Lieke’s minor in South Africa

Lieke van Oversteeg

My name is Lieke van Oversteeg, and I study at Hotel Management School Maastricht. I’m currently in my fourth year and working on my graduation project at Leger des Heils. I come from a small village near Haarlem. During my studies, I had the opportunity to take the minor Crossover Community Learning, an experience I won’t forget anytime soon.

A minor that goes beyond the classroom

I chose this minor because I’ve always been interested in other cultures. I find it important not only to hear about different cultures, but to truly experience and understand them. I had already done a lot of volunteer work in the Netherlands, so when I discovered a minor that combined volunteering with my studies, and allowed me to do this abroad, I was immediately excited. South Africa wasn’t necessarily the main reason I chose this minor, but it turned out to be a place that left a deep impression on me.

During the minor, I lived in Cape Town, in the Green Point area, where I worked at the Salesian Institute Youth Project of Don Bosco. This organization supports young people and young adults who often haven’t had the same opportunities in education or employment. The institute offers several programmes. There is the NEET programme, aimed at young adults who are Not in Education, Employment or Training. They receive guidance and practical skills to help them take steps toward work or further study. There is also the Learn programme, which focuses on younger children and supports them in their development and education.

My role there was very diverse. I didn’t have one fixed task; I helped wherever I was needed. Sometimes I took over a class when a teacher was sick, helped in the canteen preparing meals, or supported with administrative work behind the scenes. I also joined the NEET programme in visiting the townships to recruit young adults and tell them about the opportunities the institute offers. In addition, I helped organize events, such as a Christmas brunch for the students.

I did this minor together with Ula Potharst, also from HMSM. We worked closely together, but of course also with the teachers of the different programmes.

Lieke’s experience

What made this experience even more special was that in South Arica they speak Afrikaans. It resembles Dutch quite a bit, which meant we could often understand the children, and they could understand us. At first, they didn’t realize this, but once they figured out that we could follow what they were saying, it led to many fun conversations. It helped us build a bond with the learners much more quickly, making the contact more personal.

One moment that really stayed with me was a lesson we taught the NEET students about writing a CV. During the lesson, it honestly seemed like many of them weren’t paying much attention. It felt as if the message wasn’t getting through. But when we returned the following week for the next lesson, everyone had fully worked out their CV. They actively asked for feedback and immediately started improving their work. That moment showed me that what we were doing truly mattered to them.

What I sometimes found challenging was working with the younger children in the Learn programme. Like all kids, they want to test boundaries, and keeping their attention wasn’t always easy. But that’s exactly what made it such a valuable learning experience.

This experience showed me how much I enjoy immersing myself in other cultures and working with different people. I also realized how meaningful it is to be able to help others. To me, hospitality isn’t just about service, it’s about being open to others and being able to make a difference for them. In the end, that also gives you a great sense of fulfillment.

I would definitely recommend this minor to other students. It gives you the chance to get to know other cultures, challenge yourself, and discover how you can make a real impact through hospitality.