PGGM colleague Daniëlle Bourgondiën on equal opportunities for young people

Daniëlle Bourgondiën, Programme Manager Data Mesh Transformation at PGGM Investments, uses Bundel to support young people growing up with fewer opportunities. Together with JINC, she provides job application training, networking workshops at secondary schools and digital skills lessons at primary schools.

A fair start for every child
Not every child has the same opportunities growing up. Some lack role models or get little support at home with schoolwork, job applications or important choices about the future. Too often they lack access to networks, mentors or work placements. Bundel gives Daniëlle the chance to make a difference. ‘What touches me most is that a young person’s future is still so often shaped by where they are born. I was fortunate to have a strong foundation, but many young people are not. It feels good to be able to give them that extra push.’ 

Job application training and more
The job application training sessions often make the biggest impact. Daniëlle teaches pupils aged 11 to 18, sometimes with a colleague and sometimes alongside another volunteer from the business community. ‘Many young people underestimate themselves. They tend to think they are not good enough. The best part is watching their confidence grow during the lesson. By the end, they hold a conversation with pride that they would have never dared attempt at the start.’ 

Sometimes the smallest moments make the biggest difference. Danielle recalls a boy who said he wanted to work in after-school care, because he couldn’t stand seeing so many children in his neighbourhood hanging around on the streets. ‘As he explained this, his whole face lit up. This was wonderful to see.’ She also remembers a girl who wanted to work at Kruidvat. ‘She told me she enjoys helping people and likes it when customers quickly find what they are looking for. Conversations like these show just how much motivation and talent these young people already have. And we can help them realise that this is often more than enough.’ 

Workshops and digital skills
Alongside the job application training, Daniëlle also runs workshops on networking and digital skills. ‘For example, we explain the basics of an app, then ask pupils to design and present their own. It is wonderful to see how creative they become once they realise what they are capable of.’ 

A small effort, a big difference
For Daniëlle, sharing her knowledge and experience matters. ‘Not every child grows up in an environment where parents can help with homework, job applications or decisions about the future. But every child has a talent and deserves a chance. If we as professionals can support them even a little, that in itself is something worthwhile.’