To achieve this impact, engaged partners are essential. That's why we are proud of our collaboration with VSBfonds, which has supported us in Rotterdam since 2023 and is now also enabling our expansion into Utrecht.
A Shared Mission
VSBfonds is committed to a society where everyone can participate. This mission aligns perfectly with the work of DUO for a JOB: we also believe that everyone has talent and can contribute, but not everyone receives equal opportunities. While VSBfonds supports initiatives that strengthen connections between people and enable personal growth, allowing them to participate again, we create concrete connections between people who might not otherwise meet. Together, we bring people together and create opportunities for them to truly get to know each other.
This combination proves powerful: young people gain access to networks, guidance, and confidence, while mentors apply their experience in a meaningful way and continue to learn and grow themselves.
Growth and Impact in Rotterdam
Thanks to the support of VSBfonds, we have been able to take significant steps in Rotterdam in recent years. In 2023, partly due to their contribution, we formed 62 duos. This number has since grown to 161 duos in 2025, bringing the total number of duos formed since the start in Rotterdam in 2021 to 430.
As Zita Luna, Regional Advisor South Holland at VSBfonds, states:
“VSBfonds is committed to a society where everyone can participate, but not everyone succeeds. Sometimes they get fewer opportunities than others. Yet everyone has talents and can contribute to society. DUO for a JOB's mentoring program helps young people with a migration background grow personally. This gives them more self-confidence and a better perspective on a full-fledged place in society.”
Expansion to Utrecht
In 2026, we will take an important next step: the opening of a second Dutch branch in Utrecht. Here too, we can count on the commitment and support of VSBfonds.
Brigitte Coté, Regional Advisor Utrecht, Flevoland, and Overijssel at VSBfonds, explains:
“It's wonderful that a mentoring program is also starting in the Utrecht region this year. This will allow young people with a migration background here to work with individuals aged 50 and over to develop skills. What makes the program strong is that these 50-plus individuals rediscover their own potential. They use their expertise and life experience to inspire and motivate young people to increase their opportunities, and they learn from it themselves too.”
Building Together for the Future
With the continuation of our collaboration and the expansion to Utrecht, we look forward to the next phase. Our ambition for 2026 is even higher: in Rotterdam and Utrecht, we aim to grow to 210 duos formed within one year. This way, we can reach even more young people, build more bridges between generations, and further increase our impact.
We are grateful to VSBfonds for their trust and commitment. Together, we continue to build a society where everyone has the opportunity to participate.
Do you know or are you a fund or partner that aligns well with our mission, just like VSBfonds? We'd love to hear from you!
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