Jo volunteers at Together for a Diploma
The Steunpunt Vrijwilligerswerk Brussel puts the spotlight on Jo, our volunteer Samen voor een Diploma. Thanks Steunpunt!
Read his extraordinary story here.
Jo Butaye volunteers at EVA bxl for the ‘Together for a Diploma’ project. I meet with him at his doctor’s office in Anderlecht.
Who are you?
My name is Jo Butaye. I studied medicine in Ghent. I graduated in 1976, which is a long time ago lol. I’ve always been a general practitioner in Anderlecht. I retired two years ago. Now I still do occasional consultations for Child and Family.
How did you end up at EVA bxl?
I saw an announcement about the EVA project “Together for a Diploma. They were looking for people to accompany students for a year. Most of the students have a migration background and are going to work alongside their studies or want to get an additional diploma.
I started as a mentor in September this year. First, I mentored a student of Nigerian descent. I mentored her for a month. She eventually quit because the level was not what she wanted. Then I mentored a student with Ugandan roots. I mentored her from October through January. I guide and support the students and help them find a good method of study.
How often do you see the students?
Every Friday afternoon, here in my practice. Then I spend 1-2 hours in conversation with the student. I ask how they are studying, how they are doing, if they like the studies and what their study week is like.
Why did you choose this volunteer work?
I do this because I was able to study myself. That is a privilege. In the first year of medicine, I also took tutoring. And then you feel that when you have support, you are still stronger in your studies and your motivation grows. My parents supported me. I am grateful for that. Thanks to my studies, I was also able to work afterwards. Now I want to give something back to society. To someone who can use it. That is basically my motivation. And so I also stay in contact with younger people and learn something myself.
Can you give an example of a moment that sticks with you from volunteering?
My last student didn’t just have problems with studies. She also had problems at home. She works as an educator and has three children. One of her children has a medical problem. She talked to me about that, too. She needed to be able to share that with someone. After such a conversation, she was very relieved. Then you see: it’s not just those studies in themselves but it’s the whole context.
How would you describe your impact on students?
I think they are happy to have support, that that motivates them. We can talk about all kinds of things. Even if they feel they didn’t make the right choice of study, we can talk about that.
How do you find working with the other volunteers and the team?
The collaboration is going well. We had a small gathering with some of the volunteers and some of the students. Minister Dalle was also there. We then ate and talked together and that was cool. It was an exchange among mentors and we also got different formations.
Can anyone do this kind of volunteer work?
You must have studied yourself. If you have never studied yourself, of course it is difficult. What you have studied doesn’t matter so much. The other mentors have studied art or film, for example, and that goes well too. I think motivation is important.
What do you think are the most important qualities a volunteer should have?
You must be willing to make time, listen and keep in touch. If concrete help is requested, you must be able to provide that help.
Do you do any other volunteer work?
I also volunteer on the board of directors of a new health center in Brussels. This is a new project that I am helping to set up.
I have also been volunteering in Africa for almost 10 years. I work there as a doctor with an organization. First in Morocco and later also in Sub-Saharan countries like Nigeria, Gambia, and so on. I give GP consultations there every year or I help the surgeons with operations. Usually I stay there for 2 weeks. I enjoy doing that. I try to make myself useful to people who cannot afford a doctor, for example, because the needs are great there.
Do you plan to do this for a long time?
As long as my health and my mind allow it. I enjoy doing that and it is now that I have to do it. I’m 72 now, in 10 years I may not be able to do it. Volunteering has to suit you, hey. You have to like doing it.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
There are an enormous number of people volunteering. That is very positive. Especially if you are retired, but also earlier if you can. I think it’s important that we do that. That we can give something back. You also stay active because of that.
This article is a realization by Steunpunt Vrijwilligerswerk Brussel
Reporter: Nur Layla Hadri
Photographer: Hamza Tigrine