Refugee Company believes in the talent of people with a refugee background and is convinced that work is the best way to integrate into Dutch society. Work gives people the opportunity to become part of society and to build a life in the Netherlands. Many people have talents for which there is demand and they are highly motivated, but in practice it is difficult to start on the Dutch labor market in one go. How do you find a job if you don’t know anyone? In our programs people can gain work experience, learn the language and get support in putting together a portfolio or CV and building a new network. We want to do this in a holistic way through customized work. Every person has his own talents, experiences and requests for help that we anticipate.
Our restaurant A Beautiful Mess was established in 2017 to make work experience places possible within a safe environment – shaped by the participants themselves. Our innovative approach received national and international attention. The restaurant received 13,000 visitors in half a year, 80 people went through a learning-working trajectory. In addition, more than 100 people attended training courses. Hundreds of people attended community dinners, events and workshops in the asylum seekers centre. 68 people found work or a study. Queen Máxima visited our projects and we won the Entree Award with A Beautiful Mess.
For more info: www.abeautifulmess.nl or have a look at www.refugeecompany.com
Contact: mariejosevanschaik@hotmail.com