Volunteer Juliet
My name is Juliet and I am a Ugandan aged 26 years. Blessed is the only word that I can use to describe the Netherlands. Because never did I know that I would find such a very welcoming country with nice and hospitable people. The journey I made to come here was not very pleasant. I did not trust the police and I had to go through a lot. But ever since I came to the Netherlands, I have been seeing very kind, good and friendly people. Thinking about all the good things that have been happening to me since I came here, makes me want to show my gratitude and do something back. And whenever I walk on the street and see someone in need of a hand it is always my pleasure to help.
A few months back I asked if I could help an old man called Mr. Albert (83 years old). He is living next door and I help him every Friday now with some house work like: folding his and his wife's clothes, cleaning his sink, taking the trash out or just drink a cup of tea. We talk about so many funny things and it makes him happy. And he also helps me to learn more about the Dutch culture. Which also makes me happy. help mr. Albert opened my eyes and I thought of ways that I could help other people who are in this stage in their life. When I discussed this with the people at Humanitas, they tried to look for elderly homes for me to volunteer in. However, I did not manage to get any jobs because my Dutch is not that good yet.
help mr. Albert opened my eyes
I felt really bad about it, but it motivated me to practice my Dutch. I never stopped wanting to help others. So I discussed this with my buddy Moniek, who introduced me to a website called Zorgzaam010, where I signed in and looked for voluntary work.
The first person I helped was Desi from Blijdorp. She needed help with her garden. I was really happy about it and I thought it was going to be very easy. Until she showed me the tools she bought which I had to use.. They were all new and I had no idea how they worked. But since I did this sort of work in my country, in Uganda, I decided to give it a try. I used the available tools to clear the garden until I finished it. I was so happy that day because the woman was so appreciative that she also forwarded me to her mother for the same kind of voluntary work. This motivated me more to use the website and I am always happy whenever I get a message from someone asking me to volunteer. It helps me to fulfill my passion.
I was so happy that day because the woman was so appreciative that she also forwarded me to her mother for the same kind of voluntary work.
Topper Thea
Topper Thea More than half of Rotterdam seniors feel lonely. That is why Buurtwerk ensures that Rotterdam residents aged 75 and older are offered a home visit in Prins Alexander. Thea is one of the toppers who do the home visits. She goes out once a week and means something to her environment. "This way I can give something back to society, I have always had it so good!", she says. This way I can give something back to society, I myself have always had it so good! "Once a week I visit people over 75 in Rotterdam. We make home visits on the basis of a questionnaire. By means of this questionnaire we find out what is going well, and whether there are points where the elderly help could We always take a big bag with leaflets with us.The elderly can find more information in these leaflets about all kinds of support that are offered, and about activities that are organized in the neighbourhood. But the home visits are more than conducting a questionnaire. They often lead to a pleasant conversation. It also happens that the elderly are so happy with their place of residence that they proudly give a tour. Not everyone needs help, there are people who still arrange everything themselves and indicate that we can come back in a few years. But we notice that it brings many people something. Many are not aware of all kinds of support and activities within the neighbourhood. They then benefit a lot from the information we give them. Also, many people are shy about a chat, and are very happy that we are so interested in them. We notice that people suddenly ask us their questions, while they hadn't asked for help before. It is an accessible way to indicate their requests for help. I'm learning so many new things about my own neighborhood! It also brings me a lot. Doing this volunteer work makes me feel like I'm doing more than just acting within my own circle. I think it is very important to go outside and do something for my environment. This way I can give something back to society, I myself have always had it so good. I find it very enriching. In this way I automatically meet a lot of new people, and all these people have their own stories about the neighbourhood. Many people have lived there for a long time. During my home visits, I learn so many new things about my own neighborhood!" Would you also like to make a home visit to people over 75? Take a look at all the home visit help questions here. Share these stories and inspire others to help too! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Whatsapp Forward
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