Meet the Board of 2024-2025
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Emmy van Ingen
INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
The idea behind Right2Education is one very close to my heart. I strongly believe that accessible education for all is one of the most important aspects of a free and just society, and I feel very honoured to be in a position where I get to help facilitate other people's learning, as well as create a community where students and refugees can meet and learn from each other.
As the Internal Communications coordinator, I will ensure that the board stays on track with all its duties, organising weekly meetings to check in and keeping in contact with other internal parties at AUC.
I'm looking forward to work with this wonderful board this year, and to see Right2Education develop further as a space where language, education and community meet!
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Sofia Tokošová
EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
Hi, I am Sofia and I'm excited to be part of Right2Education this year! I love learning languages and connecting with other people. Providing education to all is our mission and our language courses at Amsterdam University College contribute to this goal.
This mission to provide access to education to people coming to Amsterdam from all over the world requires collaboration of different parties. As the External Communications Coordinator I would like to amplify the voices and stories of our community. Right2Education would like to further connect with similar organisations in the Netherlands that can facilitate the access to education for all. Part of my role will be to reaching out to those who can join us in creating meaningful change. We want to build bridges between our organisation and the world, foster connections and raise awareness about the transformative power of education.
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Mare de Vries
TREASURER & ACQUISITIONS
When I came to AUC a year ago and saw the Right2Education stand at the committee market, I immediately knew I wanted to participate once I got settled at AUC. The joy that the R2E events and community bring to other students at AUC was amazing to me, I knew I needed to be part of that.
Growing up in Amsterdam I was lucky to have access to quality education. However growing up also came with the realisation that these same rights I am so grateful for have not been granted to everyone in the Netherlands (let alone the world). This is one of the reasons why I have always been drawn to studying human rights topics and have a dream of working for an NGO.
That is why I am so happy to be part of R2E. As the treasurer I am responsible for managing R2E’s finances. In this role I hope to find new ways to raise funds, so we can improve and expand where. Don’t hesitate to talk to me with any ideas, questions or just to chat if we meet at an event or in the hallway! I am looking forward to meeting students, teachers and anyone attending the events, as well as working with and getting to know the other board members!
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Shree Dubey
STUDENT COORDINATOR
Education has always been a huge part of my life. My parents like to remind their children of its importance and the necessity of sharing knowledge and experiences in general. I grew up with stories of how learning has been a privilege to obtain in my family, and I have come to appreciate how accessing knowledge should be a basic right for people of all backgrounds. I was thus inspired to join an initiative like R2E, a community that encourages students and teachers to learn from each other while providing essential language lessons as a stepping stone for individuals to integrate well into Dutch (and other) societies.
As a Student Coordinator, I help students enter the programme and keep track of applications. I hope to add on to the inviting, kind and organised environment where everyone feels comfortable in expressing themselves and what they want from Right2Education.
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Krzysztof Szuba
STUDENT COORDINATOR
I learned about Right2Education through one of my courses and immediately decided to join its board. I was impressed by the range of the organization's activities stretching from language education to social activities and community building. The sharing of experiences and the two-way learning opportunity is to me what makes being part of R2E so meaningful.
I believe that learning new language skills and finding a place in a vibrant community can be an important asset in the experience of our guest students. As one of the Student Coordinators, I aim to create a welcoming and safe environment for them. Together with Shree and Kushagra, we take care of the application process and create class lists, making sure that everything goes as smoothly and stress-free as possible.
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Kushagra
STUDENT COORDINATOR
Hello, I'm Kushagra, the Student Coordinator representative for R2R for the 2024-25 academic year. I first learned about R2E through my friends, and I loved the concept of it. The mission of R2E really resonated with me, and I knew I wanted to contribute in any way I could. Education, especially language learning, plays a crucial role in our lives, shaping how we connect with the world and each other. Hence, it was a no-brainer joining this initiative. I'm excited to be part of the board and to hopefully make a positive impact in our community.
