INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

The idea behind Right2Education is one very close to my heart. Especially in a world that is becoming increasingly hostile and polarized, it feels like facilitating a safe and welcoming environment for refugees and asylum seekers might be more important now than ever. Through our language courses, buddy system and community events I hope we can create a space for mutual respect, understanding and, not least of all, friendship.

This is my second year on the board, where I will continue being the Internal Communications Coordinator. In short, this means I will ensure that the board stays on track with all its duties, organize weekly meetings to discuss our ongoing tasks and projects, and keep in contact with close partners.

I'm looking forward to work with this wonderful board this year, and to see Right2Education develop further as a space where language, culture and community meet!

EXTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS

Hi! My name is Mare, and I’ll be managing Right2Education’s external relations this year. I’ll be keeping our social media pages updated and working on building relationships with other organizations.

Growing up in Amsterdam I was lucky to have access to quality education. However, growing up also came with the realization 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 dream of working for an NGO.

The past year, I really enjoyed working with Right2Education and meeting new people at our events, so there was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to continue being part of this amazing board for 2025/2026!

TREASURER & ACQUISITIONS

Hi! I am Asma Barekzai, and I am the Treasurer for Right2Education this year.

I was born and raised in Afghanistan, a country where education has become a distant dream for many, especially for women and girls. Having experienced both the power of education and the pain of watching it be taken away from others, I carry with me a deep belief that learning is not just a right, but a source of hope, freedom, and change.

When I discovered that Right2Education offers free language courses for refugees, I immediately felt connected to its mission. This initiative speaks directly to my heart, because I know how life changing education can be for those who are rebuilding their lives in a new country. That’s why I chose to join this team to help open doors for others, just as doors were once opened for me.

With a background in finance and years of experience working with international NGOs, I now support Right2Education by managing our finances and helping secure the resources we need to grow. As Treasurer, I am committed to making sure this beautiful project continues to thrive and reach even more people.

STUDENT COORDINATOR

When I first heard about Right2Education, I immediately knew I wanted to contribute to its mission. The experience of being a buddy last year and attending the graduation ceremony reassured me in my intention to get involved, showing me how important R2E’s work is. Not only does the organization provide accessible language education, but it also creates a sense of community, both of which I truly value.

As Student Coordinators, Nada, Margaux, and I will be the first point of contact for students when they apply, making the process as smooth as possible and ensuring a welcoming environment.

I’m excited to be part of this year’s board and look forward to everything I will learn along the way.

STUDENT COORDINATOR

I first learned about Right2Education through friends, and after attending a few events that I really enjoyed, I decided to join. I loved the concept of R2E and what it stands for. Language has always been a central part of my life, as I speak a different language at home than I do outside. This experience has made me aware of the privilege that comes with speaking certain languages, and it’s motivated me to be part of others’ language-learning journeys, whether that’s by helping them develop their skills or simply by being an active member of this welcoming community.

As one of the student coordinators, I aim to contribute to R2E’s welcoming and inclusive environment, helping create a space where students feel comfortable, supported, and inspired to learn. From the first enquiry to the first day of class, I guide students through the process, answer their questions, and ensure everything is in place for a confident start.

STUDENT COORDINATOR

Hi, I’m Margaux! I will be a student coordinator for Right2Education this year! I was introduced to R2E in my first year when I joined as an English teacher. I loved meeting all the students and being able to help them on their journeys learning English and getting to know a new country. I wanted to come back to R2E in another way so becoming a student coordinator felt like the perfect way to do that! I am a strong believer in the importance of education and a crucial part of that is making education accessible to everyone. As a student coordinator I will help the students join the organization and guide them along the way; I hope to make the daunting process of learning a new language a bit easier and allow the students to feel as comfortable as possible during their time at R2E. I am excited to be part of this wonderful board!

TEACHER & ACADEMIC COORDINATOR

Hi everyone, I’m Amicie! I’m very excited to be the Teacher and Academic Coordinator this year with Cristina! I first joined Right2Education as an English teacher, an experience I absolutely loved, which is why I wanted to continue contributing to this amazing association. I know how important language is for integration, so I hope to help as many people as I can by giving them the tools to break the language barrier.

As a Teacher and Academic Coordinator, I’ll make sure our teachers have the resources they need and feel supported to teach at their very best. I hope my experience at R2E will help us find good solutions when challenges come and keep improving our curriculum over time :)

TEACHER & ACADEMIC COORDINATOR

I came to know and work with Right2Education as an English teacher, which gave me the privilege of witnessing firsthand the impact that this organisation can have. As a language learner myself and coming from a family with an immigrant background, I know how essential it is to speak the local language in order to feel accepted and integrated into a society and culture that can seem completely foreign.

R2E plays a vital role in providing not only the opportunity to learn that language but also a welcoming community for those who want to grow and connect, yet may not have the resources to do so. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of this mission, and as one of the two Teacher and Academic Coordinators, working alongside Amicie, I’m here to help build, guide, and support a welcoming, motivated team of teachers who share our vision, and to make sure the teaching side of R2E flows as smoothly as possible.

EVENTS COORDINATOR

When I first heard about Right2Education at the start of my first year of university, I was instantly hooked and knew it was something I wanted to be part of. I started off as a buddy over the past academic year and found so much joy and fulfillment in getting to know new people and learning from their experiences. It made me realize that I want to take a more active role in the formation of this wholesome community. Together with Vania, I’ll be responsible for coordinating weekly events that create spaces for practicing language skills, getting to know one another as well as our city, and, most importantly, having a good time. I’m excited to work with motivated students and all the amazing people on the board to continue growing this community!

EVENTS COORDINATOR

Hi! I am Vania, and I am one of the Event Managers of this year’s Right2Education board.

I migrated to the Netherlands in my late teens, carrying both the disorientation and spirit of discovery of starting over in a new place, thus the heart of this program holds deep personal significance to me. That journey taught me how deeply language shapes belonging, and how community can transform a foreign city into a home. At Right2Education, I see those same transformations continuously; people stepping beyond labels, discovering their voices, and building futures they choose for themselves. With Hanna, as one of the Event Managers, I create spaces where those connections can grow, whether through celebrations, workshops, and weekly events. My studies in law and urban studies fuel my belief that justice begins with access, and access begins with education. R2E is where that belief becomes something living, shared, and ingrained in our local community.

BUDDY SYSTEM COORDINATOR

I first started Right2Education last year, as a buddy, and I had such a great experience that I decided to get more involved by joining the board as this year’s Buddy Co-Coordinator.

Being part of the buddy system really opened my eyes to the importance of R2E’s social side, and how meaningful it is to connect on a personal level, not just as students or teachers. I believe both sides of the buddy pair can learn a lot from each other, and as a co-coordinator, I hope to help people step out of their comfort zones, build new friendships, while also supporting language learning along the way.

Together with Johanna, I’ll be working on creating the buddy pairs to give others the same kind of positive experiences I had in the programme, and hopefully get lots of new people excited about joining. I’m looking forward to meeting all our future buddies and connecting with everyone at our events!

BUDDY SYSTEM COORDINATOR

I’m Johanna, a third year student at AUC. I worked as an Event Coordinator alongside Paula last year, and I was a buddy in my first year. Being involved at R2E has been such an incredible privilege, and an experience during which I didn’t just learn about our wonderful R2E community, but about myself as well. This year I am switching to the Buddy Coordinator position. As a Buddy Coordinator I hope to combine being involved in logistical work, while staying part of R2E’s social side and keeping close ties to both AUC- and guest students. This is important to me because the people in the R2E program are truly some of the most inspiring and friendly people I have ever met, and who make this whole experience so memorable.