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EVS at the worldhouse in Amsterdam
Start date: Sep 1, 2014, End date: Jan 1, 2016 PROJECT  FINISHED 

The worldhouse is a centre for information, counselling, education and culture for undocumented migrants in the Amsterdam. At the wereldhuis (the worldhouse) we have visitors from all over the world. Some of them are former refugees at the end of their legal procedure. Many came as labour immigrants, often working as domestic workers. Others are victims of trafficking or failed marriage migration. They come from over 80 different countries outside the EU, like Ecuador, Nigeria, Ghana, Indonesia and the Philippines. The worldhouse project has 2 main objectives. First: to create a house where migrants find a welcome home where they can learn new skills, empower themselves, become active and organize themselves Second: to facilitate and increase the access to basic rights for undocumented migrants. In the worldhouse migrants do not have to depend on others for a while. Central to our work is the participation and empowerment of migrants. In the worldhouse migrants get the space to organize or to participate in different social/cultural-activities; like music, art, cooking, discussion groups or spiritual groups. It is also possible to follow language courses and computer classes. We stimulate young people to share their talents and ideas. Most of the activities in the worldhouse are organized by young undocumented migrants themselves. At present we have 450 weekly visitors. Besides our activities, the worldhouse offers ‘basic rights’ trainings and counseling for undocumented migrants. We also give space for undocumented migrants to organize themselves and speak up for their rights. Twice a year the worldhouse organizes a seminar or debate on migration issues to influence the public debate. The worldhouse in Amsterdam is located in the center of Amsterdam. It is a centre that is open to public 7 days a week. The worldhouse is a project of the Protestantse Diaconie Amsterdam. The wereldhuis now exists 6 years, before there were already activities for undocumented migrants, but at another location. For more info see www.wereldhuis.org or www.facebook.com/wereldhuis. We offer an inspiring and diverse working environment, within a highly motivated team of volunteers and professionals. Volunteers can learn many skills within our diverse team, working together in many different fields of work, applying diverse skills and knowledge in their daily work. In the wereldhuis the following fields of work come together: - social work - activity development and coordination - logistics - organization and management - advocacy skills in the field of human rights The role of the volunteer depends on the skills he/she would like to learn. The volunteer can be active and learn within several of the above mentioned fields of work. The volunteer will be part of our team, participating in our team meetings and trainings. The volunteer can join activities according to her/his interest, giving an own contribution, under supervision and responsibility of the worldhouse staff members. The volunteer works under final responsibility of the worldhouse project director. Examples of activities the volunteer can undertake: 1) be a host for worldhouse visitors: welcoming (new) visitors, having a chat with them, listening to their needs and wishes, reporting to the coordinators 2) doing an ‘’intake-conversation’’ with new clients of the social work counseling 3) supporting the women’s day activities Every Thursday there is a day for women at wereldhuis, volunteers offer activities as yoga of Dutch class. The EVS volunteer can either organize a new activity (like art class), help out with an existing activity (assisting the children’s volunteers), or help organizing the day (supporting the activitycoordinator with her coordinating work) 4) developing a new activity: the volunteer can develop a new activity, in respond to requests from the visitors (see point 1), for example a sports group or a discussion group 5) assisting language and computer courses. We welcome any volunteer that is motivated to share our organization mission of ‘being a welcome house for all migrants, no matter what their background, nationality or status is.’ We also ask the motivation to follow a Dutch course at worldhouse, to learn the basics of the Dutch language. The minimum placement is for 6 months, preferably for 1 year. The participation of European volunteers within our organization can strengthen our team and support our work. The EVS bring their time and energy to the worldhouse, contribute to existing activities and develop new ones, what is very important for a small organization operating withoud government funding. The act of volunteering, listening and sharing friendship is an act of humanity to the undocumented migrants of the worldhouse. By coming to the worldhouse especially to support them, the migrants feel valuated, seen, not forgotten!

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