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Kyra Kruijt
TEACHER & ACADEMIC COORDINATOR
Hi everyone! Last year I joined Right2Education as a Dutch teacher. By the end of the semester I knew for sure that I wanted to stay involved and decided to join the board. As a teacher, not only do you have the opportunity to help students build up their language skills, but also their confidence. Right2Education really taught me how a little can go a long way and how much it means for students that you take the time to help them and show mutual interest. The part of teaching that I enjoyed most was building a genuine connection with your students, both inside the classroom and during some of the events that R2E organizes. Farrah, Beer, and I, as Teacher and Academic coordinators, are very excited to support our motivated teaching team, and most importantly watch them enjoy this experience.
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Farrah Blitzer
TEACHER & ACADEMIC COORDINATOR
As someone who moved to a new country when I was young, I know the importance and the difficulties of having to learn an entirely new language and adapt to an entirely new culture. Luckily I've always had access to education to help facilitate this process, which is why I've always believed this privilege should be granted universally. R2E spoke to me for this reason and I was eager to be a part of it in some way shape or form.
As one of the teacher and academic coordinators I'm hopeful to be able to support the teaching team in any way I can and learn as much as I can along the way!
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Beer
TEACHER REPRESENTATIVE
Last year I got told about R2E by somebody I barely knew and thought, why not. It turned out I enjoyed teaching here a lot. Making our own presentations, grading homework and standing in front of the class felt very rewarding. After having finished teaching A1/A2, my co teacher and me had gotten so close to our students that I wanted to give them a familiar face if they continued with R2E. That and also wanting to be more involved in the organisation of the classes has led me here.
I hope to make this a productive year for all the students who'll be attending R2E lessons and maybe even help them feel a little more at home in 'ons kleine kikkerlandje'.
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Johanna Kallmeyer
EVENTS COORDINATOR
In my first year, I chose to become a buddy for Right2Education. I am incredibly glad I did because it was one of the most meaningful experiences I had at university so far. Beyond having the chance to meet and connect with my buddies, I met many unique and inspiring people. Talking to the smart, driven and talented students who did not grow up with the same priviledges I did made me want to take a more active part in the cause. I knew then that I wanted to apply for a position on the board. I had the most fun attending the weekly events since they offered more opportunities to meet different students within the programme. The vibrant characters and welcoming atmosphere last year’s event coordinators created shaped my experience with Right2Education. That is why I decided to apply for this position and it is what I hope to achieve at this year’s events with my co-coordinator Paula.
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Paula Vermaas
EVENTS COORDINATOR
Throughout history, The Netherlands has been a safe harbour for many seeking refuge, which has hugely contributed to the country’s culture and profile, especially Amsterdam. Right2Education forms an important voice, calling for unity and community, in an increasingly polarising society. I’ve always been passionate about creating communities in which people of all backgrounds feel welcomed. To be able to do this as one of two Event Coordinators for an important cause like the one Right2Education stands for is an amazing opportunity and I look forward to meeting our students and working together with everyone behind the scenes.
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Kaya Seim-Houge
BUDDY SYSTEM COORDINATOR
I was introduced to Right2Education last year when I became a buddy, and I quickly realised how meaningful and rewarding the work of this organisation is. R2E’s mission resonates with me because I have always loved learning languages and have seen the opportunities that language can unlock in this world.
I will be coordinating the buddy system together with Elena, which will be great! We will do our best to facilitate connections and friendships between students that simultaneously will help better their language skills.
I am looking forward to meeting all students, teachers, and buddies and I hope to see many of you at our events!es here
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Elena Landwehr
BUDDY SYSTEM COORDINATOR
Last year, I joined Right2Education as a buddy and quickly realized the incredible opportunities this NGO provides to both guest and university students. I thoroughly enjoyed the weekly events and spending time with people who appreciate connecting with others from diverse backgrounds. As buddy coordinators, Kaya and I work to foster R2E’s social side by facilitating matches to create buddy pairs and groups. I truly believe that our buddy system offers a fantastic experience for everyone and that, together, we can make education both fun and accessible!