Volunteer Interview: Renata Castello Branco

Renata Castello Branco is originally from Brazil. She recently moved to The Hague to experience living in Europe and immersing herself in a new culture. She joined Volunteer The Hague online to meet people from different backgrounds and explore new places. Volunteering has always been something she has enjoyed doing. Joining the VTH team felt like the perfect opportunity to becoming part of the local community.

Which organisation do you volunteer for? What is their mission?

I volunteer for PEP Den Haag as a Social Media Manager for their Volunteer The Hague programme.

Volunteer The Hague's mission is to connect volunteers with non-profit organizations, to help create a stronger, more connected, and more inclusive community in the city. The platform supports hundreds of organizations working in areas such as social inclusion, education, elderly care, sustainability, culture, and community development.

What volunteer role do you currently have and what tasks do you perform?

I manage Volunteer The Hague's Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook accounts.

My responsibilities include creating content, planning social media campaigns, promoting volunteer opportunities, and helping tell the stories of volunteers and organizations across the city. It takes about 4 hours a week of my time.

What were your goals when you first decided to volunteer?

My goals were to connect with new people, better understand the Dutch working environment, and contribute through a role related to my professional background in marketing and communications. More than anything, I wanted to feel like I belonged here. Volunteering seemed like the best way to become part of the local community rather than simply living in the city.

What have you been enjoying in your current volunteer role?

Volunteering has exceeded my expectations. I love knowing that my work helps connect people with meaningful opportunities to make a difference in someone else's life. It's rewarding to use my professional skills for a social purpose while also learning from people with different backgrounds. I've also met wonderful people, learned more about Dutch culture, and genuinely feel much more connected to The Hague. It has made the city feel like home much faster than I expected.

What kind of volunteering did you do in your home country?

I previously volunteered in Jardim Gramacho, a very underprivileged community in Rio de Janeiro. During an Easter event, we organized activities for the children and distributed chocolate Easter eggs.

Jardim Gramacho was once home to the largest open-air landfill in Latin America, and many families still face significant social and economic challenges. Because of this, initiatives that provide activities for children, as well as access to food and clean drinking water, can make a meaningful difference in the community. I regularly helped with distributing food and raising donations for homeless people.

Photo credit: Renata Castello Branco 

What is typical of your own culture (values, mindset) that you bring to your volunteer role? 

I believe I bring the warmth and openness that are characteristic of Brazilian culture.

Empathy, building meaningful relationships, making people feel welcome, and helping others without expecting anything in return are values that are very important to me. I enjoy connecting with people and creating a positive environment wherever I volunteer.

Have you ever learnt something from volunteering that became useful for your studies or paid work? 

Absolutely. Volunteering has strengthened both my professional and personal skills. I've learned to adapt my communication to a different culture, become more resilient, and better understand diverse audiences.

It has also reinforced an important lesson: you never know what someone else is going through, so kindness, empathy, and avoiding judgment should always come first. These lessons are valuable in both my professional career and my personal life.

What have you found challenging?

One of the biggest challenges has been understanding how Dutch audiences engage with online content.

Social media habits and communication styles are quite different from those in Brazil. At first, it took time to understand what resonates with local audiences and how to create content that feels authentic and relevant. However, this challenge has also been a valuable learning experience and has helped me grow professionally. Volunteering has exceeded my expectations.

What piece of advice would you give to potential volunteers about how to find a suitable volunteer role?

My advice is to go to VTH's volunteer vacancy platform, do the talent scan and choose a role that genuinely interests you and matches your skills or passions. There are so many opportunities available that everyone can find a way to contribute.