Volunteering at Refugee Camps
IVI are passionate about supporting those who have been displaced from their homes and forced into refugee camps due to circumstances beyond their control. According to UNHCR, in 2023 there were 41,561 sea crossings into Greece and 7160 land arrivals. Currently there are an estimated 4 million refugees residing in Turkey however only around 5% are living in official camps that are supported by multinational humanitarian aid organisations. These people have fled their home country to keep their families safe from war torn areas. There are so many needs in supporting these people.
How can I help and where will I be placed?
We have several volunteer opportunities, from teaching women and children in Turkey, as well as going into the camps and distributing supplies. To assisting displaced people in Greece at the 'free shop', a place where they can get essential supplies such as clothing and toiletries.
We also have several programs in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, where you can teach sports, educate the kids, help with construction tasks and more.
Our refugee projects are focused on those wishing to make a real difference through humanitarian work, and who can come with an open mind and open heart.
ALL REFUGEE PROJECTSKey considerations for volunteering with vulnerable populations
Volunteering in refugee camps is a big decision as you very likely be witness to some highly confronting things. Refugee volunteers need to be stable individuals who are equipped to deal with physical and mental suffering as well as language barriers and completely different cultures and values. When deciding where to go, consider the climate, any language skills you may have. IVI team up with quality local NGO’s who we trust based on years of dealings. These local organisations understand how to operate within the camps and surrounding community and are run by passionate local individuals who know how to get things done in a safe & humane manner.
FIND OUT HOW TO APPLYHighlights about our local NGO projects
- Refugee issues are the primary focus and thus specialise in this field
- Many projects aim to employ former refugees, or people of the same national, ethnic, or religious background
- Volunteers fill gaps in human resources, they do not take away local jobs
The NGO’s receive active involvement from the community and are well respected locally
- The projects require a multitude of different skills, backgrounds and qualifications
- 24/7 in country volunteer support and local guidance from caring representatives
Find Refugee Volunteering Projects
Why IVI?
Make a Real Impact
We focus on projects with genuine needs. Community, Healthcare, Education, Childcare, Construction etc. You'll leave feeling like you truly achieved something.
Top Rated
We were voted 'Top Overseas Volunteering Organisation 2019' by APAC insider Australia awards. We have thousands of positive testimonies.
35+ Years in Operation
IVI is one of the pioneers of overseas volunteering. Established in 1989 we have trustworthy partners that know the local needs and treat every volunteer with love.
Charity & Non Profit
We don't just send volunteers overseas, we run campaigns and fundraise for materials so that our impact is significant and lasting in communities that need it.
Affordable Placements
Why pay thousands to volunteer abroad? It shouldn't cost that much. We're a non-profit org so we're not focused on profits, we're focused on helping people.
Flexibility & Choice
We have over 100+ projects in 20 countries. Most of our programs start every week so you have options around destinations, projects and start dates.