In an inclusive society, everyone contributes. A large majority, namely 88 percent of Schiedam residents, therefore think it is good if local entrepreneurs employ newcomers. Nagham is a newcomer and has lived in the Netherlands since 2015. “I am so happy with the opportunities I get here.”
Forced by war, Nagham fled her native Syria, together with her husband and her family. She has had a successful job at NewBees for four years and helps other newcomers to find a place in society.
NewBees is committed to preparing newcomers for a job. This social enterprise is supported by the Oranje Fonds: the fund that is committed to an involved society and strives for equal opportunities for everyone.
Read more under the photo >
Start over
When Nagham came to the Netherlands, it was not easy to start over. She had to learn a new language and find work. In Aleppo she graduated in Agricultural Engineering, but she could not use that diploma here. “Through a program for refugees, I had the opportunity to learn coding language and joined NewBees as an intern in the IT team. This gave me the prospect of a paid job and the opportunity to build a new life,” says Nagham.
From Syrian refugee to Dutch citizen
Nagham immediately felt at home at NewBees. “Colleagues fully supported me professionally and I also got to know the Dutch culture through them. Here I was no longer that Syrian refugee, but Dutch. My self-confidence grew day by day.” After her internship, Nagham got a paid job as a helpdesk assistant. She also became a friend to other newcomers. “For example, I helped them write motivation letters for internships and shared my experiences about the work culture. Great to do, because I missed this when I was just here,” Nagham explains.
Read more under the photo >
Inclusive workplace
Annemiek Dresen started NewBees in 2016, based on a firm belief in an inclusive world and workplace. More than eight years later, her social enterprise has experienced enormous growth and NewBees is active in more than sixty municipalities throughout the Netherlands, including the Rotterdam region.
This growth is partly due to the support of the Oranje Fonds. Annemiek: “In 2016, the Oranje Fonds was one of the first sponsors. It allowed me to quit my job and focus fully on NewBees. A year later I participated in the Oranje Fonds’ four-year growth program. I learned a lot there, also from other social entrepreneurs: from making a business plan to developing personal leadership.”
Equal opportunities are not self-evident for everyone. That is why NewBees prepares newcomers for a job. In some cases at NewBees itself. Annemiek: “We believe that diverse talent makes us better. Just like Nagham, half of our colleagues have a flight history. For us, the expertise of people who have experienced it themselves is very important.”
Never boring
Nagham has now been promoted to team coordinator. Her team supports 150 newcomers with integration and participation activities. “The work is never boring. Every day is different, both in terms of work, colleagues and location. I get energy from that dynamic working environment,” says Nagham. “Moreover, at NewBees I am given every opportunity to further develop my qualities. For example, by following training or courses. I am so happy with the opportunities we get in the Netherlands. My husband now works as an architect and our 2.5-year-old daughter goes to daycare. What am I still dreaming of? That all children have the right to live safely and also to study.”
Together for equal opportunities
Everyone deserves the same opportunities in life. That is why the Oranje Fonds supports social initiatives that offer work-study programs, homework help or talent development. Together they ensure that everyone gets an equal chance. Do you find Nagham’s story inspiring and do you also want to help people like Nagham make a new start? View the initiatives in your area.
