OCC Greece

Introduction to OCC Greece

Open Cultural Center was first established in 2016 at Idomeni refugee camp in Northern Greece. When that camp closed, OCC moved to Cherso and Sounio. Finally we relocated to Polykastro, where OCC Greece is located today, near Nea Kavala refugee camp. Many people migrating to Europe from Asian, Middle Eastern and African countries enter the Schengen Area through Greece, which is on the Eastern Mediterranean route. Since January 2021, the highest numbers of migrants arriving in Greece originated from Syria, Turkey, Afghanistan, Congo and Nigeria.

The OCC Greece team is made up of full-time employees and many volunteers. There are non-resident volunteers and resident volunteers (refugees / asylum seekers) and decisions are made together. We have a weekly meeting on Saturdays to review the week and plan the following week.

What does OCC do in Greece?

At OCC Greece we offer a wide range of educational and cultural activities to refugees and migrants of all ages and backgrounds. Some of the main support we provide includes a bus service, language classes for children and adults and a Women's Space.

OCC has 4 rented spaces in Polykastro, all located on the street below the non-resident volunteer house: the Madrassa (classrooms), Bike Space, Cafeteria and Kindergarten.

OCC’s activities run from Monday to Friday, in the morning and in the afternoon. We run adult classes, children’s classes, kindergarten and other activities, as well as having the cafeteria open for all as a safe space and relaxing environment for the community. The timings of these activities are subject to change, but you will be given a weekly schedule when you are there, so it is clear when and where you should be every day.

All spaces need to be safe for everybody. Please ensure there is no shouting or fighting and a calm, child-friendly atmosphere is maintained. Make a special effort to welcome women and invite them in for coffee/tea.

All users of OCC are expected to be polite and respectful to ensure we are a safe and welcoming space for all members of the refugee community, as well as to maintain positive relationships with the local Greek community. There should be no bad language or violence.

Although Nea Kavala is an open camp, with the refugees being able to leave for short periods of time without losing their registration, mobility is limited due to the lack of public transport or footpaths between the camp and Polykastro. The supermarket is close by, but access to further services is very difficult, making it difficult for residents to gain independence and integrate in Greece.

OCC provides a bus service and a bike rental service.

Photographs from OCC Greece

The photos below give an insight into life at Nea Kavala refugee camp. They were taken by Carlos Gutiérrez as part of his project MyView, which he started when he was a volunteer at OCC Greece. Carlos won a prize for this project, you can read about it here, and watch his TedTalk here (both in Spanish).