Jouke (24) is a student and informal caregiver, now he helps fellow students in Amsterdam

Jouke de Jong, a 24-year-old student at the Hogeschool van Amsterdam (HvA), has launched a new platform called WeCARE to support fellow students who are also caregivers. The initiative aims to provide a space for these students to share their experiences and access support both within and outside the university. Jouke developed the platform based on his own difficult experiences balancing studies in Applied Psychology with caring for a parent with mental health challenges.

He noted that balancing these responsibilities often leads to loneliness and a lack of social time, highlighting a need for greater recognition for caregivers within the academic environment. WeCARE now organizes events and serves as a knowledge center to help others navigate similar pressures. Jouke encourages students to be flexible, schedule personal time, and maintain open communication with teachers and peers to better manage their dual roles and unexpected challenges.