CEO Joost van Gestel: investing in opportunities for young people aligns with our business philosophy

For the third year in a row, Mosaic World is offering free accommodation and internships to young people from the United States of America.

The Netherlands-America Foundation (NAF) is seeking sponsors in both countries for the mutual exchange of young students. NAF's aim is to strengthen mutual ties by sharing knowledge, culture and values between the two peoples. Young people, often from low-income groups, are given the opportunity to develop internationally through sponsors from the business community.

NAF Board member Andy Bender from New York: "Joost's company is a unique sponsor because, in addition to highly sought-after internships, they also facilitate temporary housing for our students. The Plaza and Monoma residential communities are a perfect place for these young Americans to get acquainted with Dutch culture in a very diverse community."

Van Gestel: "We like to invest in opportunities for young people worldwide, it fits with our mission. Through this great exchange programme, we bring in fresh minds to our company. In the past, we have regularly been pleasantly surprised by the insights our American friends brought in during their internships."

Bender: "The young people are carefully recruited based on their above-average commitment and study results. When the opportunity of a costly international internship from home cannot be paid for, the NAF offers the chance to realise their dream anyway. Furthermore, this broadens the understanding between the two nations."

Van Gestel: "I strongly believe in 'equal opportunity', rather than the often prevailing premise of 'equal outcome'. Over the past decades, several trainees from very different backgrounds have remained with our company. You now see them in various top positions within our organisation, often with a track record of many years by now. They seized the opportunities that were available to them, the space for this in my company I have very deliberately created from this philosophy."