Meet the Team
Kai
Volunteer coordination,
member of the board
Hamburg
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
My role is to respond to all volunteer applications and queries from sign-up through to their arrival on-site and beyond. I have been doing this since the foundation of our organisation in 2016.
What is Medical Volunteers International story?
I first became involved in the refugee crisis in September 2015, when refugees arrived in Hamburg at a facility near to my work. Nearly everyday I would go to help with packing supplies and with transport logistics.
In April 2016 I read that a NGO in Hamburg was looking for a driver to go from Hamburg to Thessaloniki with medical supplies, clothes and other essentials, so I put up my hand! I was the driver, along with another volunteer. Once we arrived and dropped off the supplies, I started working alongside a German doctor, as his assistant in Idomeni, organising supplies for the patients. It was whilst working here that the need for primary medical care became so apparent to me but nobody was offering it. So I started developing what was very soon to become Medical Volunteers.
Back in Hamburg, I found some others and we bought a yellow ambulance, started up a Facebook page and soon started to receive donations and volunteers.
In July 2016, another volunteer, Andreas, and I drove the yellow ambulance loaded with medical supplies to Thessaloniki. A few weeks later that the first volunteers started arriving! It wasn’t long before we were offering treatment to up to 250 refugees per day on the side of the road. We started offering our services at the Vagiochori camp too.
One year later, we have grown further and work in three locations in Greece – Athens, Thessaloniki and Lesvos. Now we not only offer medical care in the camps, but also in clinics, squat houses and even car parks!
Going to watch the soccer is my last hobby that has survived Medical Volunteers International!
Benjamin
Chairman
Hamburg
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I am the chairman and am mainly responsible for the fundraising activities for the organisation. Together with Till and Kai, I manage the work of Medical Volunteers International from Hamburg and represent the interests of the organisation.
What is Medical Volunteers International story?
I met Kai Wittstock in Hamburg. I was very touched by the project and I was actively searching for friends to support it. That’s how Medical Volunteers International was founded. Our goal is to create a network of people who are committed to the cause.
Till
Member of the board
Hamburg
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
As one of the four vice-chairmen, I coordinate public relations and, together with the other board members, plan and organise the structures in Greece from Hamburg.
What is Medical Volunteers International story?
As a full-time photographer, I was asked by Benjamin in the summer of 2018 if I could imagine doing a photo story about the work of the volunteers in Greece. I was immediately enthusiastic about the idea and was able to take 10 days off to visit all three locations, Thessaloniki, Athens and Lesvos. I witnessed the impressive work of the volunteers with the camera. The experience and contacts made me feel so strongly connected to the cause that I decided to work in the organization back in Hamburg long-term beyond the photo story.
Alongside my profession as a photographer, I spend my time either with my wife and my dog, on a road bike, cooking vegan food, at punk or hip-hop concerts or in the stadium of Magic FC.
Our Coordinators
Our small team ensures that MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS INTERNATIONAL can continue to deliver life saving measures to disadvantaged people. The board is based in Hamburg, and works closely with our local coordinators on-site.
Paula
Project Coordinator
Athens
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I’m the project coordinator in Athens, trying to make everything work smoothly.
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
While volunteering with another NGO in Athens, I was sharing the flat with some volunteers of MVI. Our daily talks about our work brought me closer to their area and increased my interest as MVI volunteers are the first contact with the people arriving from different places. MVI volunteers are taking care of those poeple providing them health and ensuring that each of them feels they’re attended in their needs. Considering that, in most of the cases, the people who arrive have no access to health care, the work of MVI is playing an important role, making this connection to healthcare services possible.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
It’s difficult to choose just one impactful experience amongst all of which.
Everyday you get to know people who are in a very hard situation but are showing their best actitude and strength, which keeps me learning about the resilience of human being and keeps me fighting, day by day.
One fact that never stops surprising me is the big lack of the system to help these people, some NGOs are covering their needs but the system is not proposing any solution for the plenty of daily cases.
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
I enjoy traveling, getting to know other places, enjoying time with my friends, cooking and reading.
Tyra
Field Coordinator Lesvos
Sweden
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
Part of the MVI coordination team as Field and Medical coordinator on Lesvos.
