“Her eyes sparkle when I explain something”

Souad Amasslam about her volunteer work

Souad Amasslam, 24 years old, is studying Social Work and Services at HBO level. She is in her final year and is writing her thesis. Over five years ago, she became a volunteer at the De Witte Tulp foundation, where she provides language and math tutoring to primary school children on Sundays.On my path“A friend asked me to teach children. It seemed interesting and fun to me. I wasn’t really looking for volunteer work, it just came my way. I have been going there with joy for over five years now.”

Time flies by. When the bell rings, I think: Already?

“The coordinator provides me with support, guidance, and information. She is enthusiastic and has a sense of humor. When I started over five years ago, I received an introduction about the mission and vision of the White Tulip, about the curriculum and the study material.”

The tutoring includes comprehension, spelling, study skills, and math. Currently, there are two children in the class, but sometimes there can be up to six. The lesson starts at 10:00 a.m. and lasts until 12:30 p.m. After that, Souad gives private lessons to two more students. She finishes at 5 p.m. “I don’t even notice the time passing! Time flies by. When the bell rings, I think: Already?”The sweetest teacher“I find the work challenging. The children are very eager to learn, and I find the interaction with them interesting. They also give me insight into how they see things. Simple and innocent. I take into account who they are, each child is unique. How their eyes sparkle when they understand what I explain, when they master something, I find that very beautiful.”

“The children really appreciate what we do. One of my students from last year, Emre, gave me a mug with the text ‘You are the sweetest teacher’ for Sinterklaas. That gave me a nice feeling. Those moments are the highlight of my work!”

I do this volunteer work with heart and soul.

“I want to make a difference in society, for the future of the Netherlands. I am a part of society, I feel involved, and I want to help people who need support. That gives me a sense of satisfaction. That I can contribute my part. I do this volunteer work with heart and soul.”Surprise“When I was celebrating my birthday last year, on April 1st, everyone pretended to have forgotten about it. I was in the classroom telling an exciting story to the students of group 8. As the lesson was almost over, there was a knock on the door. The whole team was standing there with a cake, shouting ‘Congratulations’. That was a pleasant surprise! We then had some cake. And afterwards, I finished telling the exciting story!”Interested in volunteering in education? View these job vacancies