These words were spoken by Annerieke Berg, founder of Boat Refugee Foundation, last Saturday at our anniversary meeting. She shared an excerpt from her diary from that time, taking us back to how it all began.

It was the start of what we have come to call the “refugee crisis”. And a crisis it was: hundreds of thousands of people arrived on the Greek islands in a short period of time and no one was prepared. There was nothing: no shelter, no care, no process – just endless numbers of people in dire need. ‘Today we went to hell and back’ is how Annerieke described her first visit to Camp Moria in 2015.

Our anniversary meeting was not about “celebrating”. Ten years later – who would have thought at the time that we would still be here, that our support would still be needed? We looked back; shared stories; and talked about the challenges and how we deal with them. How everyone involved – volunteers, donors, partners, funds – is needed to cope with the increasingly grim reality.

The story of Boat Refugee Foundation is a collective story. It is the story of all of us, everyone who has been connected, committed, and supportive over the past 10 years. Of all the people who fled and sought care in our clinic at some point during their long journey. It was these stories that took centre stage on Saturday.

Coordinator Christos Nikolaides, interpreter Bagher Nazari and volunteer doctor Yvonne van Streun shared their experiences of working in our clinic, the daily practice of caring for people on the move. The medical and psychological needs, but also the connection with the people staying in the refugee camp, the daily interaction. The importance of a safe space, where people see and understand you, in the midst of an environment characterised by insecurity and inhumanity.

Artist Handan Tufan, with a refugee background herself, talks about ways to share stories that need to be heard but are sometimes too painful to tell. “When I arrived in the Netherlands, I noticed something: every refugee carries an object with them. That object hides a whole world. An object can sum up a person’s life. A photograph can be a grave; a key, a future full of hope; a scarf, a feeling of protection. With our project Lasting Things, we make people’s pasts, memories and stories visible.” Lasting Things opens on 12 February 2026 with a first exhibition at Imagine IC.

Mohammed tells us about his journey. He came from Yemen via Turkey to Lesbos. Along the way, he lost not only his homeland and the family he left behind, but also his aunt during the crossing. He spent almost a year in the refugee camp on Lesbos, where 6,000 people were staying at the time. What helped him to keep going, despite loss, pain, staying in an overcrowded camp and uncertainty about the future? ‘A smile makes all the difference. The most important thing I found with the team at Stichting Bootvluchteling was kindness, a smile, the feeling of belonging. Smile. That makes all the difference.’

In the conversation between journalist Romy van Baarsen and Nick van der Steenhoven, our advocacy coordinator, Romy emphasises how important organisations like Boat Refugee Foundation are – not only for the immediate, essential care we provide to people who so desperately need it, but also to ensure that what is happening on Lesbos, on the Greek islands, is not forgotten. ‘You are the eyes and ears on the ground. If you are no longer there, no one will see what is happening to people fleeing at the European borders.’

In addition to stories, there was music from Sounds of Change, soup from Tantes Keuken, and encounters – for many, a reunion. The afternoon was fantastically moderated by Milka Yemane.

These stories motivate us to continue our work, also after 10 years. Despite the ever-increasing obstacles: access to the refugee camps and thus, to the people who need our care is becoming increasingly restricted. More and more time and investment is required simply to ensure that we can be there for people, there where they can reach us. Raising sufficient funds is a constant challenge.

But we will be there, as long as it is necessary, as long as it is possible.

That we can do this is because we are doing it together. Thanks to the support of our volunteers, donors, partners and funds, we can continue to provide care. The Haella Fund, which collaborates with other funds to support organisations that provide support at European borders, so that people there are not left alone; volunteer Elise, who introduced us to a family fund; volunteer doctor Käthe, who acts as an ambassador in medical circles, telling people about our work and raising money. Donors who have supported our work for years, silent pillars of support who keep us going. Volunteers who provide medical and psychological care day in, day out. Interpreters who build bridges and ensure that people are heard.

Thank you for this. ‘Thank you for 10 years of commitment, courage and humanity. For turning compassion into concrete action. For restoring humanity and dignity where it is most under attack.’ – Miguette Jadoul (Chair of BRF’s Supervisory Board)

Saturday was all about hope. For us as an organisation, but especially for people on the move. At a time when the “dehumanisation” of refugees seems to be becoming increasingly normal, we continue to offer care and humanity. 

Together with you, we are there for people on the move. Also 10 years later.