Our project aims to extend a welcoming sense of community and status holders by providing support, encouraging integration, and helping to expand social networks. Hand in Hand Refugee Project
Just before the summer of 2016, the Year of Mercy, the COS parish began with setting up a buddy system for refugees living in the Hague. The original objective was to provide one to one coupling with voluntee
rs and documented refugees, which would foster mutual learning and appreciation of each other's cultures. This was facilitated by the Dutch Council of Refugees, Vluchtelingenwerk NL and successfully coupled 15 pairs of buddies in our first pilot programme for one year. While an important part of this involves learning the Dutch language for better integration here in Holland, which is one of the most immediate needs of newly arrivals in the Hague, the Hand in Hand group has gradually broadened the scope of its activities. Over the years, our projects have included:
- Regular Soul Kitchens, evening dinners prepared alternately by members of the refugee community and volunteers from our international community. These evenings provided a rich and fun opportunity for families to meet each other in a delightful atmosphere of sharing delicious meals and camaraderie. Usually between 75 - 100 participants attended. Sadly, we've had to cancel this activity due to COVID, and look forward to a time when we can resume it.
- Sinterklaas celebration: However, even during COVID we have managed to host our Sinterklaas Celebrations. Here in the Netherlands, Dec. 5th is celebrated by children everywhere, who receive gifts and sweets from Sinterklaas who is the impersonation of Saint Nicholas, a 4th century bishop who lived in Myra, in what is now Turkey. From the 11th century onwards, news of his miracles spread around western Europe and he became the patron saint of practically every section of Dutch society, especially including children. We are so glad that we could continue to give this annual joy to over 40 children, albeit in a modified form.
- The Praat Cafe: an initiative for smaller groups of volunteers and refugees to come together in a fun and informal setting to watch films, share ice-breaker games, and have small group sharings that
help improve their language skills. We have been meeting at Lola's Bikes and Coffee Cafe in the Hague and during times when we needed to cancel live in person meetings due to COVID we still had online or outdoor gatherings.
- Bicycle trips: volunteers would go with groups of refugees to explore Holland in the traditional way of biking. This has been an activity that continued during COVID, although there is a pause during the winter months.
- Outings: at least twice a year, refugee families are invited to join in bus outings to learn and explore new places, including trips to Belgium, the Kroller-Muller museum, and the Openluchtmuseum in Enkhuizen. We also visited Omar Munie's Dream Factory, which exemplifies social entrepreneurship with a focus on refugees. For 2022 we hope to include some bus outings. We are still looking for Dutch speaking volunteers for those who wish to enter the job market with confidence. If you would like to volunteer for any of our activities, please contact Saki Lee volunteer coordinator: [email protected]. For more information about our project, please contact Dianne Luping, coordinator of the Justice and Peace group: [email protected]. For more information about involving refugees in our project please contact Anthony Heinsbroek, refugee coordinator: [email protected]
