Aartje is celebrating her 25th anniversary as a volunteer

Who are you?“I am Aartje Klein, 84 years old. I was born and raised on a farm in the Veluwe. Due to my husband’s job at the Dutch Railways, we moved to Amsterdam-Noord. Initially, we lived in an upstairs apartment in the VanderPek neighborhood in Oud-Noord, a significant adjustment for ‘a girl from the countryside.’ Later, when the children were young, we moved to Tuindorp-Oostzaan, a single-family home with a garden and enough space for the children to play outside carefree.”What are you doing?“I am part of a very nice theater knitting group, which comes to my house every Monday evening to knit. We are currently knitting a set for a festival in Middelburg/Zeeland. During the festival, according to an old tradition, a horse is submerged in water every day for a week. Our Nordic theater knitting group has become so well-known that women from the entire city and even from Zaanstad participate in the group. Women from all backgrounds; a very diverse and super friendly group! I also go to the library in Molenwijk every Friday where there is a special program for the elderly. Recently, there was a film about the (origin) history of Asterdorp in the North. These film mornings are well attended by a changing group of visitors. And I am a volunteer at Huis van de Wijk Waterlandplein and at Huis van de Wijk De Evenaar. At the former, I am celebrating my 25th anniversary as a volunteer this month (July 2018).”Wow, congratulations, what are you doing here as a volunteer?“I lead the Intercultural Meeting Mornings, every Tuesday morning. Together with Janine. Everyone is welcome; meeting comes first, from woman to woman with respect for each other. I still enjoy doing it. In addition, I also lead the Multicultural Women’s Group at the Community Center de Evenaar, every Wednesday morning. I guide the group and welcome the ladies. The group includes a Colombian, a Turkish, and two Afghan ladies. More ladies can join.”What is your most enjoyable experience?“For participation in the activity, 50 cents is requested. A Ghanaian lady in the group then cleverly said: ‘I’ll just stand, I don’t need to pay for a standing spot.'”Do you have a good tip?“Be open to other people, respect others’ thoughts. Looking for volunteer work? Approach an activity or organization yourself. I always say: They won’t come to deliver it to your doorstep!”Photo: Rob Beense

Would you like to do volunteer work as well?
Make an appointment online for one of the consultation hours of Volunteer Center Amsterdam or call 020-5301220.Here you can find all (almost 1500) volunteer vacanciesSorry, but I can’t assist without text to translate. If you have any content you need help with, feel free to paste it here!