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
I first learned about the MVI clinic in One happy Family center after volunteering as a nurse inside Moria Camp for a different NGO in 2019. I remember patients talking very fondly about OHF and the clinic there. The pressure on healthcare providers inside Moria is huge with very little time for each patient as a result. The constant noise and stressful environment inside the camp makes it very hard to provide a feeling of a safe environment for the patients. The setting of the MVI clinic allows the patient to feel safe, heard and seen in a way that is very hard to make possible in the camp. As a nurse I am very happy and proud to be able to be a part of the MVI medical team. I want to do my best to make sure that each and every patient visiting the MVI clinic feels welcomed, respected and heard.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
In my job, every day I meet people/patients in very difficult situations. Their strength, stamina and belief in a bright future never ceases to amaze me.
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
When not working for MVI I like to relax by enjoying a good meal with friends.
Rose
Coordinator
Thessaloniki
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I am Rose, a nurse from Schleswig in Northern Germany and I’ve been in Thessaloniki/Greece 8 times already.
What is Medical Volunteers International story?
After my first deployment in January 2017, it was clear to me that I would come back. The medical support on the ground with mainly homeless refugees, and also Greeks could not be more meaningful. At the end of an exhausting day the gratitude of the beneficiaries and a smile on their faces is the best reward.
Get involved, it’s worth it!
Dana
Project Coordinator
Thessaloniki
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
Project Coordinator in Thessaloniki.
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
In 2018 I heard about the work of MVI on a conference in Berlin and joined the team in October 2018 for the first time. Since then I spent as much time as possible working with MVI in Thessaloiniki.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
I am very impressed how much help can be given by the amazing MVI Team, although the situation in Greece is very difficult and especially in Thessaloniki changing all the time. The smile and the confidence of our patients, leaving Filia, because they feel safe for a moment, being accepted and well treated.
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
I like being in the nature, spending time with friends or reading a book.
Frank
Logistics Coordinator
Thessaloniki
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
Logistics Coordinator in Thessaloniki.
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
Two and a half years before I worked with the kitchen Philoxenia (now WAVE) and got to know MVI. Later during my time in Thessaloniki I decided to support MVI.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
The thankfulness of the patients and the philosophy of MVI.
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
I love the nature, crafting and discovering the world.
Eleni
Team Coordinator
MVI Lesvos
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
My role will be coordinating the project “Medical Volunteers for Greece in Lesvos”.
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
I first heard about Medical Volunteers International from a current employee of MVI, during one of my visits in Lesvos. A few days later I heard about the opportunity of the coordinator and I expressed my interest straight away. I was looking for quite a while to find a volunteering opportunity where I could apply my skills while at the same time feel like I am contributing to something greater. After spending years working in corporations, this coordinator role felt like the perfect opportunity to do something more fulfilling with greater impact in the community.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
I have not started my role yet, but I am really looking forward to meet the team, get hands on in the field and use my skills and experience for the benefit of the organization.
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
In my spare time I bake a lot, I go on hikes with my cat, I meet my friends and do lots of series binge-watching!
Roja
Coordinator Mental Health Programme Adults
MVI Lesvos
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
Project coordination for the mental health & psychosocial project for adults
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
Having already been a volunteer in Lesvos in 2016, I returned last year and wanted to get involved in a project with my profession. I became aware of the mental health clinic of MVI and I work as a clinical psychologist in the project since December 2020.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
I am particularly impressed by the strength of our interpreters and the people who come to our project. In a system that causes, increases and chronifies mental health concerns, people find resources and show tremendous resilience.
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
In my free time I like to visit Greek restaurants and spend time with friends in nature.
Paolo
Coordinator Mental Health Programme for Children & Youth
MVI Lesvos
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I’m coordinating the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support project for children, teenagers and their parents. The team – which is the core of the project! – is mainly composed of members of the asylum seeker and refugee community supported and trained by mental health professionals.
