Arriving from Athens, I was picked up by Ruben, the Volunteer coordinator to Sunrooms (my accommodations). He told me that there would be a morning meeting at 0830 and that happens every morning. After resting for abit, I went down to share car with fellow volunteers at Sunrooms to the Warehouse. The morning meeting is to decide the tasks allocated to everyone in the morning and the important information that all volunteers needs to know. All of us sat in a circle and listened intensely as Toula (the overall coordinator) briefed us. Thereafter, meeting was dismissed and we went on the day doing our tasks.

As a first-timer, I was assigned to the warehouse with other first timers. We were given an introduction to the warehouse - the heart of CESRT. This is the place where supplies for the refugees are stocked and categorized. The warehouse is split into mainly 2 categories - 1 is for Hope and the other is for the Landings (will be explained more in detail in future). They are then sub-divided to Mens' and Women's clothings of different age group and different sizes. So basically 1 piece of clothing you donate will have to be sorted out according to 4 different categories (Gender, Type, Size, Age).

We were also briefed about the other spots on the island that is near the beach to assist with the landings. Instructions on what to give to the refugees and the standard operating procedure (SOP) is briefed to us. It was indeed a lot of information but it was definitely holistic. Dealing with refugees can be rather sensitive and at the same time you're trying to be in control of the whole situation such that it doesn't break out into chaos with people fighting for more welfare and clothings or even medical attention. More importantly, every single refugee have their own story and it can be as bad as sexual abuse or just being forced to do something. We have to arm ourselves with the knowledge on where to direct them to without imposing our personal opinion to prevent influencing them in a certain direction. Volunteers have to be delicate but firm when dealing with refugees to be in control of the situation yet providing the care they need.

Once done, I was brought back to the warehouse to do area-cleaning. It is definitely not a "glorious" work but it has to be done. These are the logistical day to day routine that are not glamourised by the media or volunteers ourselves. After finishing cleaning the whole warehouse, it was time to knock off.