Our team
In Greece, our office works hand in hand with a dedicated, interdisciplinary team of coordinators and international volunteers.
Together, we ensure that our projects are implemented successfully in a professional, sustainable, and adaptable manner, tailored to the ever-changing needs – with the aim of supporting and empowering people during their initial phase of arriving in Europe.
SKILLS FACTORY

Jasper DUIVENSTIJN
Co-Project Manager
SKILLS FACTORY
Focus: Craftsmanship, Departmental Overview and Production
about Jasper
Jasper is a trained carpenter and humanitarian worker with years of hands-on experience. As Project Manager responsible for craftsmanship, he oversees all workshop departments of the SKILLS FACTORY as well as production.
He is no stranger to the project: Jasper was already part of the SKILLS FACTORY as a Coordinator in the past and is therefore deeply familiar with the concept, the community, and the context. His comeback brings renewed energy, structure, and an even deeper understanding of how collaborative skills can empower people.
There is little Jasper cannot make with his hands, and even less he won’t try. His passion for craftsmanship, creative drive, and big heart for people on the move continue to inspire those around him. With Jasper at the helm, the workshops don’t just produce objects - they foster learning, confidence, and connection.

Katharina SCHOLLE
Co-Project Manager
SKILLS FACTORY
Focus: Administration, M&E, Reporting, and Representation
about Katharina
Our youngest member of the coordination team comes from Eastern Germany and is already almost fluent in Arabic (or at least she will soon be, considering her unbeatable language skills).
She has a bachelor's degree in international relations and social sciences and has gained various experiences in the field of humanitarian aid in Greece and Serbia since 2022. She has also been actively involved as a board member and in the management of fundraising projects.
She joined SKILLS FACTORY in 2023 because she strongly believes in the benefits of cultural exchange and sharing skills between people from different countries, while always learning from others. She dedicates herself daily to working with the community, always prioritizing an approach based on mutual respect and eye-to-eye level.
Her structured way of working, her flexibility, her patience coupled with a lot of humor and heart, her great commitment to the work on site and her firm trust that people on the move deserve a safe space to rebuild their lives make her an indispensable part of our team and the perfect person for administration as well as the WASH and Media departments.

Maria GIANNIKOU
Coordinator
SKILLS FACTORY
Volunteer Recruitment, Local Outreach & Art Department
about Maria
Maria’s journey from Athens to abroad and back to her roots in the island of Samos is one defined by a deep-rooted commitment to supporting People On The Move and a relentless pursuit of her passion for art and community empowerment.
Beginning with her first Bachelor’s degree in Renovation and Restoration of Buildings in Patra, Greece, Maria’s academics odyssey led her to The Netherlands, where she pursued another Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Urbanism, and Building Sciences at TU Delft.
Her strong passion for art, her charismatic personality and her desire to help refugees in the CCAC of Samos motivated her to join the great work of the SKILLS FACTORY.
Our Maria never stops: In addition to her role as a full-time passionate mother and manager of her own company, she coordinates the recruitment of volunteers, local public relations as well as the art and printing departments of the SKILLS FACTORY.

Ezedin PETROS
Coordinator
SKILLS FACTORY
Tailor, Barber Department und Community Outreach.
about Ezedin
My name is Ezedin Petros. I am a photographer and videographer from Eritrea with a strong passion for storytelling and capturing meaningful moments.
I specialize in photography, cinematography, and video editing, bringing creativity and attention to detail to every project—from fashion shows and events to short films.
Today, I apply these creative skills in community work, producing visual content that connects people, fosters understanding, and supports spaces where communities can grow.

Mike LOGAN
Coordinator
SKILLS FACTORY
Kitchen Department, WASH-Project & Maintenance
about Mike
Mike joined the SKILLS FACTORY team in August 2025 after working with other grassroots organisations on Samos for over a year.
Originally from New Zealand and with a background in marketing and sales, he decided to transition into humanitarian work when he moved to the island at the end of 2023.
Since then, he has enjoyed working closely with the community, creating welcoming and supportive spaces, and building connections across cultures.
In SKILLS FACTORY, Mike coordinates the Kitchen, WASH, and Maintenance departments.

Kate KNOTT
Project Coordinator
SKILLS Connect

PETER
Volunteer
SKILLS FACTORY
Accounting
PWB - Phones without Borders

Lucile MACÉ
Co-Project Manager
Phones without Borders
Project Administration
(Monitoring & Evaluation, Finances, Fundraising und Marketing)
about Lucile
Originally from France, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law, with a strong interest in international and human rights law, reflecting her commitment to justice and global solidarity. While she initially planned to pursue this path, she gradually realised she wanted to engage more directly in projects with tangible, on-the-ground impact.
She later completed a Master’s degree in Project Management specialised in humanitarian action. Through a work-study program, she collaborated with organisations in France’s social and solidarity economy, developing community-oriented projects focused on collective well-being and environmental sustainability.
While this training provided solid technical and organisational foundations, it also strengthened her desire to work closer to the field and gain first-hand experience.
Since 2023, she has been based in Greece, working with grassroots NGOs supporting people on the move. She contributed to community centres and the distribution of essential non-food items, helping create safe spaces for people in transit. Later, on Samos, she managed a legal project supporting people through their asylum procedures, ensuring access to information and guidance at a critical stage.
Joining Phones Without Borders was a natural step toward a concrete, community-driven initiative. She is glad to contribute her administrative and financial skills to a project that offers practical support while fostering dignity, connection, and mutual learning.

