Georgette is in between jobs and meanwhile volunteers to guide people with disabilities in drawing and painting. “You can be a little silly. They enjoy that.”
Vrijwilligers
Since Titi Bouman has been a volunteer at Zuid voor Mekaar, she has regained her sense of self-worth.
Eiga (47) has been visiting Mrs. Corrie (87) weekly for friendly home visits for the past two years. A warm bond has developed.
Anne Coos is a volunteer at ARTIS. She started as a visitor guide in the garden, then at Micropia, and now she is training for the ARTIS Planetarium: she could not have imagined it beforehand.
“I know deep down that I am a valuable woman. But doing volunteer work also makes me feel that way again. This way I can contribute to society, keep my social contacts up to date, and feel useful again. Yes, that brings me joy.”
Cecilia Aguirre talks a lot. Despite her Spanish accent, she is easy to understand. We are in a small office at the Community Center de Buurtzaak.
Every month, Jan Barnhorn, a volunteer at VCA, interviews a different volunteer. Seeking to understand the motivations of these individuals. This month, Jan meets Frans Braam. He volunteers for three organizations, always focusing on organizing administration.
A full-time job where you can do paid volunteer work one day a week? It’s possible! With this idea in mind, Samenvijf was established in January 2017. A reportage.

