Booch is a volunteer at HvdW Buitenveldert “Happy when I can make others happy”

Booch has been working as a volunteer behind the bar at the Community Center Buitenveldert for 7 years, where visitors can enjoy his delicious Latte Macchiato.

Who are you and what do you do in your daily life?My name is Booch Sawri and I am 67 years old. I am retired now. I worked as a janitor at a school for 25 years, and a long time ago I had a job as a photographer. I was born in Morocco, Casablanca. I came to the Netherlands 43 years ago and I am happily married to my Surinamese wife. We live in Amstelveen and have two sons and four grandchildren. For the past seven years, I have been volunteering behind the bar at the Community Center in Buitenveldert. This is my second volunteer job. Before this, I volunteered as a cook for the elderly at a neighborhood farm in Amstelveen (De Meent).This is a non-translatable content.What makes you happy?I am happy when I can make others happy.This is a non-translatable text, so it remains the same in English.What is your motivation for doing volunteer work at Huis van de Wijk Buitenveldert?When I retired, an acquaintance asked if I was interested in doing volunteer work. They were looking for people to work behind the bar at the Community Center Buitenveldert. When I saw that the visitors were elderly, vulnerable residents of the neighborhood, I immediately became enthusiastic. I knew right away that I would want to stay at this place for a long time. This place touched me immediately.No content to translate.What do you like most about it?The most enjoyable and beautiful thing for me is working with elderly people. 90% of all visitors are elderly residents from the neighborhood. I can give them what they really need: attention! I have two morning shifts on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, and Monday evenings during the friendly bridge club.This is a non-translatable content.What does it bring you?I get a lot of energy from empowering older visitors. It makes me happy to see and feel that our visitors feel comfortable here. And that I can contribute to that. I feel socially useful. I invite other neighbors to volunteer. Especially retired people who have more time. Social commitment brings energy and meaning. We would like to have more younger volunteers, but they are too busy with their lives.What is the most beautiful or important lesson you have learned in your life?I have learned from my parents that we should be kind and helpful to each other. Respecting people to be respected. That gives enormous strength. This is my wealth.

Are you interested in volunteering?

Check the current job vacancies on theJob Boardfrom Volunteer Center Amsterdam.

Or call for a personal conversation in Zuid withMelita Bacic.