Volunteering is the perfect way to get to know other people, especially if you are new to the Netherlands. You get into contact with locals that you wouldn't meet at work or at university plus you volunteer with other (young) professionals and students. Currently there are 7 different activities in which you can participate even if you do not speak Dutch (too well) yet.
Nederland Cares facilitates volunteering activities for citizens of the 31 countries in the European Economic Area (other than Croatia). Citizens of countries outside of the EEA or from Croatia require a valid working permit for the Netherlands in order to volunteer. If you are a citizen of a non-EEA country or from Croatia we kindly ask you to send an additional e-mail to [email protected]. A list of countries in the EEA can be found here.
Want to sign up?
Just send an e-mail to [email protected] mentioning the date and the activity you want to join.
Not a Rotterdam Cares volunteer yet? Also mention your personal information (name, address, phone number, current job/study). If you are a citizen of a non-EEA country or Croatia we kindly ask you to include this information. We require you to visit us personally to provide proof of your working permit and identification before we can complete your enrollment..
We hope to see you soon at one of the our activities!
Gardening in the "Voedseltuin"
The Voedseltuin (translation: foodgarden) has as an objective to produce biological fruits and vegetables for recipients of the Foodbank. A lot of the volunteers working at this location have less than excellent job prospects and are given a chance at this organization. You help out by sorting out wood and basic gardening tasks. Looking for a physical activity (mostly) outdoors? This is the place for you.Note: wear clothing that can get dirty and keeps you warm.
Location: Keilestraat 9, Rotterdam (5min walking from metrostation Marconiplein)
Dates: every Monday from 9am to 12pm (during months July and August also on Tue, Wed and Thu)
Number of international volunteers: 2
Sorting vintage clothes at 'Heijplaat'
Second-hand clothing shop 'Heijplaat' is a place where people, who receive an extreme low income, can get free clothes. Thereby, people who are unemployed and don't have any perspective on getting a job, can get work experience by working at the shop. People from the neighborhood, with a basic income, can buy second-hand clothing for friendly prices. The incomes of these selling's are needed; this give-away shop doesn't receive any funding from governmental parties.'Heijplaat' gets their clothing throughout donations. Nevertheless, not all the clothing they receive is suitable for release. During the 'Uitzoekdagen', which find place every third Friday of the month, you will volunteer by sorting and selecting the clothes. In a group of ten, you'll have a nice afternoon with some food and beverage. The employees of 'Heijplaat' are willing to tell you all the ins and outs of the neighborhood and their shop!
Note: Do you have any old clothes in your closet? Bring them to the shop!
Location: 'Kledingpunt Heijplaat', Vestastraat 19A, 3089 RL Rotterdam.
Dates: every third Friday of the month from 10 am till 2 pm
Number of international volunteers: 7
Assist at an eveningschool for people with a mental disability
Accent Evening School (Accent Avondschool) offers a safe, structured and professional environment where adults with a mental disability can work on developing their capabilities. The courses offered are very diverse; Dutch, Maths, sports and cooking classes are all on the agenda. English-speaking volunteers can help out on each Thursday and Tuesday night in the cooking class, textile usage class or sports group. Occassionally you can also be assigned to the two students practicing their English. Are you up for the challenge?Please note: Accent has two locations, one in the city centre and one in Rotterdam South (Zuid). Every Tueseday night 1 international can help in Rotterdam South and every Thursday night, 1 international can help in the city centre.
Location: Accent Avondschool Centrum, Vijverhofstraat 97, Rotterdam (tram 25 Schiekade, 10min walking from Rotterdam Central Station
OR: Accent Avondschool Zuid, Talingstraat 170, Rotterdam (tram 2 Charlois)
Dates: South: every Tuesday night from 18.45 to 21.15 starting in September 2014
Dates city centre: every Thursday night from 18:45 to 21:15 starting in September 2014
Number of international volunteers: 1
Gamenight for refugees and homeless people
For many homeless and/or illegal people in the Netherlands the Pauluschurch is the last place they can turn to. With their Open House from 9:00am tot 9:00pm the Pauluschurch offers their a fun dayenvironment. A place where they are always welcome. On Sundaynight there isn't much excitement around. There are less volunteers and also it is extremely quiet in the city centre. You can bring some excitement back into the Pauluschurch. Come around and play games with the visitors. Monopoly, Risk, the traditional Dutch game 'sjoelen' or table soccer; show them your game skills!
Location: Pauluskerk, Westersingel 7A (10 min walking from Rotterdam CS or tram 25,20,8,7,4 stop Kruiskade)
Dates: every Sunday night from 18:45 to 21:00
Number of international volunteers: maximum 3
Dancing with the elderly
The Dancepalace (het Danspaleis) turns every elderlyhome into a true disco. On the beats of some of the best Dutch classics this activity is sure to get some feet off the ground. As a volunteer you help out simply by dancing with the elderly people there, serving them some drinks and bringing them back to their room (if necessary).Dresscode: wear black pants with a white top so you are recognizable to the elderly.
Location: different locations across the city
Dates: June 24, June 26, August 26, September 5, 11, 30, October 3, November 21, December 9, 10 and 17.
Number of international volunteers: 3
Packaging at Jarige Job
Jarige Job supports parents who depent on the Foodbank in providing their children with a birthday party. In the week of their child's (4-12 year old's) birthday, they recieve a birthday box with presents, decorations, treats to share with their classmates and a birthdaycake. As a volunteer, you can help out with the packaging of these boxes, making treats or sorting out candy. With your help, all children, no matter their background, can celebrate their birthday.Location: Keilestraat 7, Rotterdam (10 min. walk from subway/tram station Marconiplein).
Dates: Every second Tuesday of the month from 14:00 to 16:30
Number of international volunteers: maximum 15