Six refugees are doing the upkeep of allotments in Geldrop. By keeping busy in this way, the status holders have the opportunity to come into contact with new people every day.
The refugees, who come from Syria and Eritrea, spend the whole week working in the kitchen garden. A volunteer comes around once a week to give them some guidance. During the rest of the week they work independently. While they are working, they come into contact with native Dutch people who are working in other gardens in the same complex.
This initiative was set up in just one week by the LEV group. It was found that refugees find it difficult to get volunteer work as they often need training and do not speak Dutch.
Stichting LEV-groep is an organisation based in Geldrop-Mierlo that helps bring people together. Organising jobs for the refugees is one of its top priorities.
Marjolein Lucassen of the LEV group would be very pleased if other cities would follow suite. Is is an easy initiative to set up and there is a great demand among the refugees for this type of work as many of them cultivated land in their countries of origin.
Photo: Vluchtelingenwerk Geldrop-Mierlo
Source: Studio040
Translator: Melinda
