Koningin Máxima op bezoek bij Takecarebnb in Amsterdam

Queen Máxima made an impressive working visit Thursday morning to the Takecarebnb Foundation in Amsterdam—one of the winners of the 2025 Appeltje van Oranje award. The foundation connects refugees waiting for housing with Dutch host families, where they can stay for three months. Not a reception center, but a temporary home. A place to learn the language, understand the culture, and above all, to catch their breath. After her arrival, Máxima took extensive time to talk with host families and refugees. One story made a visibly deep impression. 24-year-old Mohammed Adel Mohammed Al Ayashi from Yemen recounted how he spent four years in an asylum seekers' center, uncertain about his future. Until he ended up with Ariane Volz in Amstelveen. There he found peace, structure, and attention. He spoke candidly about the difficult time in the center and his immense gratitude for the woman who opened her door—and her life—to him. It touched the queen. She was visibly moved several times during the personal stories she heard. Máxima emphasized the importance of newcomers "landing in a warm place." She asked the board about the matchmaking process: how are host families and refugees connected? And what effect does such a stay actually have on the families themselves? Matchmaker Tineke Willemsen explained that it's not just the refugees who learn. Host families gain insight into other cultures, other societies—and are, as Máxima herself put it, "forced to come out of their own bubble." Upon her departure, the Queen once again congratulated the foundation on winning the Appeltje van Oranje (Appel of Orange). This recognition, she emphasized, is thanks to the hard work of the many volunteers. Since its founding in 2015, the Takecarebnb Foundation has facilitated nearly 3,000 matches. Three months under one roof—with an impact that often lasts much longer. Video: © RoyalTV/Rick Evers. All rights reserved.