For four decades, ACCESS has supported internationals making the Netherlands their home. The organisation marked the milestone with a celebration at The Social Hub The Hague, bringing together the volunteers, staff members, partners and friends who have shaped its work.
ACCESS celebrated its 40th anniversary in The Hague on Thursday 17 September, with a gathering at The Social Hub The Hague.
The event brought together people from across the organisation’s past and present, including volunteers, former volunteers, staff members, board members, partners and patrons. It was one of three anniversary gatherings organised by ACCESS, with celebrations also taking place in Amsterdam and Utrecht.
Speakers included Deborah Valentine, Executive Director of ACCESS; Kim Jooste, Chairperson of the ACCESS Board; and Hildemarij Fortanier-Mesker, Department Head of International Affairs at the Municipality of The Hague and Manager of The Hague International Centre.
Together, they reflected on an organisation that began by providing practical information in English but has developed into something broader: a community offering information, understanding, professional experience and a sense of belonging.
From information to belonging
Speaking on behalf of the Municipality of The Hague, Hildemarij Fortanier-Mesker highlighted the people behind the organisation and their contribution to making internationals feel welcome.
“People do not move to a new country looking only for information,” she said. “They are looking for connection. They are looking for understanding. They are looking for a community.”
She described how ACCESS volunteers have done more than answer practical questions. By sharing their own experiences, listening to newcomers and offering reassurance, they have also supported people as they built friendships, networks and confidence.
The long-running partnership between ACCESS and The Hague International Centre has made this personal support part of the welcome received by internationals arriving in the region.
Fortanier-Mesker noted that The Hague International Centre has achieved a client satisfaction score of 9.6, but said the city’s welcome could not be created by a website, registration procedure or information desk alone.
“It is created by people,” she said.
Her speech also paid tribute to Deborah Valentine and the many staff members, volunteers, board members and partners who have shaped ACCESS. While the organisation was originally created to improve access to English-language information and services, she said its role today is also about belonging, bringing communities together and enabling internationals and local residents to understand one another.
A special connection with The Hague
Kim Jooste reflected on the particular significance of celebrating the anniversary in The Hague, the home city of ACCESS and the location of several important firsts.
The Hague was the first municipality to establish a formal partnership with ACCESS and the first to welcome ACCESS volunteers directly into its own international helpdesk.
Jooste said this strong foundation remained important as both the city and the needs of its international community continued to evolve.
She also highlighted the many former ACCESS volunteers who have remained in the region, built careers and made The Hague their long-term home. Guests were invited to show how long they had lived in the Netherlands, with some having been here for more than 10, 20, 30 or even 40 years.
The moment illustrated how an organisation initially created to support people through relocation has itself become part of many people’s longer story in the Netherlands.
Four decades of change
ACCESS was established in 1986 as the Administrative Committee to Coordinate English Speaking Services.
Its beginnings can be traced to a community needs assessment carried out in 1985 and 1986. The international community had identified a need for reliable English-language information, emotional support and opportunities for people to connect and contribute their skills.
The organisation’s early work included a telephone helpdesk, information mornings and training sessions. In 1989, it produced its first Information Calendar and Baby Book. These were followed by employment and healthcare publications, newsletters and, later, ACCESS Magazine.
The historical displays at the anniversary celebration showed just how much the methods of providing information have changed. ACCESS progressed from telephone calls, paper files and a Rolodex to computer databases, a website, social media and face-to-face services delivered in cooperation with international centres.
The purpose behind those tools, however, has remained remarkably consistent: making it easier for internationals to find reliable information, appropriate support and a community in the Netherlands.
Volunteers at the heart of ACCESS
ACCESS remains a not-for-profit organisation built around the knowledge and experience of its international and Dutch volunteers.
Many volunteers understand the challenges of relocation personally. They draw on that experience to respond to questions, guide newcomers towards relevant services and offer the reassurance that can only come from someone who has navigated similar circumstances.
Volunteering also gives internationals a place to use their professional skills, develop new experience and establish networks while building their own lives in the Netherlands.
Over the years, thousands of people have contributed to ACCESS. Their work has supported internationals through the organisation’s helpdesks, website, Counselling Services Network, Training Network, childbirth preparation courses and partnerships with international centres.
Today, ACCESS provides free information and guidance to internationals in The Hague, Amsterdam, Amstelveen and Utrecht, as well as through its national helpdesk and online resources.
Looking towards the next chapter
The anniversary celebration was an opportunity to recognise the organisation’s history, but also to consider what internationals need today and in the years ahead.
The tools may continue to change, as they have throughout the past four decades. The need for reliable information, human connection and a welcoming community remains.
As ACCESS enters its next chapter, its story continues to be shaped by the people who contribute their time, experience, knowledge and kindness.
For 40 years, ACCESS has supported people in finding their way in the Netherlands. More importantly, it has supported many of them in finding their place.
Photos: Vinita Salomé.
Source: ACCESS and speeches delivered during the ACCESS 40th anniversary celebration at The Social Hub The Hague.