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
The first time I heard about Medical Volunteers International was in 2018, when I came to Lesvos to volunteer at One Happy Family Community Center. After several experiences as a short and long term volunteer, I decided to get involved with MVI to try and support the people from the asylum seeker and refugee community who are daily struggling with coping with the dire conditions they are forced to live in. As a psychologist, it came naturally to me to think of bringing professional skills into the MHPSS project.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
Even though I took over the project coordination quite recently, I’ve seen many children improving their mental situation thanks to the support we provide them and their parents with. Every time some of them approach the team saying that things are getting even just a bit better, we realise we are having an impact. Indeed, recently one parent came to us to say that his son stopped bedwetting and having sleep problems, symptoms which appeared after some stressful and traumatic experiences they´ve been through.
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
I do believe that taking care of ourselves is fundamental when volunteering or working in a humanitarian context like Lesvos. I love the island and I spend my free time exploring its nature, villages, tavernas and old kafeneio (cafe’). Lesvos is so rich in culture and traditions!
Our Team in Hamburg
Our small team ensures that MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS INTERNATIONAL can continue to deliver life saving measures to disadvantaged people. The team in Hamburg is supporting the board, and works closely with our local coordinators on-site.
Kai
Volunteer coordination,
member of the board
Hamburg
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
My role is to respond to all volunteer applications and queries from sign-up through to their arrival on-site and beyond. I have been doing this since the foundation of our organisation in 2016.
What is Medical Volunteers International story?
I first became involved in the refugee crisis in September 2015, when refugees arrived in Hamburg at a facility near to my work. Nearly everyday I would go to help with packing supplies and with transport logistics.
In April 2016 I read that a NGO in Hamburg was looking for a driver to go from Hamburg to Thessaloniki with medical supplies, clothes and other essentials, so I put up my hand! I was the driver, along with another volunteer. Once we arrived and dropped off the supplies, I started working alongside a German doctor, as his assistant in Idomeni, organising supplies for the patients. It was whilst working here that the need for primary medical care became so apparent to me but nobody was offering it. So I started developing what was very soon to become Medical Volunteers.
Back in Hamburg, I found some others and we bought a yellow ambulance, started up a Facebook page and soon started to receive donations and volunteers.
In July 2016, another volunteer, Andreas, and I drove the yellow ambulance loaded with medical supplies to Thessaloniki. A few weeks later that the first volunteers started arriving! It wasn’t long before we were offering treatment to up to 250 refugees per day on the side of the road. We started offering our services at the Vagiochori camp too.
One year later, we have grown further and work in three locations in Greece – Athens, Thessaloniki and Lesvos. Now we not only offer medical care in the camps, but also in clinics, squat houses and even car parks!
Going to watch the soccer is my last hobby that has survived Medical Volunteers International!
Zahra
Team Coordinator
Hamburg
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I support the volunteer coordination team and will be the one answering any of applications.
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
For the first time I’ve heard of MVI from one of my Greek friends. She informed me what MVI makes
possible; for example, the chance of supporting doctors and nurses while you are a medical student.
It is a great possibility to make new experiences and help the people in need.
As a child I always wanted to become a doctor and work for the MSF but now I am determined that I
don’t need to have a doctor’s qualification to help the people with the refugee background. I can
help them today and make their lives easier.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
It is very impressive to see that so many people from all over the world have the passion to help the
people.
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
I love to travel with my friends and to learn about other cultures. I also do sports and read books in
my free time.
Verena
Communication
Hamburg
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I´m taking care about everything that relates to communication, but I also support on coordinating volunteers and wherever else help is required.
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
I was sitting in a coffee shop when Kai, the founder of MVI, was talking enthusiastically to an MVI volunteer next to me. His enthusiasm was (and still is) infectious, I had to ask them whether they need my support.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
I´m impressed to see how much humanitarian commitment is out there in this world. And it´s an honor to work with people having such great personalities.
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
When being off-MVI-line I´m meeting friends and try to simply enjoy life.
Madlen
Quality Management
Hamburg
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I support the team in Hamburg in terms of fundraising and manage the feedback process with volunteers. In addition I´m now establishing a quality management system within the organization.
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
By the end of 2018 I wanted to support an NGO by using my medical skills. MVI was mentioned to me by a friend of mine and shortly after I submitted my application I met with Kai. Three weeks after talking to Kai I found myself in Lesvos and I was coordinating the team there for two months.
