Our day to day Work
Our day to day work is carried out in our workshop, a short walk from the Kara Tempe refugee camp. Refugees living inside the camp can come visit us to gain access to our services.
Bicycle Repairs
The camp is located 5km from the city and bicycles are the main means of transport for refugees. At the bike station, we repair and distribute them. Around 200 bikes are repaired per month. Bicycles are the most efficient and widespread means of transport among the refugees on the island. Bicycles allow for more freedom and autonomy; this transport is indispensable for important legal and medical appointments.
Electronic Repairs
The electronic repair station is one of the most impactful work-station for refugees visiting the Makerspace. Here we repair all kinds of small electronics, from fans to mobile phones. These repairs are invaluable as they allow refugees to find data that could be crucial in their asylum application. It also allows them to connect to relatives they have likely not seen in a long time.
The Sewing Centre
With over 150 items of clothing repaired per month, the sewing workshop has the strongest investment to impact ratio. The sewing centre enable visitors to the community centre to have clothes in good condition and ready to face the different weather conditions. It is also an opportunity for some to learn how to sew or make simple alterations.
Carpentry
this is the most versatile part of the project. In our fully equipped carpentry workshop, our volunteers work on all kinds of wooden constructions and repairs. Woodworking has a direct impact on the lives of the refugees. One of our latest projects, the construction of wooden carts, allows for the transportation of groceries, which are otherwise carried several kilometers. Carpentry is also very valuable for the different charitable associations with which we cooperate. Beyond the construction of shelves or small furniture, we have also helped our different partners repair or fit out their makeshift homes.
Projects
In parallel to our consistent, day to day work at our workshop and the women's centre, we engage in a number of projects. We are always looking for ways we can use our skills, knowledge and tools to help on the island, often partnering or supporting other NGOs to run these projects. Below you can find some of the projects our team has worked on.
A new shower centre.
In recent months, our carpentry team has been supporting LeaveNoOneBehind to build a new shower centre and washing machine centre, a short distance from the camp.
Supporting Boat theatre project
We helped out a community driven theatre production with stagebuilding and special effects. Check out the result at https://www.instagram.com/theboat_theater/
Welcome Office
In progress
1 Oct 2024
In Summer 2024, Maker Space faced a volunteer shortage but rose to the challenge with a new initiative: renovating homes for vulnerable individuals in Mytilene. Partnering with Welcome Office and skilled international volunteers, we improved living conditions for those in need, reflecting our resilience and commitment to supporting the community in meaningful ways.
Bicycle Repair Training
In progress
18 Sep 2024 till 18 Sep 2024
Our bicycle repair workshop, led by Masoud and Maxi, taught participants essential bike maintenance skills, like fixing punctures, while promoting sustainability through repair over replacement. The successful session empowered volunteers with practical knowledge and ecological awareness, sparking enthusiasm for future workshops and fostering a more eco-conscious community.
Anton Workshop Painting
Done
6 Dec 2024 till 6 Dec 2024
Our volunteer Anton collaborated with Terra Psy to give children the opportunity to repaint wooden football players he had repaired and built. This eco-friendly activity was a great success, sparking the children’s creativity and creating a shared space for families.
Upcycling Project
Done
27 Nov 2024 till 27 Nov 2024
Our Upcycling Workshop, led by Rebecca in collaboration with Terra Psy, brought families together for creative activities at Maker Space. Participants repurposed materials into functional items like bicycle chain keychains and pencil cases made from inner tubes, while children enjoyed face painting. This initiative fostered creativity, patience, and teamwork while promoting sustainability. We are grateful to Terra Psy for enriching the experience and look forward to future workshops that continue transforming materials and lives through collaboration and innovation.
Carpentry November
Done
1 Nov 2024 till 30 Nov 2024
At Maker Space, volunteers Anton, Arthur, and Melissa have collaborated on impactful projects, including revamping a football table, repairing gym benches from Yoga and Sport with Refugees, and installing a bike shelter for winter. Their dedication to sustainability and improving our community spaces embodies the spirit of teamwork and creativity, making Paréa a better place for everyone.
Hirundo Animation Film
Done
21 Oct 2024 till 22 Nov 2024
At Makerspace, we participated in a six-week project led by Fausta Pereira and filmmaker Thomas Kunstler, using stop-motion animation to tell Orhan’s story, a Syrian refugee and our community volunteer. Through his journey of exile and resilience, the project highlighted themes of courage, tolerance, and hope. This initiative brought people together, sharing meals and cultures, breaking barriers, and building lifelong connections. Orhan's family gained pride and renewed hope, while the film became a symbol of unity and inspiration. Makerspace is proud to share this impactful project at festivals and schools to raise awareness and celebrate human connection.
Bicycle Classes
Done
17 Oct 2024 till 5 Dec 2024
Our weekly bicycle classes lead by Rebecca and Siba, held every Thursday in collaboration with Yoga and Sport, have become a popular highlight at Maker Space. These sessions empower participants by teaching them essential skills like riding, repairing, and maintaining bicycles, fostering independence and confidence. Bicycles are vital for mobility, enabling access to the Paréa Community Center and essential resources. We are grateful to our coaches and volunteers for their dedication to this growing initiative, which strengthens our community and promotes self-sufficiency.
A new shower Centre.
Done
13 Aug 2021
In recent months, our carpentry team has been supporting LeaveNoOneBehind to build a new shower centre and washing machine centre, a short distance from the camp.
Supporting Boat theatre project
Done
10 Aug 2021
We helped out a community driven theatre production with stagebuilding and special effects. Check out the result at https://www.instagram.com/theboat_theater/
Education Bus Project
Done
2 Mar 2021
We supported Stand By Me Lesvos , and worked alongside One Happy Family with a project to repurpose two old touring busses into classrooms in the camp. We worked on furnishing the busses, adding electricity and internet connectivity. The busses are are used to host educational classes for children and adults, and we continue to support the project through maintenance work. The educational partners using the busses are: Metadrasi (UNICEF partner), Moria Academia (affiliated with Stand By Me Lesvos) and Elix (UNICEF partner, previously used the busses, not active there anymore).