“I want to continue to exist in the world”

On a quiet street in Amsterdam East, tucked away next to a green playground, lies a gem where the whole world comes together: the Wereldwinkel (World Shop) of Vereniging Aaneen. Here, it’s not just about fair-trade products, but above all about people. Like Saskia (52), who, with a cup of tea and an open heart, turns the shop into a meeting place where no one leaves empty-handed—literally and figuratively. What brought her here? Why does she call Clitoria tea her favorite drink? And what exactly does she mean when she says, “I want to continue to exist in the world” ? 

An acquaintance invited me to come over for a cup of tea. Before you know it, you’re a volunteer yourself. I’m so happy about that. Otherwise, you just sit in a corner of your house watching TV. That’s so boring. I want to stay involved in the world. I now also have a job working in the mailroom at the hospital three days a week. One day I work here and one day I’m free. It’s perfect for me. It also ties in nicely with my training as a receptionist.

Clitoria tea

My most important job is to offer others a warm, welcoming space. I make a cup of tea and chat with guests. We have all kinds of organic herbal teas from a farm in Suriname. My favorite is Clitoria tea. It’s blue tea, and five small flowers are enough. In the garden, the flowers even resemble a clitoris, haha. And it’s good for the immunity of the female reproductive organs.

Eating together

All sales in the shop support the Aaneen Association’s relief centers. This means you support projects against poverty and HIV, for example. Five volunteers work in this fair trade shop. Food is available twice a week. You can pick up food, or you can stay and eat at the long table in the center of the shop. “It’s so cozy,” says Saskia. “You can also learn Sranatongo here. That’s the original Surinamese language. Very useful for people going to Suriname for work or study.”

Keti Koti and Kwakoe

The best part of volunteering is participating in events. For example, we have a table at events like Keti Koti and Kwakoe. We also promote our world shop with our products. It’s really rewarding for me. I’m glad I can make a contribution through my volunteer work. I also once had a really good connection with an intern who felt supported by me. I was proud that, with my help, he managed to complete his training.

No one leaves empty-handed

After the interview, Saskia gives me a paper bag of tea. “Because no one leaves here empty-handed,” Saskia says with a broad smile. When I ask which tea it is, I’m told it’s blue Clitoria tea. I’m very curious to see what the effect will be.

Also looking for volunteer work?

We’re happy to help you get started! There’s always volunteer work to suit your interests and lifestyle. At twenty locations in Amsterdam, you can schedule  a personal consultation with free, personalized advice . Prefer to search yourself? Our  online job board lists over 1,000 volunteer openings . You can easily filter by your preferences and respond directly to a call from a community organization.

Interview: Thecla Groot Koerkamp
Photos: Kitty de Jong