“An integrated society is not the sole responsibility of the municipality: all inhabitants need to be involved in the process” 05-04-2007 The town of Oss in the Netherlands used to have a ‘categorical’ integration
policy. “The municipality addressed immigrants as a separate group, not as
regular inhabitants. In addition, the native-born people of Oss were not
involved in the integration of their fellow townsmen” explains Miriam Kettani,
integration and youth policy officer at the municipality of Oss. The
municipality therefore decided to move away from minority-focused support to a
policy which enables all residents, organisations and civil servants to
contribute to an integrated, colourful Oss. Ms Kettani comments: “An integrated
society is not the sole responsibility of the municipality: all inhabitants of
Oss need to be involved in the process”.
Why was it necessary to renew Oss’ integration policy?
The municipality of Oss addressed immigrants as a separate group, not as
regular inhabitants. In addition, the native-born people of Oss were not
involved in the integration of their fellow townsmen. Central in the new
integration policy ‘Colourful Oss’ is the involvement of the town’s inhabitants,
organisations and civil servants. They can all help build an integrated Oss,
while preserving their own identity.
What are the spearheads of the ‘Colourful Oss’ policy?
The ‘Colourful Oss’ policy will be carried out from 2006 to 2009. On the one
hand, this policy aims to prevent the concentration of ethnic minority groups in
neighbourhoods. On the other hand, it focuses on promoting inhabitants’
participation in and bond with Oss, regardless of their cultural background.
Particular attention is paid to
‘Colourful Oss’ also addresses communication and image, because stereotypes
and emotions play a large role in the integration process.
How is the ‘Colourful Oss’ policy implemented?
As director of the integration policy, the municipality will monitor the involvement of all stakeholders in its implementation. The municipality takes on a leading role in the implementation process: it will have to take into account the key objectives of ‘Colourful Oss’ in all its policy actions. The entire municipal council will dedicate itself to the successful implementation of this policy. All policy officers have contributed to the development of an implementation
plan for the integration policy. The implementation plan makes the policy
objectives concrete and sets out the intended results. The policy officers are
responsible for achieving these results.
In so-called ‘participation panels’ inhabitants of Oss have the opportunity
to share their views on the integration policy and its implementation. There are
four panels – mothers, fathers, experts and minority organisations – whose
members reflect the population of Oss. The panels help the municipality to
strengthen its contact with the target groups and to map their views.
LinksVisit the Municipality of Oss website back |
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