Something that sparks your curiosity

Volunteers are worth their weight in gold, for fellow human beings, the neighborhood, the city, and more. Fortunately, there are already many people who lend a helping hand, one of them is Guusje Welsing (81 years old). She volunteers at the Energetic Seniors Foundation in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. With her young, enthusiastic voice and a soft G, Guusje is an ambassador that every volunteer organization would wish for.“Wherever I go, I make sure people know what ESAN does. I am proud of what we have achieved together in three years. There are between 30 and 40 activities for and by seniors annually. Such as the reading circle, theater group, line dancing, interesting lectures, café, and yes, even bingo with a prize. The wide variety of activities ensures that there is always something to make you happy. Something that sparks your curiosity, piques your interest, engages your brain, gets you moving. Music, books, theater, movement, dancing, creating, and playing. We value, encourage, and harness that curiosity, critical thinking, creativity, and entrepreneurship at ESAN. A new idea receives applause from us.”

Shared passion

“We let seniors meet others who share the same interests. This creates bonds with new people in the neighborhood; people with different backgrounds and life stories. That can be very refreshing. It’s wonderful when people show interest in each other and can exchange thoughts about a shared passion. It broadens your horizons and enriches your life. Together, we make daily life more enjoyable for each other.”Photo:Huub Zeeman, VCA Media
Text: Nettie Sterrenburg

Ready to get started as a volunteer?

Do you also want to become a volunteer at ESAN?They are still looking for a coordinatorCurious about other volunteer opportunities? In our online job board, there are about 1000 fun and meaningful tasks in the city. For everyone’s talent and schedule.Search online or make an appointment with one of our mediators.