Amsterdam helps asylum seekers find (volunteer) work!

On November 21, an article appeared in the Parool newspaper titled: “Amsterdam to Help Asylum Seekers Find Jobs Faster; Good for Integration and Earning the City Money.” The City of Amsterdam is launching a pilot program to help hundreds of asylum seekers find (volunteer) work by 2025. We at the Amsterdam Volunteer Center can only applaud this initiative.  

It yields a lot

Engaging newcomers as volunteers isn’t easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding! Since 2017, the Amsterdam Volunteer Center has been actively involved in engaging newcomers as volunteers in the city. More than 1,000 newcomers have volunteered through VCA since then. Besides our mediation services, we’ve also done numerous other things as part of these projects. We’ve provided information sessions to the target group, advised and trained volunteer organizations, connected Amsterdammers with organizations that support newcomers, and are active in the Language Network.

Seven out of ten at work

For several years now, VCA has been committed to finding suitable volunteer opportunities for newcomers, places where they can practice the language, build a network, and develop their talents. Volunteer organizations are eager to utilize their experience, skills, and talents. Seven out of ten newcomers who register with us become volunteers. They report that as a result, they speak Dutch better, have expanded their social network, have learned social skills, and are better prepared for paid employment. We see the greatest impact on psychological well-being. All these people contribute by cooking for the homeless, helping in the community garden, becoming friends with lonely Amsterdammers, going for walks with residents of care facilities, and so much more.

Intensive approach

We hold weekly consultations at the Willinklaan asylum seekers’ center and will soon begin placing people staying at the Galaxy boat in West. We are pleased that even more will be invested in this target group. Placing newcomers requires an intensive approach: involving experienced professionals, providing information sessions, often multiple conversations, and training and advising organizations on working with this group. We also hope that resources will be made available for transport and commuting, as this often proves to be a major bottleneck for these people. How do you get to your (volunteer) work if you can’t afford the bus and don’t have a bicycle, or can’t even ride one?

Places wanted!

We’re happy to provide volunteer organizations with the attention and support they need in this area. This requires time, money, and a sound volunteer policy. VCA is constantly looking for new, engaging volunteer opportunities where these newcomers can make themselves useful and develop. Join us! Contact us!