Serving War Refugees in Poland
Start
Anytime
See below
Cost
varies
Trip Type
Group Size
Apply By / Duration
Country
Trip Overview
OM in Poland is providing psychosocial support and psychological first aid after trauma experience, supporting mums and children fleeing Ukraine. Running kids clubs, youth ministry, women's and seniors' meetings we are offering comfort, bringing joy and hope and living out Christ's love to those who need it the most.
To get a feeling what it is like, watch the short video:
https://youtu.be/RiTmaHZMoG0 Reaching vulnerable people affected by the war in Ukraine, seeking safety in Poland.
Language: It is a must that you understand and speak English or Polish. If you doubt your capability to communicate in English or Polish, please ask your home office for more information. Refugees speak Ukrainian and/or Russian, English is not very common. Without any knowledge of Slavic languages, you will be able to serve refugees mainly in practical ways.
Kids programs: It is prepared together by the team, experience is not essential, but creativity is welcome. Materials are provided. 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 3pm 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, accomodation in the team house will be possible if there is space. Please, send us your travel itinerary asap.
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 personal insurance.
Weather: Please check current temperatures for day and night: https://www.accuweather.com/en/pl/che%C5%82m/264278/weather-forecast/26… and pack relevant clothing. The cost includes accommodation, meals, and ministry transport. Costs of flights, visas, and medical/travel insurance are not included.
What To Expect
Participants will run kids & youth programs, as well as women’s and seniors' meetings at refugee centers:
- psychosocial support
- community building
- Bible stories
- English lessons
- sports, crafts, music, art
They can also be involved in aid distribution and warehouse logistics at resource centers.
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 or provide information to prevent human trafficking and other security threats.
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.
Current activities are focused around Warsaw area which received over 400 000 refugees.
Due to the fact that we’re working in a humanitarian disaster situation, the scope and location of ministry may need to be adjusted without prior notification.
Participant Profile
Age Range: 15-65
Participants 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
- Able to communicate in English or Polish; Ukrainian or Russian are a great asset;
- Committed to serve children, youth, women and elderly people;
- 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
Minors are welcome only with a group leader they are known to/parent and need to be mature and able to handle interactions with refugees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be accommodation provided?
Basic accommodation in a team house located in Warsaw. Please bring your own towel. Bedding is provided. Expect simple beds, shared rooms (2-4 people) and shared bathrooms.
Will there be food provided?
Food at team house is provided and included (breakfast and a cooked lunch/dinner, snacks).
Do I need to make my own travel arrangements?
Participants need to arrange and cover their travel expense to and from the Team House in Warsaw.
We recommend a flight to Chopin International Airport (WAW) or Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI).
You will receive further directions in the Info for participants, incl. precise address and phone numbers.
What should my health condition be like?
Participants should be healthy and fit, able to work with kids and engage in moderate physical work.
Polish Entry regulation information available on this website: https://www.gov.pl/web/coronavirus/travel
Do I need a visa?
Applicants should check if they need to apply for a visa to Poland.
Apply Now
Ask a Question
Your Local Office
Operation Mobilisation, The Quinta, Weston Rhyn, OSWESTRY, SY10 7LT, Shropshire, GB
Registered as a limited company by guarantee no. 2564320 and charity no.1008196 (England and Wales).
General enquiries: www.uk.om.org/contact-us
Short-term mission opportunities: shortterm.uk@om.org
01691 773388