, handcrafts, drawing, sports and simple English lessons
* activities outside of the institution (cinema, bowling, playground)
*cleaning and organizing the activity center
* raising awareness in the local community about diversity and life inside an institution and attempting to involve Greek people in volunteering with Tandem
* any other activity depending on the abilities, interests, needs, or desires of the target group and the volunteers (fundraising to sponsor activities, organizational tasks, etc.)

About the organisation

Tandem Non-Profit Company

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tandemgr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tandem.gr/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/92813380/admin/feed/posts/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tandemgr

Volunteer Profile

We are currently looking for volunteers 18-30 years old from any EU country!

We will have multiple long term positions available starting on October and we are looking for candidates interested to join us between for long term projects (from 7 to 12 months).

Motivation, enthusiasm, responsibility, and dedication are absolutely essential. It’s crucial to keep in mind that the majority of the people who live in PIKPA have no contact with their families and no other relationships outside of the institution. They, therefore, rely on the compassion, care, and
attention provided by volunteers.

Since the work might be challenging, it requires creativity, persistence, initiative, maturity and a strong sense of humor. Please be aware that the conditions inside the institution can be psychologically difficult and stressful for anyone working there.

Neither technical skills nor previous experience are needed but if you have studied something relevant and you want to put your skills in practice, we will be happy to support you! However, it’s important to note that Tandem does not offer specialized training on professional work with disabled individuals. Additionally, while you can apply skills acquired in school or university, it’s crucial to understand that the institution and project context may differ from your practices in your home country, especially if you have a professional background like being an occupational therapist. This should not be the primary motivation for joining the project, as it might lead to frustration

Given that English serves as the primary language of communication, having a basic understanding of the language is advantageous. While we don’t expect volunteers to speak Greek when they arrive, considering that the children and young people exclusively speak Greek, it becomes essential for an effective communication both with the staff and the target group. Therefore, focusing on learning and developing Greek skills is encouraged.

Furthermore, you should enjoy living and working with a group of people. Crucially, fostering a supportive community is emphasized within our group. European volunteers live, eat, work and often spend free time together. Building close relations with all group members, including local volunteers, ESC and Tandem members is vital to fully enjoy this experience!

Moreover, kindly inform us of any physical, social, or emotional obstacles you may be encountering that could hinder your full integration into the project and share how we can offer our support while volunteering with us.

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Location

ΒΟΥΛΑ, Βούλα 166 73, Ελλάδα

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Starting Date

01/12/2024 12:00 am

Ending Date

28/02/2026 12:00 am

Economic conditions

Everything covered by European Solidarity Corps Program

Application Closing Date

31/10/2024 12:00 am