You learn that refugees are normal people  trying to live. Trying to survive. They are just looking for something you never realize you actually have. A quiet and peaceful place to live, to stay, to see your children grow up.

Firefighter / Emergency Nurse :: Age 29 :: From Catalonia Spain

Why did you come and volunteer
At some point in your life you realize there’s an inner need to help people suffering more than they should.

What did you know about the place before arriving

The prospecting team of our NGO who made the contacts and explored the area previously explained to us what the situation was.

When did you Arrive and for how long ?

Our five members from the first CERT (Catalan Emergency Rescue Team) relief delegation arrived in Lesbos on the 3rd of March, and stayed until the 16th.

What reactions did you get from family and friends before coming ?

They were enthusiastic and proud but also a bit afraid that I was coming to Lesbos. You cannot receive anything but support from your people when you enroll yourself in a project of this kind.

An influential / defining moment you had

It is pretty difficult to choose only one moment, because all the time in Koreas Lighthouse Team was really intense. Obviously, the first time you receive a landing boat is stucking (striking?). Definitely, seeing children, without their parents, arriving to an unknown place for them, with no idea of what to do or where to go… changes you.

Do you remember anyone in particular among refugees or volunteers ?

You simply realise that the suffering you see on the screen is real. You learn that refugees are normal people  trying to live. Trying to survive. They are just looking for something you never realize you actually have. A quiet and peaceful place to live, to stay, to see your children grow up.

Have you experienced moments of crisis or trauma ?

I would not say crisis or trauma moments… but reflection and philosophic moments, of global human thinking. Just made me step back and get a better perspective of how the world is going forward.

Do you remember anyone in particular among refugees or volunteers ?

I established a very strong link, especially with my colleague from the CERT team, but also with some of the other volunteers who joined us in Korakas Lighthouse.

What are you taking with you back home ?

An incredibly intense experience which have awakened the need in me to keep helping people in trouble around the world. A part of my life is now going to be focused on cooperation.