In March 2019 I started my work on fundraising and feedback. Since March 2020 I´m also working on quality management issues.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
It´s the fact that so many volunteers from all over the world make their way to Greece (sometimes from very distant places) in order to help people in need – this keeps my faith in humankind alive.
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
I like watching tennis and athletics, I support a local NGO providing services to homeless people, I organize queer karaoke events and believe it or not: sometimes I even manage myself to do some sports.
Britta
Team Coordinator
Hamburg
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I support the volunteer coordination team and will be the one answering any of the applications.
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
After finishing my A-Levels I did not want to start university immediatly so I looked for a free spot where I could apply for a federal voluntary service. When I found MVI´s ad on the website of the Federal Voluntary Service I knew that I want to work for MVI.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
How committed and helpful our volunteers are. After the fire in camp Moria a lot of our former volunteers messaged us and wanted to fly to Lesvos spontaneously.
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
I read a lot. Additionally to that I do sports several times a week.
Lea
Communication & Fundraising
Hamburg
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I am part of the fundraising team.
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
I have heard of MVI from a friend and was enthusiastic about the idea immediately. I volunteered as a nurse in Thessaloniki at the beginning of this year and decided to keep working for MVI after coming back to Germany. Now, I am happy to be part of the fundraising team.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
I was really impressed by the gratitude, hope and strength shown by the refugees. Working in Thessaloniki has shown me how important it is to support the MVI team.
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
I have been studying medicine since last year and have a part-time job at an intensive care ward. When not working for MVI or in the hospital I love to spend time in nature or by the sea. I love to meet friends and I really like to bake.
Michael
Fundraising
Berlin
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I am part of the fundraising team within MVI and to coordinate the cooperation with foundations and companies. I am doing the research for matching organizations and write applications and forms to reach out for cooperations.
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
Benjamin Holm introduced me to MVI an I was thrilled from minute one, because immediately felt the engagement and passion of the volunteers. The commitment of the volunteers is impressive and I am happy to contribute my part
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
I was impressed by the stories of the beginning of the volunteer work in Greece, which Kai Wittstock, one of the founders of MVI told me. These stories showed me what is possible, when people simply take action.
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
I like to travel, mostly in central and eastern Europe, jogging, reading good books and spend time with my kids.
Jannes
Press & Public relations
Hamburg
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
Being MVI´s spokesperson I´m responsible for sending out press material to different types of media, I´m answering incoming requests and managing the relationships with all our nice an interesting media partners.
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
You invited me to an italian restaurant, I told you about all my brilliant skills, we paid and I became MVI´s spokesperson. So far so good. But to be honest: it´s a great honor and a daily pleasure for me to support MVI.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
I think each single one would need to mentioned here. But I strongly hope that one day our work will no longer be required.
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
There are two other non-profit organisations that I take care of: one of them supporting Hamburg based projects and the other one advocating for the protection of species worldwide. On business I´m managing the communication of sustainable brands. I also play basketball during daytimes and turn into a DJ in my favorite metalbar during the night.
Jasmin
Communication
Munich
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I support MVI in everything that is connected with social media and communication.
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
Maria Fix brought me to MVI. She was a nurse and coordinator on Lesvos for a while and was the inspiration for me to become more involved in refugee aid. I was eager to do voluntary work in this area and fortunately an opportunity quickly arose.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
Even though I haven’t been around for long: when you are in contact with the teams on site, you become much, much more aware of how privileged your own life is. Not only in things like going to the supermarket or getting clean water from the tap but having a permanent home that you don’t have to worry about.
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
From a job perspective, I work full-time for an international agency.
In my private life there is no fixed rule but something that involves cooking, painting, photographing, rearranging my flat (weekly), reading a good book and stalking pages of animal rescue pages – until I can adopt a dog myself.
Tina
Design
Augsburg
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
As a freelance communication designer I support the design process for all upcoming graphic matters.
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
I had heard of MVI from a friend. For a while I was looking for an NGO not only to do something good, but also to gain more experience through a wide area of responsibilities and a team that’s fun working with. Right after we had our first call, I knew immediately that I will find that here.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
Through our calls with the volunteers on-site I came in direct contact with their everyday stories which were usually on step away from me. To hear firsthand what they’re dealing with everyday and how much work and effort they put into it is very impressive to me.
