MDT | Community Volunteering in the Netherlands

Maatschappelijke Diensttijd (MDT) is the Netherlands’ youth social-engagement programme. It combines contributing to a community, discovering your talents and meeting people outside your usual circle. Projects can include supporting newcomers, helping a local organisation or organising a social event, with guidance from the project team.

You join through an MDT project organisation. The commitment depends on the route: current funded routes start at 80 hours and are completed within six months, while more intensive routes require additional hours. Dutch resident registration is part of the funded programme’s participation rules. Ask the project team about language, scheduling and expenses before committing.