The worldhouse is a community center for information, counseling, education and culture for undocumented migrants. The worldhouse is one of the projects developed by the Protestantde Diaconie Amsterdam.
In the worldhouse migrants do not have to depend on others for a while. Central to our work is the participation and empowerment of migrants. In the worldhouse migrants get the space to organize or to participate in different social/cultural-activities; like music, art, cooking, discussion groups or spiritual groups. It is also possible to follow language courses and computer classes. We stimulate young people to share their talents and ideas. Most of the activities in the worldhouse are organized by young undocumented migrants themselves. At present we have 450 weekly visitors.
Besides our activities, we also give space for undocumented migrants to organize themselves and speak up for their rights. Several migrant organizations meet at the worldhouse.
The worldhouse project has 3 main objectives. First: to create a house where migrants find a welcome home where they can learn new skills, empower themselves, become active and organize themselves. Second: to create visibility to the life of undocumented migrants in Amsterdam for the larger public by creative projects. Third: to be a lively community of migrants and people that want to offer their support.
Central to the worldhouse are our ‘’empowerment activities’’ for migrants without documents.
In the worldhouse migrants get the space to organize or participate in different social/cultural-activities (sport, music, art, discussion groups, spiritual groups), to follow courses and classes (language classes, computer classes e.o.), and to share their talents and ideas.
Our working methodology is based on stimulating the sharing of knowledge and developing talents. Every person has talents and skills. By sharing these with each other, we can learn.
We offer the possibility to learn new skills within our diverse team, according to the personal interest and wishes of the volunteer.
The volunteer can join staff members working together in many different fields of work, applying diverse skills and knowledge in their daily work.
The EVS volunteer can either organize a new activity (like art class) - in respond to requests from the visitors - help out with an existing activity or help organizing the day