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During his studies, Rohan was overwhelmed by anxiety and depression. Not only did continuing his studies become impossible, at one point he couldn’t even leave the house and became isolated. He recommends anyone who is stuck in a deadlock to start doing volunteer work. “I was able to build rhythm and self-confidence at my own pace.”
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Expat Briony is volunteering at the Animal Shelter Amsterdam. “It brings me joy, confidence, and respect. If I didn’t use the PowerPoint presentation in my work, the world still turned around.”
Whether you want to do something for your neighborhood, fight against poverty, or support cultural initiatives: in a board, you contribute to the impact of a social organization and develop your own talents.
An interview about a piece of social foundation in practice in Amsterdam. Nynke Vlieger has been the director-manager of Buurtteam Amsterdam Centrum for a year. “I don’t think volunteers should be the answer to the lack of the welfare state.”
Aziyme Akgun finds great joy in giving people the opportunity to help others. That’s why she regularly organizes charity events and currently runs the Giveaway Shop at Columbusplein. “Sharing something via WhatsApp can already make a difference.”
Saskia: “This gives me energy, inspiration, a meaningful use of my time, and the opportunity to follow my passion.”
Gitta Bessem is a voluntary board member at Children’s Farm De Werf in Oost. “Our volunteers come here to have a nice day, work, and learn. You can discover here how to increase your resilience for life but also how to step out of your own bubble.”
There is nothing better than feeling tired and fulfilled after a day of working outside, according to Daniella, who volunteers in the garden at De Horizon. “It relaxes you and ultimately gives you more energy again.”