Youth centre Dynamo organized a meeting between refugees and citizens of Eindhoven on Thursday the 11th of February. Inhabitants of the city could get acquainted with their new neigbors, and visa versa.
According to Sjoerd Slaaf, who initiated the event, this is enormously important for Eindhoven. "These people are coming from a place that is not safe, they deserve to get a warm welcome. There is also still a large gap between the refugees and the citizens of Eindhoven."
The refugees also find it a sympathetic initiative. "This is a pleasant evening, I am getting to know people and can start working as volunteer for a children’s soccer team. I just love football." says a refugee.
There were about fifteen refugees present at this meeting to tell their stories, accompanied by workshops and live music.
The evening is organized by the following foundations: Stichting Kennisplein, Stichting Prisma, Vluchtelingenwerk Nederland and the citizens committee: Vrienden van Vrede en Vriendschap (Friends of Peace and Friendship).
Source: www.studio040.nl
Translation: Peter Marijnissen
