• Gift Catalog
  • Donate
  • Contact Us
Call Us: 800-487-1074
Global Volunteers
  • Countries
    • International Partnerships:
      • China
      • Cook Islands
      • Cuba
      • Ecuador
      • Greece
      • Italy
      • Nepal
      • Peru
      • Poland
      • Portugal
      • St Lucia
      • Tanzania
      • Vietnam
    • USA Programs:
      • Appalachia – West Virginia
      • Blackfeet Reservation – Montana
      • Rosebud Reservation – South Dakota
      • Española – New Mexico
  • Projects
  • Give
    • Giving Options:
      • Donate Now
      • Gift Catalog
      • Ways to Give
      • Philanthropy
  • Impact
  • Blog
  • Search
  • Menu Menu
Volunteer Voices Greece

The Greek Struggle!

Sam(00000003)

Author: Sam Pinakoulaki, Greece Country Manager

As I sat out in the playground for recess watching the children laughing and playing, tears filled my eyes…70 innocent souls that spend 4 hours a day with our Volunteers learning English in the hope of a better future! I mean really what does the future hold for these kids? They are certainly NOT to blame for the huge grey cloud that continues to hover over Greece. Volunteers coming to help us help our children through this time does indeed lift the cloud – during the time they’re here.

I’m encouraged by the optimism and spirit of service our beloved volunteers bring with them from around the world: (thoughts from a Global Volunteer who’s come to help).

The country’s first round of austerity measures failed to help, and the government was forced to ask for an international bailout of some 240 billion Euros ($275 billion), which came with strict conditions for further severe cutbacks and reforms. These had a crippling effect on Greece’s already stricken economy. It has suddenly become clearly visible the day to day struggles within Greece and our community of Malevizi…

I am frustrated and angry that I witnessed my neighbor begging in our local park. It had never crossed my mind his difficult predicament.

I am frustrated and angry that a family with two small children wait patiently every afternoon by the rubbish bins, hoping to find some food for their kids!

I am frustrated and angry that the elderly are being humiliated after years of hard work, queuing from as early as 4 a.m.  in the heat to claim their pensions. To be more precis the 120 Euros allowed under Capital control. Seriously, what are they going to buy first? Their medication or food?

I am frustrated and angry that many of the children who have attended the summer school with Global volunteers over the past 10 years and did indeed gain a degree at university are currently among the 28.6% unemployed. That the suicide rate has risen 43% since 2008 and the highest rate in Greece is actually here in Crete!

I am frustrated and angry that 350 politicians cannot agree on what is best for Greece. How can they expect to make an agreement with their European counter parts!

I am frustrated and angry at the international press coverage of the whole situation…rumors that Greece is a dangerous place to visit and there is no money for foreign visitors. NOT TRUE! Foreign visitors can access money through the ATM’s and take out as much as their personal limit allows.

The team currently serving the community of Malevizi were posed the question: “Do you feel at any risk or danger in any way?” They answered:

We feel bad that we can’t do anything to change this difficult situation, but at the same time, we have had the opportunity to witness hands on this struggle which will go down in history! The Greek people are one of the kindest, most thoughtful and open hearted people we have had the honor to meet. There are no more dangers or risks in travelling to Greece than any other European country.

We MUST continue to support the community of Malevizi. The opportunity to provide the children of Malevizi 4 hours of love, laughter and a better understanding of the English language is priceless and needed now more than ever. They are the future of Greece and could use your support and friendship during this difficult time. I can’t think of a better time to serve in Crete! So join us in Greece – request information below,  browse our website, and read this testimonial from 2 time Greece Global Volunteer, Lesley Rainey. Then, apply for the program of your choice. We look forward to seeing YOU on an upcoming team!

Linda + 2nd graders

Linda + 2nd graders

Linda,  Perry,  Betty,  Gail and Liam

Linda, Perry, Betty, Gail and Liam

We value each and every Greece Global Volunteer. Your optimism and support is essential during this difficult time!


Contact Form:

[contact-form to=’info@globalvolunteers.org’ subject=’Facebook Contact Form’][contact-field label=’Full Name’ type=’name’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Email Adress’ type=’email’ required=’1’/][contact-field label=’Phone Number’ type=’url’/][contact-field label=’Message’ type=’textarea’ required=’1’/][/contact-form]

Share this:

  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
July 4, 2015/0 Comments/by Sam Pinakoulaki
0 0 Sam Pinakoulaki https://205eev2oa0jm1t4yb914s1nw-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/2014-GlobalVolunteersLogo-Web.png Sam Pinakoulaki2015-07-04 08:28:312016-10-17 11:58:27The Greek Struggle!
0 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

You must log in to post a comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Partner Communities

  • China 66
  • Cook Islands 44
  • Cuba 117
  • Ecuador 88
  • Greece 68
  • Italy 54
  • Montana 42
  • Nepal 16
  • Peru 98
  • Poland 77
  • Portugal 42
  • South Dakota 8
  • St Lucia 57
  • Tanzania 142
  • Vietnam 43
  • West Virginia 24

Categories

  • Boomer Volunteers
  • Conversational English
  • Couples Volunteering
  • Culture and Traditions Worldwide
  • Development Impact
  • Family Volunteers
  • Free Time Options
  • Global Volunteers
  • Group Volunteering
  • Impact Stories
  • Individuals on Teams
  • Projects for Professionals
  • Reaching Children's Potential
  • Repeat Volunteers
  • Retiree Volunteers
  • Staff Worldwide
  • Student Volunteers
  • Uncategorized
  • Volunteer Voices
  • Women volunteers

Tags

alumni volunteers American Indian culture Appalachian culture best destination peru Care for children Caribbean island College groups Conversational English cook islands economy covid-19 covid-19 consequences Cuba people-to-people donate for children Earthbox gardens economic support Essential Services food insecurity Funding your fee Health and nutrition High school groups Labor projects lgbt program peru resume resume high shcool retiree service-learning share food Spring break summer volunteer program support children Support women teaching children teaching english team leader things to do peru top places to visit peru tourism cook islands tours peru travel peru volunteer benefits Volunteer impact work on reservations Work with youth youth volunteering
  • About Us
  • Boards of Directors and Advisors
  • US and International Staff
  • Our Beginnings
  • Our Vision
  • Community Partners
  • Collaborators
  • Compare Us
  • Volunteer Vacations FAQs
  • Accountability and Agreements
  • Travel Risks
  • Impact and Outcomes of Service
  • Donate to Global Volunteers
  • Donate to a Volunteer
  • Money Matters – Explaining Your Service Program Contribution
  • Discounts & Fundraising
  • Alumni Center
  • News/Media
  • Privacy Policy
  • Agreements
  • Site Map
  • Contact
  • Podcast
  • Volunteer Portal
  • Employment
Global Volunteers
375 East Little Canada Road
St. Paul, MN 55117-1628 USA
(800) 487-1074 | toll-free
(651) 482-0915 | fax
globalvolunteers.org
email@globalvolunteers.org

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Subscribe receive notifications of new posts and updates by email.

Global Volunteers - Partners in Development ® | © Copyright 2002 - Present Global Volunteers
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Mail
  • Global Volunteers is an apolitical, non-sectarian, non-profit (501C-3) tax-exempt organization.
  • Send feedback about this web site and its administration.
Experience the Cuba Service Program Virtually Beautifully and Wonderfully Different
Scroll to top
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.