Farewell and Message of Appreciation from José Oliveira on His Retirement

Dear colleagues and volunteers,

With these words, I would like to sincerely thank you on my last workday for the wonderful collaboration throughout my – unfortunately much too short – time at the International Seafarers’ Centre Antwerp (IZA).

Together, over the past year, we have accomplished a great deal in bringing more structure to IZA and further strengthening the position and visibility of our organization. Thanks to your enthusiasm, commitment, and dedication, we succeeded in offering our seafarers a wide range of activities, including music, sports, cultural, and religious events. In doing so, we were able to provide them not only with recreation and enjoyment, but also with warmth, companionship, and a sense of home while they were far away from their loved ones.

Our joint initiative to organize more activities and events has also had a very positive impact on the number of seafarers visiting the Seafarers’ Centre. It was truly heartwarming to see more and more seafarers finding their way to our house and discovering a place where they could meet others, relax, and feel connected. Without a doubt, this is one of the most rewarding achievements we have accomplished together.

None of this would have been possible without your support, flexibility, and tireless efforts. Your commitment, often behind the scenes and without seeking recognition, has made an invaluable contribution to everything we have achieved. For that, I am deeply and sincerely grateful.

In this house—our Seafarers’ Centre—I feel every day the warmth, compassion, and care that we all extend to the seafarers who come through our doors. It is precisely this unique atmosphere of hospitality and dedication that makes IZA so much more than just a building; it makes it a home away from home for people who often spend months far from their families and friends.

Therefore, I am not saying goodbye, simply because that is not in my nature. Instead, I prefer to say: see you again.

Keep believing in the mission of our Seafarers’ Centre and continue inspiring one another as you always have. May our house always remain a warm and welcoming home for seafarers who are far from home, but never alone.

Once again, thank you for everything.

With sincere appreciation and warm regards,

José Oliveira