Volunteer stories: Sarah

My name is Sarah. I live in Germany and I’ve just returned from three weeks volunteering with Care4Calais.

 

When I went there, I was expecting the refugees I met to be people in need. Instead I met the bravest, strongest and most impressive people you can ever imagine.

 

My reasons for volunteering in Calais this summer were many, but they come down to one simple fact: it is nothing but a coincidence where, and under which circumstances, someone is born. And since the European Union is failing completely in regard to the interaction with refugees, I felt it was my duty to stand at the refugees’ side and show solidarity.

 

But I found there is a world of difference between knowing about the refugees’ situation here in Calais, and then seeing it with your own eyes, and listening to the stories the refugees tell you about their journey.

 

Once you’ve got to know some of the people living there, it’s really hard to go back to your normal life. That’s why I changed my plans in order to extend my stay in Calais for a few more days. To be honest, I wish I could have stayed forever!

 

I’m so grateful for everything I’ve learnt in Calais – no book or documentary could ever teach you what I have learnt. I am also very thankful for all the great, lovely and inspiring people I’ve got to know – the refugees as well as the other volunteers.

 

So many strong people who risk their life on dangerous routes due to the lack of safe passages to achieve what should be a given right for everybody.

 

So many wholeheartedly committed people who are not willing to accept the injustices of the world.

 

It’s the people I’ve met while volunteering with Care4Calais who made this experience unforgettable; and they’re definitely the main reason I will be returning as soon as possible.

 

Sarah, Care4Calais volunteer, Calais

 

We urgently need more volunteers like Sarah to help refugees and asylum seekers. Please get in touch with us here