3 minute read
Tadese and Mhammed in action
Tadese &
Mhammed Paul van Riesen from Vluchteling aan Zet speaks in action
It is almost impossible to imagine: giving up your home and ending up with nothing. Being without a job and without social contacts in a country where we do not speak the language. Tadese from Ethiopia and Mhammed from Syria were in a similar situation. The two men - separately, incidentally - had to flee their homeland. Cooperation between Vluchteling aan Zet and Holbox gives the two newcomers the opportunity to rebuild their lives here.
“They are incredibly motivated to work”, says Paul van Riesen of Vluchteling aan Zet. Tadese Temesgan Tsaedu, as his full name, named after his father, spoke Tigrinya, Arabic and some other languages, but did not fully understand the Dutch language completely. “Every morning, he makes the long journey from Linne to Echt on his bicycle. Always on time, whatever the weather”, Paul adds. His motivation? A new football shirt for his daughter.
Tadese Temesgan Tsaedu
Mhammed Fayad
Full steam ahead
After a trainee period of four months, Tadese was offered an employment contract by Holbox. “We then offered him an electric bicycle. That motivates people”, Paul continues. “Until he gets his driving licence in a few years’ time. He said that the electric bike will then be for someone else who needs it. Tadese is going full steam ahead, although there is still some work to be done in the area of communication.” Fortunately, both Vluchteling aan Zet and Holbox support this. Every Monday afternoon, language lessons are given to non-native speakers in the Holbox canteen.
Intrinsic motivation
Mhammed Fayad lived with his sister and did not receive any benefits. “He wanted to work and said: ‘if someone gives me a chance, I will work and I will show that I can do it’. Through the guidance of Vluchteling aan Zet, he gained these insights about working in the Netherlands because Holbox is his first paid job since he has been in the Netherlands for 7 years. And he has done so. And he did. After his internship, Holbox saw that Mhammed had much more to offer. He goes to the doctor and simply shows up at work the next day with his arm completely bandaged. Mhammed high intrinsic motivation is driven by the thought of his wife and children. If you have such a high commitment to do something, you are motivated to work and have a vision, the rest will come naturally.”
Vluchteling aan Zet
Vluchteling aan Zet was born in 2016 from a passion to guide asylum permit holders through the bureaucratic integration jungle towards self-reliance. Paul: “We put the asylum permit holder or newcomer at the centre and start from the premise of integrating as quickly as possible into the Dutch labour market. This way, we promote independent functioning and life in our country. To us, certain things are very normal, but to them they are extra exciting because in their country of origin they never had to deal with these matters. We talk about work ethics, health insurance and personal contributions. In addition, we deal with questions with them about employment contracts; what does it say and why do I have to sign it? Based on our role as process counsellor for the municipality, we try to help newcomers as best we can to become independent and self-reliant in the Netherlands as soon as possible. Because of their social involvement, we have found Holbox to be a good partner.” n
