Eiga (47) has been visiting Mrs. Corrie (87) weekly for friendly home visits for the past two years. A warm bond has developed.
All stories
“To learn more than you learn at school. To speak the language better. Practice.” Majd (23) looks determined in his answer to why he was looking for volunteer work. “In Syria, I was studying to become a gym teacher. But then the war came. Now I have been here for a year and a half. I don’t want to sit at home, not take money for doing nothing.”
Since Titi Bouman has been a volunteer at Zuid voor Mekaar, she has regained her sense of self-worth.
Peter Smith changed course a few years ago, transforming from someone who complains a lot to a person who thinks in solutions. This led him to start caring about litter.
Hein Hoefnagels (76) still has both feet in society: He plays squash, bridge, volunteers as a bus driver for nursing homes, goes on bike rides with blind people, and much, much more. “My secret? Living as carefree as possible!”
Ingrid reads to Nick, 6 years old, every week. His parents are from Iran. This allows her to visit people she would never otherwise meet. Nick has taught her how to make jokes.
Audrey Ninaber (48) is Volunteer of the Month in Noord. She organizes creative activities with visitors, such as crocheting, knitting, and coloring mandalas.
Check out this series of photos of the Twiskemolen in Landsmeer, which is entirely run by volunteers.

