After an initial period in the Netherlands, during which Awab stayed in temporary housing, he was given an apartment in Rotterdam in 2021. Now he could finally start learning the language and choosing a study program. But where do you begin in a country where everything is different? Through his contact at the municipality, Awab was referred to DUO for a JOB. The foundation pairs young people (aged 18 to 33) with a migration background with mentors over 50. For six months, they serve as volunteer mentors, helping with the search for work or education. As a duo, Henk and Awab set to work on Awab's future. Henk says, "For me, this is the perfect way to contribute to the city and help young people improve their quality of life."
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Love for Rotterdam
Henk has proudly called himself a Crooswijker since 2020. He loves the neighborhood: the old-world charm, the Rotte river, and the proximity to both nature and the city center. For him, it is the ideal place to live. He enjoys sharing this love for Rotterdam with the young people he mentors, who are referred to by the foundation as "mentees." During their six-month program, Henk regularly took Awab out and about: "We did a lot of cycling and walking. We’d do a loop of the Rotterdam parks and end up on the terrace at Boudewijn," Henk explains. "At the end of the program, Awab invited me to a Yemeni restaurant." Awab is getting to know the city better quickly. "Because of Henk, I’ve come to love Rotterdam. I belong to this city now. He gave me a t-shirt that says 'Rotterdam, my city.' The shirt is too small now; I’ve grown quite a bit over the last four years," Awab laughs. Â
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Studying
Meanwhile, Awab is working hard on learning the Dutch language. When he first met Henk, the duo communicated mostly in English. "In the beginning, I was scared to speak Dutch with Henk," Awab says. "At a certain point, I dared to ask more and more questions. Henk was the only person I spoke Dutch with. Because of him, I really learned the language much faster." Awab also had many questions about the Dutch education system. "I didn't know the system; I didn't know the difference between hbo and mbo or what the admission requirements were." With Henk's help, Awab enrolled in the International Social Work program at the university of applied sciences. "We figured it out together: what can I do, and what do I want? I wanted to pursue an international degree, and Social Work turned out to be perfect for me. It’s a great combination. I’m in my second year now and I’m really enjoying it!"
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Sharing knowledge and experience
The duo finished their program with DUO for a JOB four years ago, but they still see each other regularly. For young Awab, the help he received from Henk means the world. "Henk helped me integrate. When you are in a new country, in a new city, it’s hard to get to know people. When you have someone who makes sure you belong, it really means a lot. I have much more self-confidence now." And for Henk, the meetings with young people like Awab are also valuable: "I’m currently mentoring my sixth mentee. Every time, I learn something different. It’s fun and enriching. The fact that you can help someone by sharing your knowledge and experience is incredibly rewarding."
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Henk and Awab remain friends and continue to see each other. After the interview in the Crooswijk bend, they walk together to Bar Dertien: "We both had birthdays last week, that has to be celebrated with a beer!"
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