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