Ministry Details
Participants will run kids & youth programs and women’s meetings at refugee centers:
- psychological first aid
- community building
- Bible stories
- English lessons
- sports, crafts, music, art
They can also be involved in aid distribution and warehouse logistics at resource centers.
Participants will provide information to prevent human trafficking and other security threats.
When time and language skills permit, they may spend time with refugees offering listening ears and sharing God’s love through words of encouragement and prayer.
The ministry will include everyday chores and meal preparation at the team house, doing shopping and organizing the warehouse. Time spent together in the team house is an opportunity for fellowship and sharing.
Participant Profile
We invite participants who are:
• Flexible, adaptable and focused on serving others
• Responsible and able to able to work under the authority of the local OM team and government officials (refugee centers are often run by the State)
• Able to communicate in English or Polish; Ukrainian or Russian are a great asset
• Committed to serve children, youth and women
• Compassionate, able to listen well and willing to learn more about Psychological First Aid
• In good health, able to work with kids
• Willing to work with a cross-cultural team, determined to connect with people regardless of language barriers
Accommodation
Basic accommodation in a team house (private house, apartment or hostel). Please bring your own towel and sleeping bag. Accommodation options vary from double rooms to large, shared bedrooms (sleeping on beds or mattresses).
Food
Meals at team house are provided (breakfast and a cooked lunch/dinner, snacks).
Travel
Participants need to arrange and cover their travel expense to and from Warsaw.
We recommend a flight to Chopin International Airport (WAW) or Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI).
You will receive further directions from the team leader who will contact you prior to your arrival.
Health
Participants should be healthy and fit, able to work with kids and engage in moderate physical work.
OM Poland recommends that individuals to be fully vaccinated before travelling.
Polish Entry regulation information available on this website: https://www.gov.pl/web/coronavirus/travel.
Visa
Applicants should check if they need to apply for a visa to Poland.
Notes
Language: It is a must that you understand and speak English or Polish. Refugees speak Ukrainian and Russian and English is not very common. Without any knowledge of Slavic languages (Ukrainian, Russian or Polish), you will be able to serve refugees mainly in practical ways.
Kids programs: You will receive program material and props, experience is not essential, but creativity is welcome. You will need a friendly approach and an ability to connect with children and their parents.
Driver’s license and 3+ years of experience driving is an asset. If you’re ready to be a driver (manual), please let us know asap and bring your DL.
Dates: You need to arrive on Sun by noon and leave on Sat. Due to limited accommodation, volunteers arrive on Sundays and depart on Saturdays. If you need to arrive on Saturday or leave on Sunday, let us know, Accommodation in the team house will be possible if there is space. There is a possibility to join the ministry for several weeks or even months and we strongly recommend it, because it helps to establish closer relationships and build on their foundation.
Volunteers are responsible to organize their own emergency medical/travel insurance which is required.
Weather: Please check current temperatures for day and night: https://www.accuweather.com/en/pl/che%C5%82m/264278/weather-forecast/264278 and pack relevant clothing, including potential shifts at night, in the rain or direct sunlight.
Outreach cost does not include airfare to/from Poland, the required emergency medical/travel insurance, any necessary visas or COVID-related testing related to travel to/from Poland.
NOTE: Weekly options available through the end of 2023 at this time. Outreach runs Sunday to Saturday, no exceptions. If you would like to serve longer than one week, please be sure to make note of that on your application. Application and fee deadlines generally run 90 days prior to the start of an outreach. The placement coach will confirm deadlines based on your availability. The outreach cost for one week is approximately $440. Additional weeks cost will confirmed by the placement coach.
Placement Coach will confirm the final outreach cost based on length of stay, upon acceptance to the outreach.