“My dream is that there is a perfect match for every neighbor request”

Since June 2021, Monira has been working at Burennetwerk as a volunteer at the helpdesk, and she is now a permanent member of the core team. She assists help seekers from Amsterdam and actively seeks to make a nice match with one of the ‘good neighbors’ who have also signed up with Burennetwerk. If a request is too heavy for the good neighbors, she works on an appropriate referral. For example, it could be a friendly visit to dispel loneliness, a small household chore, or a ride to the hospital.

It was an instant match

“I have gained experience in business customer service at a commercial helpdesk. It was completely different. They work with targets there, and the atmosphere cannot be compared to that at Burennetwerk. After a period of illness, I applied to Stichting Burennetwerk with the help of a coaching program through the UWV and the great assistance of the Vrijwilligers Centrale Amsterdam. I was invited for an interview on the same day. And it was an immediate match!”

An organization with a heart

“I started with two hours per week, but that quickly jumped up to four days per week. It gave me a lot of energy, and I wanted to work as much as possible myself. After a month and a half, the director offered me a paid job for four days a week. I gladly accepted. Burennetwerk is an organization that gives me a good feeling. I have never come across an organization that is so willing to help others, and it truly comes from their hearts.”

I am really cheered up

At Burennetwerk, there are 15 paid part-time employees as well as many volunteers and interns. Some people work at the help desk and conduct introductory meetings with those seeking help and with good neighbors. The neighbor reporter team creates stories about successful matches. “I am lucky to be part of such a great organization. Everyone has their own role, but you are involved in everything because your input is valued. My grandma recently said that I have brightened up since I started working here.”

With a good match, happiness often radiates.

“The best part of this job is when I manage to carefully match supply and demand. Sometimes the help seekers are so grateful or moved when we succeed in finding a good neighbor. What do they say about me? That I remain kind, caring, and calm. The other day the director said, ‘Chapeau! You handled that well’. And a help seeker called me an angel. Haha. It’s really nice when you realize you can make a difference.”

My dream

“I am happy in the place where I work now. My dream is that we can find a perfect match for all simple neighborly questions. Who knows, maybe we can roll out the Neighbor Network across the whole of the Netherlands! That would be amazing.”

Are you enthusiastic?

Burennetwerk is always looking for new volunteers!Check out the possibilities here.Curious about all the volunteer opportunities in Amsterdam?
In our online job board, there are more than a thousand. For everyone’s talent and schedule.Search online or make an appointment with one of our mediators.Interview: Thecla Groot KoerkampPhotographer: Peter Lange