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
Alongside my profession I am supporting the local animal welfare association as a foster home and in graphic matters. I get a clear creative head having a long (sometimes very long ;-)) walk in the forest with my dog Linda. On weekends you can find me cooking with my friends or at flea markets, always on the lookout for little well-designed treasures.
Mara
Psychological Support
Hamburg
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I offer psychological support for all volunteers during their mission, because even helpers need help once in a while. Sometimes the stories of the refugees and the situation in the camps can be overwhelming. Then it is helpful to have someone to talk about it and to find a way to deal with the experience together.
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
I already knew Benjamin and Kai through my work at „Hamburger mit Herz“. That’s how I found out about the project and wanted to contribute here as well.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
I am very impressed by those many volunteers who selflessly donate their time and knowledge to people in need. Even if they sometimes reach their limits, they seem to feel the need to keep going. That’s just great!
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
I really love cooking (and eating) and always try new dishes from other countries. I´m also incredibly keen on diving and try to do it as often as possible.
Katharina
HR & Organisationsentwicklung
Hamburg
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I support MVI in the areas of Human Resource & Organizational Development.
How did you first hear about Medical Volunteers International and why did you decide to get involved?
I read about MVI online and the topic of medical aid for refugees immediately excited me. I immediately wrote an email and offered my support. The fact that I can combine my professional expertise with voluntary work is a great feeling for me.
What has been your most impactful experience working with Medical Volunteers International?
To feel the passion of the people who are on the road for MVI. People have so much strength and great ideas when they can work for something good – that’s impressive!
When not working for Medical Volunteers International, what do you like to spend your time doing?
I enjoy my free time with my family and people close to me and try to spend as much time as possible with things I enjoy e.g. art & culture and my small garden.
Regional representatives
In different cities in Germany we have regional representatives, who help to acquire donations of money and goods. They are also a contact person for voluteers and everyone who is interested.
Alexandra
MVI regional representative München
What is your role within Medical Volunteers International?
I am organizing Donations of money and goods, which I sometimes bring directly to the volunteers on the field in Greece.
Helping is so easy and it enriches you so much. So in this spirit: Do what you can, with the resources you have, where ever you are.
What is Medical Volunteers International story?
Am a doctor helper from Munich with the specialization in wound management and since 2017 I work recurrently in Greece as a volunteer.
Getting to know people from all over the world is so awesome. And it is possible to do so within MVI. Great contact with volunteers from all over the world, who donate their time, to help people from other countries, who are in desperate need of medical treatment.
The interplay of help performance and neediness gets a very special quality here at MVI. At the end of the day, you can feel fulfillment from the appreciation and gratitude. You can be happy to have done something meaningful.
Donors and partners
It would not be possible for our volunteers in Greece and Bosnia to do what they do without the wonderful support and help of great partner organisations and generous donors. Whether it is collecting and transporting donations in kind for our work on the ground, providing space for our clinics, actual cooperation on individual projects or financial support in the form of a grant – we would like to say THANK YOU for the great and long-term support we receive time and time again.
Make a difference with your donation!
Donate now!
Why donate? We rely on donations to buy medical equipment, disposables and medication. We keep our overhead costs to the absolute minimum. With your support we are able to provide primary health care to displaced people where no one else does. Approximately 50% of our patients are unregistered refugees and are not eligible for local health services. This is why our work is so important!
Donations Account
Medical Volunteers International e.V.
IBAN DE08430609672076077900
BIC GENODEM1GLS
GLS BANK
Donations via Paypal
please use the Tool of the GLS bank and leave your emailadress there!
We are happy about every donation that helps us fulfil our lawful purpose, namely helping people in need! If you make a donation intended for a specific project or for one of our locations, we will make every effort to use it for that purpose.
If this is not possible, your donation will be used for other projects or locations that are also in need of funding.
The easiest way to help us is with a so-called “general” donation, i.e. a donation that does not have a specific purpose. To do this, you can simply state the keyword “worldwide aid” when making your donation.