Volunteers are the silent force that makes our work more humane and warmer. An asylum procedure involves a lot of uncertainty, but volunteers are often the first sign that someone is welcome. Their tasks are very diverse, their commitment is very similar. They are indispensable in our centres. 

Extra quality

Not all tasks in a centre are suitable for volunteers, but there is always plenty of work in the centre, says Ruth de Ruijter (Fedasil): “There are a lot of tasks in the reception centres that staff members cannot always make time for. Volunteers provide just that extra touch of quality in the centre.”

The process of attracting volunteers goes in two directions, Ruth says: “Either the centre will actively seek a volunteer to fill a specific request for help, or a volunteer will come forward and we will discuss together their talents and the help they would like to offer. The required commitment also varies: some volunteers come on a regular basis – for example, once a week – others can be called in case of an urgent need.”

Ambassadors of the centres

“To attract people and keep them on board afterwards remains a challenge,” Ruth continues. “Nevertheless, we are pleased to see that each centre has a stable group of volunteers who we can count on. Some of them have been committed for many years and continue to enjoy coming. People like that are strong ambassadors of our centres.”

Volunteers are not only essential to improve the operations of a centre; they are also an indispensable link between a centre and its surroundings. Ruth: “Volunteers create connections with the neighbourhood and the town or commune where the centre is located. They are often local people, with local roots and a local network. They help improve social support and are, in their own way are, ambassadors for the reception centre.” Volunteers also benefit from their experiences in the centre. “The enrichment that comes from interacting with residents is – both for the residents and the volunteers themselves – priceless.” 

Still seeking volunteers

The mantra reads: there are never enough volunteers. “When a new centre opens, new candidates always show up, but over time, this enthusiasm wanes. Then our centres actively search through platforms such as Give a Day or vrijwilligerswerk.be. And of course, we promote volunteering a lot online”, Ruth says. 

“Volunteers are essential to our operations. Therefore, Fedasil and the centres do everything they can to make volunteers feel welcome. Their work really makes a difference”, Ruth concludes. 

A reason enough to honour our volunteers. On Volunteer Day (December 5), may that resonate just that little bit louder: an incredible thank you for your presence, commitment and warmth!

The voice of the volunteers 

Dany - Morlanwelz 

Dany is, along with her husband Pascal, volunteer at the centre of Morlanwelz, where she helps children with their homework and follows up their progress week after week. “I love children. It gives me a lot of motivation when they thank me, perform better in school or proudly show me their grades. Many children need warmth, attention and a little humanity. Volunteers can provide that. Reaching out to someone is the greatest thing you can do.”

Marc - Brussels

Marc has been a volunteer at the "Petit-Château" Arrival centre in Brussels for ten years, where he teaches Dutch almost daily. This work gives him the feeling that he is really making a difference: “When the class is quiet and focused, when people smile and come back with joy: that gives me energy. Volunteers gain in humanity because they learn to put their own concerns into perspective and develop a lot of empathy.”

Renée - Ghent

Renée volunteers at Fedasil Ghent and assists one girl with her homework. She started volunteering because she had too little social contact in her job and wanted to mean something to someone again. “The one-to-one connection has created a strong sense of trust: I see that she is improving, opening up and that she feels supported. Volunteers don't have to be perfect: you don't need any special skills, just listen and be there. I always arrive happy and always go home happy.”

Charlotte - Senonchamps 

Charlotte began volunteering as a homework helper at the centre of Senonchamps (Bastogne) but soon lent a hand with the new vegetable garden of the centre. “I get a lot of joy and energy from my commitment: the children who come enthusiastically to help, little moments of joy and the feeling that even small things make a big difference. Volunteering gives me hope because I feel like I am doing my part to contribute to something positive in society. You don't have to be a teacher or an expert: a little time, patience and attention are all you need.”

Do you also want to make a difference?

Every Fedasil centre works with volunteers, and we are always looking for new people who wish to share their time, talents or attention. You do not need a degree, prior knowledge or professional experience: an open attitude, patience and a desire to help others are enough.

How do you get started? Find a centre in your neighbourhood: https://www.fedasil.be/en/reception-centres. Contact the volunteer section by directly using the contact details on the website. You choose how much time you want to spend and which tasks you can do. Everyone can contribute!