A problem solver in the city, De Regenboog Groep trains volunteers who can assist people. People for whom the "job tidings" are piling up are given breathing room again thanks to the daily efforts of volunteers like Anneke, a first -and oh so important- step toward a dignified existence.
Volunteer for Fariq
Since 2017, Anneke Boeke has been volunteering with De Regenboog Groep. She hikes weekly with Fariq* (48), a man haunted by bad luck all his life. Since Anneke has been helping him, he sees a little light again. Anneke herself finds it very normal to assist someone.
How much bad luck can a man have in his life? Like a second Job from the famous Bible story, one catastrophe follows another in Fariq's life. He became involved in the Bijlmer disaster, which - unlike his roommate - he narrowly survived. His passport got lost at the immigration office. He was deported and ended up in jail in Morocco. Meanwhile, he is a physical wreck as a result of a number of failed surgeries, which he had to pay for himself because he was not insured. As a result, he has run up considerable debt. "All this has made him pretty bitter," Anneke Boeke said, "which I think is very understandable."
Recognition
Fariq was very happy when Anneke Boeke became his buddy in the fall of 2017. Anneke: "He said: you as a Dutchman will probably get much further than me with the authorities. I honestly thought that too. So no, I too am not called back when promised and I too am regularly sent from pillar to post.
.Fariq is not stupid, but he is weak, both mentally and physically, and cannot concentrate for long. I am articulate and do not give in easily. First, I put his story in writing so that Fariq doesn't have to keep telling it to everyone. After all, it is quite something. Fortunately, we get along very well. And I must say that Fariq already looks very different from the beginning. His eyes look better, he has color in his cheeks again. I think it has to do with him feeling supported. That, of course, is the point: when you have so much bad luck, you want someone else to acknowledge your problems."
Neighbor
"Why I do this work? I'm not Christian, but I do believe that you should love your neighbor. I think that is the thrust of every religion. I myself have never been hungry. Nor have I ever had to flee or known war. We are so privileged here. We often realize that far too little. The Netherlands is such a staggeringly rich country. I'm just happy that I can do something tangible for someone else."
Have a little free time and can you also assist someone who has had some pretty bad luck in life and is stuck because of it? Then check out here!
Photo: Merlin Michon, text: Nicolline van der Spek
* Fariq is not his real name
Rectification: This story is from Meeleven 2 which appeared 8 on June. The article there is entitled "MY GOD, WHAT A JOB!". Anneke took issue with this headline: "The problem with it is that it emphasized the effort it gives me. While I, as a volunteer, precisely do not see this task as a job and certainly not as a (too) heavy burden. Otherwise, I wouldn't be doing it. My approach in this interview was that I, as a volunteer, wanted to highlight Fariq's hard life, that I want to support as much as I can and want to." True to form.