“If you can do something, then do it”

With care, practical support and a great deal of dedication, Dina helps newcomers in the municipality of Leeuwarden. She volunteers with Team Statushouders, where she helps people who have only recently arrived in the Netherlands to find their feet.

For example, when making a dentist’s appointment or contacting the local council, and when looking for a school for the children. But she does more than just help with practical matters. “Sometimes people just want to tell their story,” she says. “If you speak the same language and understand their background, people feel at ease more quickly.” For Dina, this is perfectly normal. “You have to help one another,” she says. “If you can do something for someone else, why wouldn’t you?”

She knows from her own experience what questions newcomers have. How does the education system work in the Netherlands? Where can you ask for help? And what do all the letters you receive actually say? For many people, this is difficult to understand.

According to Sharona, a volunteering adviser, volunteers like Dina are extremely important. “We have many volunteers who are refugees themselves. They have experiences you can’t learn from books,” she explains. “They know what it’s like to start afresh. They can also explain things in the newcomer’s own language. Refugees with recognised status have to sort out a lot in a short space of time – things like finding a place to live, integration and appointments with organisations. They can sometimes lose track of everything. So it’s nice to have someone by your side who understands what you’re going through.”.

Dina remembers very well that she sometimes felt lonely when she first moved to the Netherlands. “Not everyone was willing to help me. I found that difficult. That’s why I want to help others now.” Volunteering has brought her a great deal. She’s got to know new people and her network has grown. She realises that small things can mean a lot. “Sometimes someone just wants to have a coffee together or have a quick chat. That might seem like a small thing, but it means a lot to that person.”

Her main piece of advice to newcomers? “The first few months are tough. Perhaps even the first year. But step by step, you can sort everything out. Don’t give up and keep looking ahead.”

Amaryllis is always looking for new volunteers for Team Statushouders. “We’re looking for people from different backgrounds and with different experiences, so that we can match each status holder as effectively as possible,” says Sharona. Dina has a clear message for people who are unsure about signing up. “You don’t have to volunteer for the rest of your life. But if you can help someone, then do it. Many newcomers don’t yet fully understand how everything works in the Netherlands. A little bit of help can make a big difference to them.”