It was a really cold Tuesday morning, the perfect moment for a warm and cozy high tea event. Parkhuis (Dynamo) is a very friendly and welcoming place, and on this day they were hosting a high tea and welcoming a team of Serve the City volunteers to help prepare snacks, serve tea, and make sure everything went smoothly. I, Olga, was one of the Serve the City volunteers, and these were some of the tasks I had the chance to take part in. I also met new people, interacted with Dutch locals (I am an international), and even tasted some traditional Dutch apple tart.
Choosing to volunteer for this activity felt a bit risky at first because I do not speak Dutch, only English, and I knew the event was meant for elderly people who usually do not speak much English. However, the other Serve the City volunteers were incredibly kind and helped me communicate whenever needed. To my surprise, some of the older guests also tried to speak with me and express their enjoyment. One moment I will never forget was when a lady came up to me and tried to speak English while I was trying, rather unsuccessfully, to speak Dutch. She proudly showed me photos of her granddaughter, and we shared a lovely conversation full of smiles.
Later, when I talked with the two other Serve the City volunteers, I realized how valuable and meaningful volunteering can be, not only for the participants but also for the volunteers themselves. I remember one of them saying:
“Honestly, coming here is an escape for me. Here in the Netherlands, they say kids are very happy and have all the opportunities to become whatever they want. But this brings a lot of pressure for mothers. Of course, I love my kids, but volunteering is my way of stepping outside the motherhood bubble. I want to look for more volunteering activities.”
Hearing her made me understand that being there, instead of studying for my master’s degree, stressing about deadlines, or staring at a screen, felt like therapy for me as well. Volunteering with Serve the City allows us to help others, stay productive, and connect with Dutch culture in a meaningful and enjoyable way. This is exactly the gift that volunteering gives us.
