Current projects
BAAS stands for humanity. We stand for the rights of people on the move. Our different projects aim to directly target the needs, experiences, fears and hopes people on the move encounter and bring awareness to their realities to European society. Our Community Centre in Northern Greece contributes everyday to make a change for people being held in limbo in the external borders of Europe.
Community Center
Ioannina, Greece
Located in a country that is often the first point of entry for displaced people into Europe, our Community Centre in Ioannina, Greece has become a place of respite for displaced people. The Centre is a place where all are welcome, and it has quickly become a rest place for people on the move and asylum seekers coming in from nearby camps. Ioannina’s surroundings host 3 refugee camps, so is a perfect spot for BAAS to drive a huge impact and provide to people’s needs. Providing warm drinks, showers, rest spots, free clothes, free wifi, washing facilities, social activities and more, our centre plays a pivotal role in providing essential support to people on the move and the community.
The center is a meeting place for refugees and asylum seekers in Ioannina, people living in the nearby refugee camps, and the local population. At this spacious center we offer diverse services such as access to legal advice, English and German courses, computer lessons, a free clothes and food shop and, above all, many social and creative activities. With this new project, BAAS wants create a safe space for people on the move to, on the one side cover their basic needs but also additionally offer activities related to their learning and well-being. It is a space of exchange, intercultural encounters and shared experiences. Our work is informed by the core values of showing people on the move the dignity and respect that every human being deserves.
The offer will be adapted and expanded in the coming months depending on the needs articulated by the community.
Sonnenhaus
Bern, Switzerland
Every Saturday from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m., clothes and everyday items are collected at the Sonnenhaus for people on the move. Donated clothes are sorted according to size and seasonality. Transport is organised from the Sonnenhaus to take items to Ioannina, Greece. This means that suitable items can be brought directly to the people who need them. REFY organises the transport to the areas where the donations are urgently needed and used.
If you want to bring us something, it is best to use the entrance of the hostel and then follow the signs to the basement. We are happy about all donations in kind and are always looking for helping hands. Join our Whatsapp group via the link.
#notentwaste
Switzerland
Since 2018, BAAS has been collecting tents, sleeping bags and rubbish at Swiss open air festivals such as the Gurtenfestival, Openair Lumnezia, Royal Arena Festival and Openair Gampel. During the festival, volunteers raise awareness among visitors about littering and people on the move. We rely on our motto “hei näh oder üs gä”.
The aim is to motivate people to leave their campsites clean and to take the camping materials they bought for the festival back home and use them again next year. Alternatively, BAAS offers them the opportunity to hand in the items for a good cause at the information stand. The collected tents, sleeping bags and mats will be dried after the festival, packed up and then sent directly to people in need all over Europe.
BAAS took the initiative for #notentwaste together with Kune Aid, Verein Fair, Refy and Stand up for Refugees. We are looking forward to #notentwaste taking place again in 2023.
Awareness raising in schools
Switzerland
It is important to raise awareness in Europe on the realities of people on the move. This is why BAAS takes to schools in Switzerland to talk about the needs of people on the move By visiting classes, we discuss common experiences with students and propose ways to take action and make change.
At these presentations, we show the impact of civil society engagement and draw attention to the fact that young people can actively shape the challenges facing society. BAAS believes that a peaceful society characterised by respect and sharing can be achieved – focusing on the Backdrop of Europe and the treatment of refugees and asylum seekers in recent years.
Raising awareness
Switzerland
We showcase our work and raise awareness at various events such as music festivals, cultural events, flea markets and the Grand Prix Bern. BAAS shows the realities people on the move encounter at the European Borders. Members of the team and former volunteers talk about their experiences with BAAS and exchange ideas with visitors. Enabling us to show the community the ever-present situation and raise funds for active projects.
