Sierra Amighetti's Service Abroad

Hello my name is Sierra Amighetti. This year I have decided to take a gap year to give myself the opportunity to learn, grow, and give back by traveling to Greece to volunteer with the Refugee crisis.

Next year I will be headed off to college where I will continue on my educational path but before then, I feel it is important to allow myself the opportunity to learn and grow outside of a classroom environment.

Over these next couple of months I will be walking outside of my comfort zone; I will live on my own, manage my own money, work with people who do not speak my language, adapt to a new place/culture, and learn to deal with any obstacle that is thrown at me, in the process.

I am in Greece and nearly everyday I wake up and go to work at a community center which supports refugees in Athens.

Here, I am teaching basic English and helping out in the women’s and children’s center. I'm happy to be contributing my time to an organization I feel is making a difference in the lives of so many refugees. My Volunteer Orientation was led by a clean cut man who walked us through the center and explained how they offer everything from language learning to legal advice. They offer child care, dental care, hair cutting services and they even offer a safe space for women where men are not allowed to go, which is focused on giving women a sense of community.

When he was asked how he himself had learned of this community center, he paused and said, “I was hungry.” He went on to explain that while there are other places to get food, in most outreaches you are made to stand outside in a line, in the hot sun. Here, you are invited in, to sit at tables and served by volunteers. His is but one of many stories that makes me feel I am in the right place.

When I am not at the community center, I am working with a group founded by a United Flight Attendant, Kayra Martinez at http://lovewithoutborders4refugees.com/.
With her project I go directly into the homes of refugees and work with the kids on art projects that are later shipped back to the US for art shows and fund raising events. The proceeds for these events go directly back into the hands of the artist’s families. (Stay tuned for an art show near you!). This is a great way for me to apply my creativity to a project that directly benefits these families while allowing me to get to know them on a more intimate basis.

Until now I have been using my own savings and have received some help from my family but in order to continue to do the important work I am doing here, I recognize I will need additional support.

Although there is no charge for these volunteer programs, I pay approximately US$220 a month to share a flat with 12 other volunteers I have met from Spain. With four mattresses per room, it’s not the lap of luxury but it is more than enough for my time here. I am also managing to get by on about that amount in food and transportation expenses.

My goal is to stay for a at least one month. However, if I can raise enough money to stay for two months or longer, then I would gladly do so! If everyone could donate just $20-$25 dollars each, that would be more than enough to reach my goal.

With your help I will be able to do everything I can, to create a safe space for refugees in Athens. Any support is greatly appreciated. I will share a blog of my experiences on a regular basis to give everyone the opportunity to feel connected and involved.

Please check it out at https://www.wheretwoworldscollide.org


Thank you in advance for your support!