Event Recap: Mix & Match May 2023

The May 2023 edition of the Mix & Match Volunteer Job Fair has come to a close, leaving attendees and nonprofits in The Hague region with lasting memories and a sense of fulfillment. In this post-event article, we take a moment to reflect on the highlights and key takeaways from this remarkable event.

Held on May 13 at The Social Hub, The Hague, the VTH Volunteer Job Fair was not merely a one-day event, but the beginning of a meaningful journey for many local NGOs and international volunteers. This edition of the Mix & Match event was a resounding success, drawing more than 300 attendees eager to explore volunteer opportunities in the city and engage with like-minded individuals. The sheer number of attendees highlighted the growing interest and commitment to volunteerism within the international community of The Hague. Moreover, the fair was host to an impressive lineup of nearly 30 organizations, each dedicated to a wide variety of causes and each eager to connect with individuals willing to contribute their time, skills, and compassion.

Emceed by VTH project manager Tetyana Benzeroual, the fair began with an opening ceremony where Gert-Jan Aleman, the director of PEP Den Haag (Volunteer The Hague's parent organization) welcomed attendees in his address while passing the floor to the Deputy Mayor of The Hague, Kavita Parbhudayal, who highlighted the importance of volunteer work in the community. The Deputy Mayor commended Volunteer The Hague for its efforts in bringing together volunteers and non-profit organizations and urged the public to participate in volunteering activities. In her opening remarks, she reiterated the importance of internationals volunteering in our community.

‘Volunteering is the cement of our society. It connects people and builds bridges between internationals and non-internationals, which makes The Hague stronger’. --Kavita Parbhudayal

In the picture, from left to right, are: Gert-Jan Aleman, Kavita Parbhudayal, Tetyana Benzeroual

The carefully curated event program featured a series of presentations delivered by esteemed professionals in their respective fields: Sarah Feid Account manager at The Hague International Centre talked about Job Hunting Strategies in The Hague Region, Abderrahim Kajouane Senior Advisor at PEP Den Haag shared the insides to The Hague as a Hub for NGO Professionals, Flora Bogman-Nieboer Senior Advisor at PEP Den Haag talked about Interviewing Skills for Volunteer Opportunities, Jobs, and More, and Tetyana Benzeroual Project Manager of Volunteer The Hague informed us How Volunteering Can Benefit Your Career. These presentations provided attendees with valuable insights, a strong sense of belonging, and a deeper understanding of the benefits of volunteering.

Throughout the day, attendees were not only inspired by these presentations, but also engaged in conversations with representatives from participating organizations, further deepening their understanding of volunteer opportunities and building connections for future collaborations.

All in all, the Mix & Match Volunteer Job Fair was a testament to the fact that volunteer work is not limited by age, occupation, or background. It was a beautiful tapestry of stories and journeys, where every thread wove together to create a brighter future.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the organizations that shared their time, causes, and opportunities, inspiring attendees to become active participants in mission-driven initiatives in The Hague. Through their commitment, we believe that the attendees left our event equipped with the connections and inspiration needed to make a long-lasting positive impact in their communities. Let us carry the spirit of volunteerism forward and keep building bridges between NGOs and volunteers in The Hague!

Photos by Michel Heerkens  

For more photo impressions of the event please click here

The Mix & Match Volunteer Job Fair through the eyes of attendees

The Mix & Match Volunteer Job Fair through the eyes of participating organizations

List of participating organizations 

070online.nl - An organization offering local news and videos from The Hague region.

ACCESS - A foundation that relies on its English-speaking international and Dutch volunteers who enjoy helping others adjust to life in the Netherlands.

Community Plus - An organization focusing on closer social cohesion and a better quality of life in local neighborhoods in The Hague.

Don Bosco Rijswijk - Multicultural youth center organizing activities for children and teenagers aimed at teaching play skills and allowing children to make friends.

Expatriate Archive Centre - Historical organization that collects and preserves the life stories of expatriates worldwide for future research.

Female Ventures - An organization that builds cross-generational community of ambitious female professionals.

Haagse Watervrienden - The Hague Water Friends is a volunteer-run swimming association for young and old, which offers swimming lessons, competitive and master swimming, exercise for the elderly, and snorkeling activities in The Hague region.

Justice & Peace Nederland - A human rights organization based in The Hague that provides temporary protection to human rights defenders and empowers citizens in the Netherlands to support refugees so that they may rebuild their lives.

Leger des Heils - is is also known as the Dutch arm of The Salvation Army which helps vulnerable people in our society.

Literaturhaus Deutsche Bibliothek - Aims to promote the cultural relationship between Germany and the Netherlands, in particular through German language and culture and the maintenance of a German-language library.

Present Den Haag - A non-profit specialized in collaboration with all the professional welfare and mental healthcare organizations of The Hague and surrounding areas.

RespijtHuis HouseMartin - A welcoming and warm temporary care home where homeless people in need can stay to recover from short-term illness.

Romanian School the Hague - A foundation that provides informal courses in the Romanian language.

Stadslink - An idealistic foundation that operates as a social enterprise, promoting people's economic and social independence.

Stichting CENDDOW - The Centre for Diaspora Development Work is non-profit migrant organization that is focused on inclusive social cohesion for African migrants as part of our local society. 

Stichting CorrelAid Nederland - A non-profit network of data scientists who want to use their skills to advance the social good.

Stichting Dessi Tuji - Non-profit organization for poverty alleviation and development cooperation in Ethiopia that provides children and adults with access to education and promoting the emancipation of Ethiopian women.

Stichting TransitieCinema - An organization that runs documentary screenings on sustainability & transition, followed by Q&A sessions and workshops.

Stichting Vitalis - Vitalis tries to prevent professional youth assistance for children between the ages of 5 and 18 who lack attention by linking these children to suitable buddies.

TERRA Foundation - This organization promotes forest restoration and sustainable land management by providing financial and technical support to indigenous communities, helping to preserve biodiversity, wildlife, and ancestral knowledge. 

The Hague International Centre - A point of contact for internationals and international staff of organizations and companies in The Hague region.

Together International - A non-profit dedicated to Development Aid and Humanitarian Aid projects.

Under the Sun - A project that aims to empower vulnerable families in Western Sahrawi refugee camps by fundraising for house construction, as well as water tank and air conditioning installation.

Viable Community - An international organization that enables people to preserve and restore nature while enjoying the experience.

Wijkz - A welfare organization for the residents of The Hague, informing our community about activities, volunteer jobs, support in the neighborhood, and offering practical help where needed.

Wool for Warmth - A non-profit dedicated to collecting wool and organizing knitting groups that knit clothing items for the homeless.

Women's Initiatives Network - WIN is a non-profit dedicated to women, peace, and security for women in the Netherlands and Africa.

YMCA Den Haag - The Hague chapter of the international youth organization that is committed to giving young people a place where they feel at home.