Meet the VIA team !
Diana
I am an anthropologist with a passion for understanding how others create a sense of belonging. I have dedicated the past ten years immersing myself in different languages, cultures, and service-learning work with specific field interests in youth development, gender, sexual reproductive health, social justice, and global civic engagement. With VIA, I am able to contribute and help support their mission on empowering youth and promote peace work.
Raphi
I volunteer at Via because I am passionate about giving back to the community and making a positive impact on the lives of others. My tasks at Via include organising community events, assisting with administrative duties, and providing support to various programs aimed at helping those in need. One fun thing about me is that I love to bake, and I often bring homemade treats to share with my fellow volunteers, which always brings a smile to everyone's face.
Bernardo
I love having the chance to put the skills I’ve learned during my studies towards helping others and promoting peace. I share VIA’s values and hope to positively impact and inspire communities in the Netherlands and abroad! As an intern in VIA, I have been working towards multicultural exchanges teaching Spanish-speaking youth in the Netherlands English and Dutch, as well as participating in Community events and helping organise workcamps in the Netherlands !
Dalia
I chose to start interning at VIA because I had become aware of how difficult it is nowadays to find a third space where people can come together without spending a lot of money, and build connections, something that many people crave. With a focus on community, connection, peace-building and solidarity, VIA aims to create such a space, and it has not fallen short. The people I have met here are amazing, and I have been inspired by being surrounded by so many young people who share an interest in bringing people together, learning from one another, creating a safe space for intercultural exchange, and making our world a better place!
Nastia
The goal of VIA and SCI appeals to me because I believe that cultural and international exchange is crucial in fostering peace, and that people should gain multicultural experiences in order to promote understanding between nationalities that have been historically opposed to one another. In VIA I am an intern, acquiring different skills from grant writing, to website design and participating in workcamps around the world !
Johanna
I believe the core principles to reach peaceful co-existience are trying to listen and understand each other. My work at VIA therefore focuses on researching the impact intercultural group work can have on the wellbeing of all inidviduals involved. During my time with VIA I have written a report on the Wellbeing of Volunteers which led to the creation of a Wellbeing pamphlet distributed to Volunteers on SCI work-camps all over the world !
Mari
I did some little volunteer work at “Summercamp for disadvantaged children at the Sloterplas” I enjoyed preparing food for all the volunteers and local children. Meeting people from variety of background was the most fantastic experience I had. That is why I love workcamp. I will never be away from workcamp forever!”
Wilbert
It all started with volunteering in Croatia in 1993 with children refugees during the first Blakan war. I got enthousiastic about SCI and its work. At VIA I am in charge of organising and participating in different SCI workcamps. I’m an active member of SCI on the local and international level. Outside of VIA and SCI I volunteer for other peace-organisations.
Rigas
I share common values with SCI and VIA and believe that through workcamps and common action we can contribute to better cooperation between people thus fostering peace between different nations. Within VIA I am a board member, ensuring VIA runs smoothly by taking care of VIA’s finances and aiding the PR group. Outside of VIA I work in IT consulting !
Carolin
I volunteer at VIA because I wanted to spend my time on something meaningful such as VIA and SCI. Within VIA I work in the PR Group, in the People and COaching group and aid the workcamp group. Outside of VIA I study psychology in Amsterdam and love cooking, hiking and listening to music!
Nico
I volunteer at VIA to enhance international solidarity and support practical work ! Within VIA I work in the Workcamp Group, organising and participating in different workcamps worldwide and in the Netherlands. Outside of SCI I work as a financial administrator and i love reading, biking and hiking.