How can the integration of refugees and furthermore the image of refugees among native residents be improved?

The refugees and native residents maintain contact with each other for one year. The project has a positive effect on refugee integration. The refugees acquire a social network and practice the Dutch language in everyday situations. Moreover, the initiative improves the image of refugees among native Dutch residents.

The Link team of the Nijmegen Refugee Council recruits natives and refugees. After an introductory discussion, participants are divided into groups on the basis of interests, to achieve a good match. The refugee and native resident are brought into contact with each other for one year. The intensity and content of the contact depends on the participants. For example, participants can go to sports events or a film, visit a museum or go with the children to the playground.

During the year, the Link team maintains contact with both the refugee and the native resident. Halfway through and at the end of the period, there is an evaluation with both parties. Every six months, a collective meeting is organised to give participants the opportunity to exchange experiences with each other.

Refugees and Newcomers Foundation, Zuid-Gelderland
R. Oostdam

01/01/2001

case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Integration of social groups

Refugees