Nea Kavala refugee camp
Nea Kavala refugee camp is located in Northern Greece. The camp was originally built on the airstrip of a former military airport, but has since been rebuilt in close proximity to the previous site.
Camp residents have arrived in Greece over the mainland border or have been relocated from apartments, where they have been staying, under the ESTIA project.The camp residents are either asylum seekers (with many of them waiting for their asylum application to be processed for long periods) or recognized refugees; it should be mentioned that since only the asylum seekers receive cash and food assistance, A Drop in the Ocean supports the rest of the camp’s population with food and Non-food items (such as diapers and sanitary pads). The geographical location of the camp makes it prone to strong winds and cold temperatures. Furthermore, the remoteness of the camp adds to the already challenging situation the residents face.
All residents live in Isobox containers consisting of two small rooms, a small kitchenette, and a bathroom. All containers are equipped with AC/heating.
Library, Nea Kavala 
What does A Drop in the Ocean do in Nea Kavala?
A Drop in the Ocean distributes necessary items and organises various activities for Nea Kavala’s residents. In the heart of the camp lies our Drop Centres, Here, residents can attend various activities or meet for a cup of tea and a chat. Visitors can find a much-needed sense of normality and community through shared positive experiences of learning and empowerment.
A Drop in the Ocean has a team on the ground consisting of experienced coordinators, international and community volunteer field workers. One of the most significant achievements of A Drop in the Ocean is the establishment of a strong engagement with the community volunteers, which is a strong commitment resistant to time and any other difficulties.
Our programme activities:
1. Community Empowerment Mobilisation & Non-formal Education
A Drop in the Ocean runs inside the camp a Drop Centre; a warm and safe space where we organise Non-formal Education and recreational activities. Our main goal is to empower people and to provide them with a space equipped with tools and materials to be able to study, train, develop, express their creativity, socialise and relax.
Among the different activities and projects our team supports are:
- Tailoring
- Art class
- Sports Activities
- Women’s space
- Study space
- Youth Club
- Kids’ Club
- Language classes
2. Integration Support
- InfoHub
At our Drop Centre, we run an InfoHub where camp residents can find information about accommodation, transportation, and other asylum procedures required to live and work in Greece. We also assist residents in finding work, creating CVs and cover letters, and prepare for job interviews.
3. Humanitarian Aid
- Distributions
Our field workers distribute food, clothes, and other essential items. On a monthly basis, we make food packs containing vegetables and/or dry food, distribute newborn baby packs, and diapers for children under three years. We also arrange for larger seasonal distributions of clothes.
Due to the situation of Covid-19, changes to the activities might occur. We always ensure infection prevention by following various infection control measures, in accordance with the guidelines of the Greek authorities.
