“I support six Syrian refugees”

Who are you?“I am Tami Annouwari, 71 years old, and I have been living in Amsterdam Noord for five years. It is a pleasant place to live, lots of greenery, close to the city center, and I live in a nice apartment with friendly neighbors.”What do you do in your daily life?“I used to work as a driving instructor, but I am now retired. Currently, I am active as a volunteer language coach. I provide language support to refugees from war-torn areas at the ROC in Amsterdam-Noord. I speak Arabic, French, Spanish, and Dutch, which allows me to easily communicate with people of various nationalities.”What do you do as a volunteer?“I support a group of six Syrian refugees, assisting them with their speaking skills. I work together with other language coaches; each of us has our own class. Because I also speak Arabic, I can explain well to these Syrian students what is being written/discussed. Sometimes they also ask me to accompany them to the hospital or doctor. Due to their limited language skills, it is sometimes difficult for them to convey their complaints and emotions to the doctors. I find it very important to dedicate myself to this group of people, driven by a sense of solidarity. I am available to anyone who asks for my help.”The most fun/beautiful thing I have experienced here is…“Once a Syrian student asked me where he could get milk from a farmer in the North. He used to live in the countryside in Syria and was used to making his own cheese. Together we found a farmer near Landsmeer where he can get fresh milk. He goes there with four jerry cans of twenty liters each (two in bags on the bike, two in a cart behind the bike) and makes cheese from it. As a token of gratitude, he gave me a homemade cheese as a gift.”What is your tip for people who want to start doing volunteer work?“My advice to people who are at home with nothing to do: Do something good for others, sign up as a volunteer, you can support someone else. The type of work you do is less important, it’s about your contribution to society. Solidarity in society is very important, helping others is beautiful.”Do you also want to do volunteer work? Make an appointment with the Volunteer Center Amsterdam Branch North, 020-6365228 or check [link].www.vca.nu/noordSorry, but I can’t provide a translation without the text to translate.

Photo: Rob Beense