Since the beginning of this year van Aalst (21) has worked for Amnesty International as regional coordinator of Youngsters & Students of Gelderland, Overijssel, and the Noordoostpolder. At the moment she is mostly busy setting up a student group. `It's a work in progress.' According to her it's time the socially involved student should rise up. `It's a piece of realisation. Terrible things happen in the world and you cannot shut your eyes. As a student you have the time and possibility to do something for society.' Whoever thinks the student group will only involve petitions is wrong. `We will have discussions, watch films, and set up playful actions to make others realise as well. A thematic party is a good example.'
Now it's time to enthuse the UT and Saxion students. Van Aalst: `During the introduction we were represented and during the coming weeks we will also make ourselves known in different ways.' She tries to explain to students that membership to Amnesty International is not only for left-winged people. `It's strange to think that Amnesty is left-wing. Amnesty International fights for human rights and those are universal: something that should be important for both left- and right-winged Holland.' Van Aalst is prepared to offer a lot of time to the cause. More information at studentengroep-enschede.amnesty.nl.
