Young learned: Charan walks and plays games with residents

An hour of walking. An afternoon of Monopoly and Uno. Volunteering doesn’t have to be big or complicated at all, discovered Charan (15) last summer. He dreams of studying medicine and wanted to get a taste of healthcare. So he set off with residents of a care facility and joined in for a game. His conclusion? “What is an hour of walking? For me, it’s a very small effort!”

Charan is a teenager from Amsterdam with Indian roots. Last summer, he moved up to 5 vwo, so it’s time to think about his further studies. For Charan, medicine is clearly number one, with cardiology as his favorite. Helping people appeals to him. Economics is plan B. To get a taste of the healthcare field, he started volunteering last summer. “I wanted to see what it’s like to work with people in need. Volunteering seemed like a good way to make a difference for others while gaining experience.”

Together on the road

Through NLCares, Charan ended up at a residential care location of Cordaan. “I was introduced to some residents there, one of whom was visually impaired and in a wheelchair, and we took a walk together. Later, I took another walk with two of them. I found this valuable to do. I have now seen more people with their ‘struggles’, and how they need help. I found it beautiful to be able to help them, and it gives me more motivation to study medicine.”

A game of Monopoly

Besides walking with residents, he also played games one afternoon. At the Vreugdehof nursing home, he assisted an adult volunteer with a game of Monopoly and Uno with residents. He enjoyed the setting there. “And playing games is always fun!”

Next vacation again

Unfortunately, the times clashed with his badminton training, so it remained just one time. But volunteering can start small and grow: in the next holiday, Charan wants to get back to work. “I think it’s important to see the perspective of different people.”

Can you do volunteer work under the age of 18?

Yes, that is allowed, under certain conditions.

• Age: From 13 years old, with light and safe work.
• Supervision: Young people under 18 need guidance and clear explanations about the work and the risks.
• Permission: For young people under 16, parents must give prior consent.
• Times and tasks: Young people aged 13 and 14 may work during the day; not for long hours in a row and hardly on a school day.
• Together with an organization: Do volunteer work preferably through an organization. They know which tasks suit your age and arrange supervision and insurance.

Do you also want to discover what volunteering can offer you?

Hundreds of possibilities, what makes you happy?! Check it out all volunteer jobs onlineoffind your match in one conversation – We are happy to help you on your way!

Interview: Piet Renooy
Photos: Mark Rammers