Festive honors in Tytsjerksteradiel
Mayor Jeroen Gebben presented two Royal Decorations in Tytsjerksteradiel on Friday, April 26. Gooitzen van der Schaaf and Mohammed Yettefti were appointed Members of the Order of Orange-Nassau for their exceptional commitment to the municipality. In the morning, Gebben paid a surprise visit to the two honorees and invited them to the award ceremony later that morning.
The award ceremony took place in the Kruiskerk in Burgum. Loved ones of Van der Schaaf and Yettefti were present at the ceremony. Wâldsjonger Marcel Smit sang a song in honor of the 'Lintjesregen' (annual honors ceremony).
Gooitzen van der Schaaf
Mr. Van der Schaaf received a Royal Decoration for his many years of selfless commitment to society. He has been a volunteer for over 40 years. He started his volunteer work at the age of 23 as treasurer and chairman of the Federation of Christian Youth Work in his birthplace Wonseradeel. After that, he was involved as a club leader at the Reformed Church in Winsum and as a deacon in various churches. His role in the community was further expanded by his involvement in political activities, including being a municipal councilor of Tytsjerksteradiel between 2006 and 2010. He has also been an active member of the Lions Club de Wâlden since 2004 and has been carrying out garden jobs as a volunteer for the Present Foundation for several years.
In addition, Mr. Van der Schaaf has made an important contribution to the management of finances for various organizations. Gooitzen van der Schaaf receives this award as a token of recognition for his boundless energy and dedication to our municipality.
Mohammed Yettefti
Mr. Yettefti received a Royal Decoration for his impressive voluntary commitment, which began immediately after his arrival in the Netherlands in 1980. As a young immigrant, he helped others find their way in Dutch culture. He first did this at the Center for Foreigners in Leeuwarden and later as an assistant concierge at CSG Comenius Mariënburg. At the same time, he has also been working as a cameraman for various local broadcasters for many years. His goal is to capture the 'ordinary man' to inspire others.
Colleagues praise Mohammed Yettefti for his unprecedented flexibility, social skills and the way he treats everyone equally. The appointment of Mr. Yettefti as a Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau underlines the appreciation for his commitment to society and his role as a bridge builder between different cultures.
