The story of Elevania
Elevania (26) has been an information officer at MEE Rotterdam Rijnmond since she was 19. Here she tells her story to various groups: what it is like to have a mild intellectual disability and how, in her opinion, other people can best deal with it. This is her story:
It belongs to me
Elevania was asked to do this volunteer work when she was saying 'no' at a training. Here she was asked by MEE if she also wanted to give information herself and share her story with people. Even though she found this very exciting at first, she has grown incredibly into it. 'It belongs to me,' she says casually and with a little pride. Due to the corona crisis, giving information has unfortunately become a lot less fun because because everything has to be digital, she misses her colleagues very much. She works together in a group of 35 other experiential experts who have become her friends in the meantime: 'If something is bothering me, I can go there.'
During the information sessions she tells how she fills in her day and what she does in her week. In addition to providing information at MEE, she is also busy working in the supermarket and (also voluntarily!) tests folders for legibility and clarity. She explains during her information sessions that if she starts somewhere new, she is always 2 or 3 points behind and has to prove herself again and again. She has been working at the supermarket for almost a year now and has fortunately been able to find her place there. Here she is given a fixed package of tasks every day and over the years she has also learned to indicate if there is too much on her plate. Besides giving information, testing brochures and working in the supermarket, she also likes to be outside: cycling, walking and, if the weather is possible, shopping with friends.
After such information, they look at you differently
When asked what she likes most about providing information, she has many different answers. 'It is nice to give students clarity about what it is like to have a disability. After such information, they look at you differently.' Wilma, MEE's supervisor who is also present during our conversation, tells a nice anecdote about the first time Elevania came to give information at a school. She was so used to being a student that she almost didn't dare enter the teachers' lounge. It took a while to realize that she was now the teacher and that felt just as good! When the teacher of the class warns her that the class is very busy today, Elevania prepares for the worst. But as soon as she enters the class it is quiet and her story is carefully listened to and questions are asked about it. What else is fun about her volunteer work? She is recognized on the street and was even allowed to join the radio once.
Just treat each other with respect
When she wants to pass on something to people, she says the following: 'Treat people the way you want to be treated yourself. Just treat each other with respect.'
After this story, are you curious about the information that Elevania provides? Sign up free of charge [email protected] and look at MEE Rotterdam Rijnmond
Senior & student match!
Esmeralda and Bas have been a match since the end of November. We clicked right from day one. They see each other every Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Then they go for a walk, cycle together or Esmeralda explains things on the tablet. Just do it Esmeralda has registered with the senior&student foundation for various reasons. With corona, Esmeralda liked to have something that she can leave the door for and also to get to know new people. She also enjoys helping people: ''After I followed the online Social Service Time (MDT) coaching session, I became so enthusiastic. It was super fun with all nice people. Then I immediately thought: yes, I'm just going to do it!" Help with his tablet Bas has signed up because he needs help with a number of small things, for example with his tablet. Esmeralda is happy to help him and writes it all down on paper. If Esmeralda doesn't write it down, Bas forgets it and he finds that confronting: ''I don't save it all anymore. I have to accept that I'm getting older, but that's easier said than done." Active life Bas is an active man who worked at his son's carpentry business until he was 80. “Then once I almost fell off the roof and my son said: 'Now you're going to break up'. Since then I don't work anymore.” He walks daily to burn off his energy. He also cycles regularly. If it happens to be convenient and the weather is nice, the couple gets on the bike together. “I always want her to be home before dark. We are a bit careful with her of course!" special bond According to Esmeralda, the bond between the couple is so special because it clicked right from the start. Esmeralda: ''I remember the first time I was super nervous to come here, really nervous. I thought "what if it doesn't click, or isn't cozy or uncomfortable?" But that was not the case at all.” Esmeralda finds the cosiness, openness and Rotterdam sobriety most enjoyable about Bas. ''Both Bas and his wife talk very easily and are open. I feel welcome from the start and it's always fun!” This is completely mutual with Bas and his wife. For students: Do you ever think about volunteering for a senior like Esmeralda? Join our MDT! A trajectory that is aimed at letting young people like you discover their talents and ideals and at the same time mean something for someone else. Curious? View our help request here! For seniors: Are you or do you know a senior who could use some extra help and fun, such as Bas? There are still spots available for seniors! View our help offer here! Share these stories and inspire others to help too! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Whatsapp Forward
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