Become an Education Buddy: Help Newcomer Children with School!

As a TOMaatje, you contribute to the future of children from refugee backgrounds by helping them with their schoolwork. Volunteers at Open Embassy support newcomer families in finding their way in the Dutch education system. Make an impact with this valuable volunteer work and help online or physically with primary or secondary school subjects for 1-2 hours a week.

As a TOMaatje, you help a child/young person (aged 7-18) from a newcomer family when education is not going well. You offer low-threshold support in doing homework, practising the Dutch language and other difficult school subjects. Involving parents in their children's schoolwork also gives you a mentor and buddy role.

You agree when it is most convenient for you, the child/young person and the parents. This is done in consultation. Counselling is done online, physically at your or the family's home, or at a public location such as a library.

As a volunteer TOMaatje, you make an impact in the life of a child/young person. Through your efforts, you ensure that children and young people improve their Dutch language and can ask questions about their homework. This is very important for their school career. You can also support parents and introduce them to the Dutch school system. Working as a TOMaatje is therefore meaningful work with great social impact. At the same time, you get to know a newcomer's family better and become part of a community of some 300 other enthusiastic TOMaatjes.

What you get from us:

• An online induction programme to get you started.
• Access to an online community for sharing tips and knowledge.
• Information sessions on intercultural communication or subject knowledge.
• Multiple intervisions per year.

• Your command of the Dutch language.
• You are familiar with the Dutch education system.
• You get on well with children.
• You are open-minded and curious about other cultures.
• You have the time and space to agree: at least 1 hour a week for a longer period.