Marcus Madsen, 24, spends his Tuesday evenings volunteering in the youth café at Diversity works, where he helps create a safe space for Children of immigrants.
By Milena Beswick and Bas Brouwer
Every Tuesday evening Diversity Works is buzzing with the voices of youth between the ages of 13 and 25. They come to get help with homework, hang out, or discuss what they are going through at the moment.
This is possible due to volunteers, who spend a couple of hours a week making a difference, something Marcus Madsen enjoys being a part of.
”You get a new perspective on what it means to be an immigrant through the eyes of other people. It adds nuance and provides a better understanding,” he says. The young man doesn’t have an immigrant background and has learned a lot from the children who attend Diversity Works.
Marcus Madsen studies media science at the University of Copenhagen and spends his free time volunteering. According to a new report from Trampoline House, Danish youth is hesitant towards immigrants, something Marcus Madsen hasn’t experienced as he surrounds himself with people who share the same political views.
”Volunteering allows you to help in an area where you might not agree on your country’s politics and don’t feel like your country is making enough effort,” He explains and adds you can make a change through being an activist, but you learn the most from being present in the middle of the issue.