“I want to move forward!”

27 October 2025

Photo: Marijke Romkes –Zoomlab“Learning more than what you learn in school. Speaking the language better. Practicing.” Majd (23) looks determined in his response to why he was looking for volunteer work. “In Syria, I was studying to become a gym teacher. But then the war came. I had to leave. Now I’ve been here for a year and a half. And a year in Amsterdam. I don’t want to sit at home, not take money for doing nothing. I want to move forward!”ContactMajd came into contact with SEZO through his language training at ROC via VCA. This organization for social services was looking for assistant sports coaches to support their activities. The visitors of the sports activities are a fixed group of about 10 residents from the neighborhood who usually did not know each other. Moving and making social contacts are the main reasons for people to participate. And Majd guides them in this: “Really something for me: through my education, I already know a lot about sports, such as basketball, soccer, and handball. And it’s very enjoyable to do. I assist in explaining the sport and show how things are done.”

I know a lot about sports and sometimes they know less. So, we exercise and talk together. That is fun.

TogetherBesides the social aspect, mastering Dutch better is an important reason for him to do volunteer work: “In the AZC, most people spoke Arabic. When I moved to a house on my own, I was afraid to speak Dutch with other people. I looked for work but didn’t get a job because I don’t speak Dutch well. At school, I learn a lot of grammar, but I need to practice speaking. Then I will have better chances of getting a job later on. So, I need to work on that. Some people at this sports club do speak Dutch but are afraid to participate in sports. And I know a lot about sports while they know less. So, we exercise and talk together. That is fun.”As a familyEvery beginning is difficult. But Majd is being well guided. “Marcel, the coach, is a good man. The first time I came, I helped with soccer. He can teach well and explains everything. Also slowly. Because that’s what I was afraid of when I came for the first time. That everyone would speak quickly and I wouldn’t understand. But that’s not the case. Usually not. And if not, I have to ask if they can speak more slowly. And that’s what I do now. The people are nice, it’s like family.” When asked what Marcel likes about him, Majd responds a bit shyly: “I don’t know, you should ask him.”.Later?Majd is working hard on his future. How does he see the next step for himself? “I would prefer to do something related to sports. Teaching. Maybe starting with children who are refugees. It is good for them to move, to be active. And to work together in a fun way. If there are Syrian children among them, I will of course speak their language. Because not everyone in the Netherlands speaks classical Arabic. But I still want to practice my Dutch. So, I will have to come up with something new for that!”Read the interview with Marcel Kick.

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