Omar KABRA
Co-Project Manager
Phones without Borders
Workshop Lead
((Responsible for workshops and curriculum, smartphone repair)

PHIL
Remote-Coordination
Phones without Borders
Donation requests, outreach and logistics coordination for Germany.
Board of selfm.aid
All board members of selfm.aid are volunteers.
Without this great support the realization of our projects and the prosperity of the association would not be possible.

Julia MINDER-ALFURANI
President of the Board and Founder
about Julia
Julia is our Founder and Director, a relentless idealist, passionate advocate and unwaveringly committed individual. Her contributions and knowledge are far-reaching and reflect an almost limitless dedication to social welfare and justice.
Her Bachelor of Science in Social Work, advanced training in civil peacebuilding and NGO management, as well as various training in human rights and humanitarian aid, illustrate Julia's academic achievements and her pursuit of excellence and professional expertise. She gained extensive experience in various areas of social work before dedicating her life to working with refugees in Greece and ultimately selfm.aid.
From strategy development and management of the coordination team, to overseeing fundraising activities, construction work and accounting, to her diverse language skills, coupled with her unrivaled knowledge of international law, global politics, asylum procedures and economics, reflect her multifaceted skill set and commitment to making a real, long-lasting difference in the world. Her tireless efforts are the driving force behind the existence, survival, and success of selfm.aid and its projects.

Linda WANKLIN
Member of the Board, Fundraising
about Linda
is a research assistant/doctoral candidate and conducts research on the transfer of collective vocational training systems at the University of St. Gallen. She has gained international professional experience in development cooperation and human rights work at the GIZ in Morocco, at the ILO in Lebanon and in human rights organisations in Israel and India.
Her favourite craft activities include baking and gardening.

Janine KOBI
Member of the Board, Administration
about Janine
I am Janine and I work as a teacher for a 5th/6th grade class. I enjoy working with people and progressing together. I particularly appreciate
creative work and project-based activities.
In my spare time, I like to do sports, relax with a book, spend time with family and friends and explore nature and other countries.
In summer 2024, I had the opportunity to work for 2.5 months at the Skills Factory on Samos. I appreciate the time I’ve spent there very much. I experienced the wonderful impact the Skills Factory has on the well-being of refugees. Together, we cooked, sewed, created, played, talked and laughed!
I am excited to contribute to selfm.aid in my new role as Administrative Manager.

Alexander BRUUN
Member of the Board, IT
about Alexander
Alexander completed his studies in mechanical engineering and now works as a software test engineer at a Swiss company that manufactures system and cable car controls.
In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding, cooking, or having an occasional beer with friends.

Noor QAISER
Member of the Board, Fundraising
about Noor
I was born and raised in Italy, with roots in Morocco, Algeria, and Pakistan - an intersection of cultures that shaped my worldview and gave me a deep appreciation for diversity. Navigating multiple identities has informed both my personal and professional journey.
I hold a BA in Politics and International Relations and an MSc in International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies. While these studies offered theoretical grounding, it’s the real-world experience that shaped my approach.
My journey with selfm.aid began on the ground in Greece, where I spent four months as a Reception Manager with SKILLS FACTORY. Witnessing the power of community-led support and the dignity it brings changed everything. I saw aid not as charity, but as collaboration.
Now, as a board member focused on fundraising, I work to ensure our values - integrity, transparency, and accountability - are reflected in every strategy.
Beyond selfm.aid, I’ve worked with UNICEF on projects related to Accountability to Affected Populations and the localisation of aid. I also authored a publication on shifting power to local actors - an issue I care about deeply.
Fluent in four languages, I’m driven by connection and a belief that humanitarianism must evolve. For me, selfm.aid isn’t just an organisation - it’s the future. And I’m proud to help build it.

Robyn LINDEQUE
Member of the Board, Marketing
about Robyn
"After an education and career in technology in the UK, I began a journey to find a meaningful path that allowed me to engage and support my community around me. This started by volunteering with refugees in my local area of London and led me to spending 5 months at the SKILLS FACTORY, as the Fundraising Officer.
selfm.aid’s philosophy of focusing on the potential and skills of people on the move completely changed the way I viewed not only humanitarian aid, but myself. I had felt that my technology background would limit my career change, but selfm.aid taught me to focus on my potential, not just my past.
As a direct result of my time at selfm.aid, I transformed my life and moved to Lesvos to begin working as the Programmes Manager for Collective Aid Greece. When I first left SKILLS FACTORY, I wanted to shout it from the rooftops ‘This place is totally amazing!’
As the Marketing and Communications board member, I will continue to share this message, using my love for visual design and my passion for selfm.aid."

Uzoma OKWARA
Member of the Board, Finances

Elpida Lou ANDREADI
Member of the Board, Mental Health Support
Founding Members
Our path from idea to reality was long and challenging. Without you this would never have been possible. Thank you for your support, your inspiration and your hard work.

SIMON BADER
Founding member and former managing director of selfm.aid

CHRISTOPH MINDER
Founding member and former accountant of selfm.aid
Partnerships
