EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - ENIP!: encouraging a positive attitude among young immigrants

ENIP!: encouraging a positive attitude among young immigrants

Introduction

The foundation 'And now for something positive!' ('ENIP!') undertakes projects in Amsterdam to encourage a positive attitude among young immigrants. 'ENIP!' does that by involving them in concrete activities that will benefit the people in their countries of origin.

Problem

How can a positive attitude in young immigrants be encouraged?

Description

'ENIP!' was originally oriented towards young people with a Moroccan background in Amsterdam. Increasing numbers of young people of Turkish, Surinamese or Antillean origins are becoming involved in the projects.

Approach

Twenty young people between 16 and 21 years participated in the first project in 2000-2001. These young people were in danger of sliding into criminality or already moved in criminal circles. They went to work on refurbishing all kinds of items that had been discarded in the Netherlands to support an orphanage, a school and a hospital in Morocco. They also had the opportunity to contribute towards the quality of life in their own neighbourhoods and thus work on their own futures.

Those who demonstrated commitment and the necessary discipline were allowed to deliver the goods to Morocco themselves. On location, they provided assistance with cleaning, rebuilding, painting and cooking. The young people from Amsterdam were struck by the poverty and lack of facilities that they encountered in Morocco.

Results

The young people made themselves useful by providing assistance to people who in need.
After returning, the young people developed more positively and returned to school and/or work, fortified by a new sense of self-respect.
The project is a success, partly because of the follow-up care in the Netherlands. The young people received intensive counselling before their return to school and work.
The project was enthusiastically received by those directly involved: the young people themselves, their parents, the urban district council, the police and other official bodies concerned with youth matters.
The Verwey Jonker Institute has drafted the applicable methodology and step-by-step plan at the behest of the ‘ENIP’. Three projects were carried out in 2004 and four more followed in 2005.

Resources used

The work of the 'And now for something positive!' Foundation is made possible by subsidies and other contributions from a large number of sponsors and benefactors, including the Social Development Service of the City of Amsterdam.

Contact info

‘And now for something positive!’ Foundation
info@enip.nl
A. Arrihani, tel. +31 61 1387072

Project start date

10/05/2000

Links

‘And now for something positive!’ Foundation (in Dutch)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Keywords

Citizens' participation