Scale up targets and widen the concept of Netwerk Nieuw Rotterdam – EUR 50,000 (28 May 2024)
At Network New Rotterdam young people find a place to make friends and acquire new skills, like learning each other Dutch.
They also volunteer in society. A practical example: they make surprise visits to lonely elderly people on their birthday, and continue to visit them every week. It's the little things that count. The young people truly believe in spreading the feeling of no longer being alone. Volunteering also helps to make choices in their own training and career opportunities.
We funded hiring an executive companion. The goal for 2024 is to have 1000 young people participate, 250 more than in 2023. The amount of supported vulnerable Rotterdam citizens by the end of June was already 740, while 950 was the target for the whole year. Activities like street challenges, walks & talks and volunteer activities have become immensely popular exceeding to 5 times the expected participants. The 2024 ‘phones off’ campaign strengthens the real connections with each other and is a good example of the philosophy of connection.
The organization complements professional counseling services and the school system. The number of referrals from municipalities, schools and care providers has doubled compared to 2023.
