“I help refugees in detention”

Asylum seekers who arrive in the Netherlands by plane or through the ports stay during their asylum procedure in a special wing of the detention center Justice Complex Schiphol (JCS). They are supported by the employees and volunteers of VluchtelingenWerk. Peter is one of these volunteers. The day after their arrival, he provides asylum seekers with information about all the steps in the asylum procedure, prepares them for the hearings with the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), listens to their flight story, and helps them gather the necessary documents as evidence for their identity or flight story.“I find it very fascinating to meet many different people from all over the world. The life stories I hear during my conversations with refugees resonate differently than the information through the media and broaden my view of the world,” says Peter. “Ten years ago, I was looking into meaningful volunteer work, with a strong emphasis on working for and with people. Because I enjoy traveling and following world events, working at Schiphol also nicely aligned with my interests.”

I make a difference

“The reasons why people flee are very diverse: war violence, political activism, religious beliefs, or LGBTQI. Economic motives do not apply in an asylum application. As a volunteer for VluchtelingenWerk, I can make a difference by listening, providing attention, and offering practical support in obtaining important documents for evidence. It is also essential that I mentally prepare clients for the hearings and empower them to advocate their own case with relevant facts. Every asylum seeker is entitled to adequate information. Conversations can sometimes be challenging due to translation issues or the client’s mental state; you must adjust the information accordingly and help them to prepare a clear factual account, being patient and taking the time is then essential.”

This brings it to me

“It also concerns essential matters in someone’s life, where I can make a difference at that moment. Clients are generally very grateful. Of course, it is sometimes shocking to hear about terrible experiences, which I then discuss with colleagues. My social skills have improved through this volunteer work, as well as my awareness of how well off we are in the Netherlands. In terms of motivation, I am still willing to continue; I have no intention of stopping!”

Are you also interested in volunteering?

These tasks are currently open atRefugee CouncilAnd here you will find an overview of all volunteer tasks in Amsterdam. There are more than a thousand of them. For everyone’s talent and schedule.Search online or make an appointment with one of our mediatorsThank you for your request.Interview: Thecla Groot KoerkampPhotos: Mark Rammers