The IIRE construction brigade

In 1998, for the second time in two years, a Swiss team of expert volunteers came for two weeks to the IIRE in Amsterdam to spend their Christmas holidays doing major repairs in our building. A three-page list of urgent big and small repairs was waiting for them. By the time they went back home all the problems were fixed, most importantly the leaking showers on the first floor. Also, the entrance to the Institute and the reception and main corridor were painted and rearranged, giving the building a more friendly look.

If this work had been done by hiring professionals it would have cost us tens of thousands of guilders, but because it was done by our Swiss friends it cost us nothing. The builders not only paid for all the materials by organizing a financial campaign in Switzerland, they even paid for their own trips to Amsterdam. It goes without saying that staff and users of the IIRE are immensely grateful for this fantastic example of practical internationalist help.

The volunteers returned to their country with a list of major repairs that have to be done in the future, and are now even thinking about an eight-year plan to paint the outside of the building and reconstruct and repair the many 'hidden deficiencies' that we prefer not to think about too often. In the future they would like to include volunteers from other countries to form a real international team. Because, in addition to working, people also take time for fun, to celebrate the new year, to have intense political discussions and to go out in Amsterdam. Those interested in participating should contact the IIRE.