Alexploration: Learning, Volunteering, and Community in Thessaloniki

This Monday, 6 July 2026, I attended one of the most memorable events of my volunteering experience in Thessaloniki: Alexploration. The event took place at the Green Executive Club and focused on the work of volunteers and non-profit organisations, especially in the field of first aid.

What made this event special for me was that it was not only informative, but also very human and inspiring. The presentation was given by people who are actively involved in volunteer-based first aid work. They explained how volunteers can support society in moments of need, how non-profit organisations operate, and why civic engagement is so important in everyday urban life.

During the event, I realised once again that non-governmental organisations have a crucial role in Thessaloniki. They are different from both the public sector and the private sector. They do not exist mainly for profit, and they are not only part of state institutions. Instead, they often work directly with communities, respond to local needs, and create solidarity between people. In this sense, NGOs and volunteer groups are an essential part of a living city.

Alexploration also reminded me that volunteering is not only about “helping others” from a distance. It is also about learning, participating, sharing responsibility, and becoming more aware of the society around us. First aid, for example, is not only a technical skill. It is also a form of care. It teaches us that we may all have a role to play in protecting and supporting each other.

The day was also joyful and intercultural. We had a Spanish participant from Pamplona, and the event took place on the same day as the Santiago Festival. Because of this, the atmosphere became even more special. We danced together, shared traditional beverages from Pamplona, and experienced a small but beautiful cultural exchange. This made the day feel both educational and celebratory.

For me, this combination was very meaningful: learning about first aid and NGOs, while also dancing, sharing traditions, and connecting with people from different backgrounds. It showed me that volunteering is not only made of serious responsibilities, but also of friendship, culture, joy, and human connection.

In the end, Alexploration was a great example of what volunteering in Thessaloniki can offer. It was informative, inspiring, and socially important. It helped me understand more deeply how civil society works and why non-profit organisations matter so much in a city. They create bridges between people, support communities, and remind us that active citizenship is not something abstract. It begins with participation, care, and the willingness to be present for others.