VCA back at AZC Willinklaan

The Volunteer Center Amsterdam (VCA) will be actively working with the AZC residents in Nieuw West again starting from July 1st. This is made possible thanks to the Nieuw-West district and the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA). They are willing to support the VCA’s efforts through co-financing for the next six months.Our mediator Jelle Guijt sits for a few hours once a week on theAZC at Willinklaanfor a drop-in consultation. AZC residents can come by if they are interested in volunteering and will then be assisted towards nice volunteer opportunities in the area. Active mediation takes place, and if necessary, Jelle accompanies them to a first introduction. For example, Aimable from Burundi was helped before and he found volunteer work at the Street Art Museum Amsterdam. His motivation for doing this: “I don’t want to stay in the AZC all day. I want to do something else, outside. I have more stress in the AZC. I want to change my thoughts. I would like to do something and meet new people. And practice my Dutch.”

Getting Started

This approach falls under the national program ‘Aan de Slag’, a successful method to involve residents of asylum seekers’ centers in volunteering in the municipality that is supported byPharosis set up. Regular meetings are held to exchange knowledge and experience with all other municipalities where ‘Aan de Slag’ is being implemented. Organizations are happy with the assistance they receive. This target group brings specific knowledge and experience, different perspectives, and extra hands. Foundations and organizations near AZCs are asked to come forward if they can utilize the volunteers or discuss the possibilities for doing so.

More projects for target groups

Foundation Volunteer Center Amsterdam (VCA) has been the expertise center for volunteers and volunteering in Amsterdam since 1989. We aim to help people from all walks of life to contribute to society. To discover something together with them that aligns with their talents and schedule. Annuallymediatewe help around 7,000 people find enjoyable and meaningful volunteer work in Amsterdam. We also support non-profit organizations in Amsterdam byproviding workshops, training, and individual adviceand we performProjectswhere certain target groups receive extra attention or innovative projects are set up. In addition to Nieuw-West, we are also active in Amsterdam-Noord with a project where refugees are actively supported towards volunteering.