“Tieners heel verfrissend,” Jonne Knevel once said. Voor Jonne is named after her. She works as a youth worker in Amsterdam. She coordinates activities for teenagers. She also manages volunteers. Jonne helps connect adults and teens.
Jonne Knevel started working at the Jeruzalemkerk a year ago. She realized she has strong organizational skills. After studying ‘Godsdienst Pastoraal Werk’, she searched for a job. She found it at the Protestants Jeugdwerk Amsterdam.
Jonne likes working with teenagers. She sees them as a vulnerable group. They have many questions. They may not always express them. It is important for them to have supportive people. These people should care for them. They should do fun things together. They can help them grow spiritually. Jonne finds teenagers refreshing. They often have different perspectives. They often surprise her.
The traineeship offers personal and professional growth. Youth leaders can discuss difficult issues during training days. Jonne appreciates connecting with other youth workers. They can share and discuss ideas. This makes her feel less alone.
Jonne has learned some personal lessons. She needs to involve others in responsibilities. She has a strong sense of responsibility. It is hard for her to let go of things. By delegating, she can focus on other things. She wants to focus on her relationships with the teens. She enjoys spending time with them. She likes having fun and seeing them happy. They are the reason she does it all.
Jonne has gained experience in youth work. She has spent time thinking about her vision. She found it helpful to discuss this with volunteers. They can take deliberate steps. This makes their work measurable. Jonne hopes to invest in relationships with teenagers. She wants to increase their visibility in the community. She also wants to foster their spiritual growth.
Jonne hopes the teenagers will find their place in the community. She wants them to value their faith. She hopes they will share it with others. That is what Voor Jonne strives for. It is a place for growth and connection. It supports teenagers in Amsterdam. Remember Jonne Knevel’s words: “Tieners heel verfrissend.”