Part 3 — Month One Update
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As my time with IHA in Northern Greece passes the four-week mark, I thought it might be a good time to write a short update on the situation here.
Coronavirus Update
At the end of my last post, I wrote that new restrictions were due to be implemented imminently due to the rapidly rising number of Covid cases in the Thessaloniki region. As expected, we were moved into the highest tier of restrictions; movement limited to selected essential purposes, a maximum of two people per car and masks to be worn in all public places.
The knock-on effect of this meant that our operations in Lagadikia were suspended, except for essential aid distribution of food, clothing and hygiene products. Until the start of December, sessions that would have taken place at the community centre have been moved online. English and Greek lessons, employability support and psycho-social activities are all currently taking place through the mediums of Facebook and Zoom. The IHA volunteers are finding creative online solutions to maintain the crucial link with the residents during this difficult time, including uploading fitness videos, cooking classes and homemade science experiments for children. Work in the warehouse, including deliveries, continues as normal.
Winter Clothing Distribution
Twice a year, IHA offers residents of the camp the opportunity to take clothing in preparation for the upcoming season (pre-summer and pre-winter). The Lagadikia community centre is transformed into a “shop”, whereby residents can browse a selection of winter garments which have been donated from all around Europe. In order to maintain the resident’s dignity and recreate an element of normality, each family is given a time slot where they have the freedom to select any items of clothing they desire, limited only by the size of their family. After choosing jackets, jumpers, gloves, scarves, socks and hats, they make their way to the checkout where the items are checked out and bagged.
Distribution of food and hygiene products is temporarily being carried out from the IHA van parked next to the camp in order to make the transactions more Covid-friendly and reduce the risk of transmission from volunteers to residents. Although a less dignified approach, resident safely takes precedent. Coupled with an increased police presence in the village, every precaution must be taken to ensure essential operations remain unimpeded and the residents’ relationships with the authorities stay as healthy as possible.
On a personal level, the rest of my time during the week is currently divided between developing the employability support we provide through the Info Hub alongside another volunteer, starting to teach conversational English online and warehouse work/donation deliveries. I hope the situation will allow for my next post to focus more on our work here rather than the constantly shifting landscape of the pandemic.
