PILLARS OF SAMA
Where governments fail to meet people’s needs, we fill the gap.
Sama provides essential services in the form of medical services, asylum information and clothing distributions.
Sama provides respite from the oppressive camp conditions people are forced to endure.
We provide this through a safe space away from the camp open seven days a week, as well as specific activities offered to the community.
To help them have a safer future in an unsafe everyday life in camp
We foster spaces for connection through providing women only days, activities and psychosocial support for children, and language lessons.
ESSENTIAL SERVICES
MEDICAL SERVICES
Three days a week, doctors provide
access to free healthcare.
We support people with
general practitioners, as well as
specialists in gynaecology,
physiotherapy and ophthalmology.
ASYLUM SUPPORT
We provide weekly information sessions giving up-to-date guidance on the asylum system in Greece.
These sessions help people understand their rights and access tangible support.
DISTRIBUTIONS
People often arrive in Greece with
little more than the clothes
they travelled in.
We conduct monthly distributions
of seasonal clothing, shoes and hygiene items.
RESPITE
SAFE SPACE
Sama is a safe space away from the oppressive environment of the camp.
We are open seven days a week, and intentionally always keep our gates open so people can find respite even when we are not open.
Sama is a place for rest, connection and community.
RESPITE ACTIVITIES
From our days as Refugym, sports is still at the core of our programming.
Alongside our gym at Sama, we offer trips in the surrounding natural environment of cycling, hiking and climbing, creating moments of joy, movement and belonging.
WATERSPORTS
People are forced to undertake
dangerous sea crossings to seek asylum in Europe. Many people develop trauma from this journey, and are survivors of shipwrecks.
We provide trauma-informed lessons to help people gently overcome their distress associated with the sea.
SOCIAL SUPPORT
WOMEN ONLY DAYS
Refugee camp populations can be male dominated: a reflection of the dangerous journey people are forced to take to seek safety in Europe.
To guarantee a designated time just for women, we host two women-only days a week, with activities and services tailored to women’s needs.
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
We created a psychosocial program based on Walford emergency pedagogy, to provide routine and safety for children living in the insecure environment of the camp, as well as to nurture fun and creativity.
These activities also give mothers time for themselves, knowing their children are being cared for.
LANGUAGE LESSONS
Language acquisition is essential for people on the move. It allows people to advocate for themselves and opens doors to integration and opportunities, helping
people build confidence, connection and independence.
We consistently offer lessons in
English and Greek; and in German,
French and Arabic when we have volunteer capacity.
Voices of Sama
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"Sama is the place that gives us hope and gets us out of the negative thinking inside the camp."
— Ibrahim, Syria
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"Since I stepped my foot at Sama I really felt at home. Thanks for their guidance, unwavering support and friendly attitude. They really put a smile on our faces again."
— Martin, Sudan
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"Sama represents humanity in its true sense. I spent the most beautiful days there. I felt deeply their solidarity with us."
— Nawrus, Palestine
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"Thank you for being the one who created happy days for me and my family."
— Talla, Syria
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"Sama is my wonderful home."
— Bedowi, Egypt
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"Sama changes our mood from the confinement of the camp."
— Hiba, Syria