The 24-year-old Farah knows very well what she wants: to work in architecture. She came to the Netherlands from Syria with her family at the age of 21. She started studying architecture in Syria, but was unable to finish it because of the war. Once in the Netherlands, she must start realizing her dream again. She would like to study engineering or architecture at a university of applied sciences. She could use some help with enrolling in the right course of study and looking for a job. Together with her mentor Ingrid, she makes a plan. They see each other every week and go out together regularly. They visit open days, visit shops and restaurants for a side job and even play a game of tennis with Farah's father and Ingrid's husband!
Within 6 months, there will be a clear plan. Farah starts working in the AH bread department. She is having a good time, meeting a lot of new people and improving her Dutch language. She passes her Dutch exams at B2 level and enrolls for higher professional education in architecture. Nothing stands in the way of Farah pursuing her dream here in the Netherlands! She is very happy with the help she received from Ingrid:
“My mentor and I did a lot of things together. We visited open days together, chose a course of study and found a job. Ingrid taught me how to deal with forms and administration. She showed me how to get up and how to do things independently. I am so grateful to her!”