Newcomer Abdullah

Newcomer Abdullah Abdullah (26 years old) came to the Netherlands from Turkey alone and has been living in the Netherlands for over two years now. His parents still live in Turkey, but all their children are scattered all over the world. From America to Tanzania to the Netherlands. With a wink, Abdullah mentions that this is because of “the good government” in Turkey. For that very reason, Abdullah had to apply for asylum. In the dark of the night, when your pupils are wide open to catch only a little bit of light, Abdullah braved the rivers of Turkey in a small boat. Not with two people the boat was intended for, but with 10 people. Abdullah owes a lot to a friendly Dutchman from the Red Cross whom he met in prison in Greece. He told Abdullah that the Netherlands is fair, social and a humane country. It is a bitter pill to swallow for Abdullah that it may never be possible to see his parents again. His father can no longer leave Turkey because of a prison sentence he previously served. If Abdullah went to Turkey, a long prison sentence would welcome him. On Zorgzaam010 Abdullah made a new friend who is in a completely different age range. Abdullah and his 94-year-old friend have taken more than 100 language lessons together. The first lesson started with just hand gestures, now Abdullah speaks almost fluent Dutch! A good friendship is the result of the 100 lessons. Abdullah likes to help people as others help him. To celebrate the friendship, Abdullah has therefore organized a surprise party for his 94-year-old friend. Stunned he walked in, then the party started Abdullah finds it important and nice to help others. "As long as I can, I'll do anything for you." Are you looking for a buddy, could you use some company or do you sometimes feel lonely? All barriers that Abdullah can overcome, just like the borders of Turkey. Find his volunteer offer here . Abdullah got in touch with us through OpenEmbassy. OpenEmbassy ensures that newcomers can find their way in the Netherlands in a sensible, equal and smooth manner. We build communities, support individual newcomers and change the system of integration and civic integration. In Rotterdam, we started the Connected and Inclusive project in collaboration with the Municipality of Rotterdam. In that project we support individual newcomers via our helpdesk, we learn from the conversations and the issues that arise, and through action research and community building we make visible what is really going on among new Rotterdammers. Share these stories and inspire others to help too! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Whatsapp Forward

Read the story

Inspired...?

Sign In

More inspiration?

View all stories