“I have learned that you just have to give it a try”

Cecilia Aguirre, volunteer at Community Center de BuurtzaakCecilia 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.Who are you?“I am Cecilia, 45 years old, a single mother of five children. I even have one grandchild already! I come from Ecuador and have been living in the Netherlands for nineteen years.”What is your background?“I have worked in the hospitality industry for years, in catering, at KLM, and at the Police headquarters. Five years ago, I started experiencing physical complaints. First, I had surgery on my shoulder, then on my knee. Soon I will undergo surgery on my other knee. I am currently living off of benefits.”What do you do as a volunteer?“I am a volunteer at the Community Center de Buurtzaak, where I work as a receptionist. I do this three mornings a week, for two years now. I can’t sit still! I help people who come in, I show them the way, I tell them where the sewing class or language class is. I make appointments for people. I also assist with the various activities here, sometimes I help as an interpreter. I really enjoy it because it’s cozy, there is a good energy.”

When I arrived here, I was very shy. Now my tongue is loose!

The Community Center de Buurtzaak in Slotervaart houses many (residents’) organizations that organize activities for the neighborhood. Vulnerable people receive help with questions and problems. Language classes, sewing classes, self-reliance courses, and sports activities are offered.How did you end up here?Through the municipality, I came to the Volunteer Center Amsterdam. Mina from VCA told me about this place. And I like it here!What does this work bring you?“When I arrived here, I was very shy. I spoke very little Dutch. Now I can speak freely! I have learned that you just have to try. I wanted to improve my Dutch and I succeeded.”

“And through my volunteer work here, I can participate in courses. I have obtained a First Aid diploma, a course in Social Hygiene, and a course in Personal Empowerment. Because I want to find a paid job again, no longer in the hospitality industry.”How do you feel when you go home?“When I go home after a morning here, I feel sad. At home, I can hardly do anything because of my knee. Hopefully, that will improve quickly after the surgery.”

After her rehabilitation, Cecilia would like to come back to the Buurtzaak. If she hasn’t found a paid job yet…

Interested in doing volunteer work?

Do you want to become a volunteer at Community Center de Buurtzaak? They are looking for someone who wants to give computer lessons, help at the Repair Café, a gardener, an editorial assistant, a host/hostess, and much more. Check out [link].www.volunteernetwork.nu