Refugee Alayoubi family experiences dream week in Steenrijk, Dirt Poor: ‘Never forget’ | RTL Boulevard

Hussam and Marwa came to live in the Netherlands three years ago after fleeing Syria. The family had to make a long crossing and that had a deep impact on them. “We were very scared when the boat was going to sink,” Hussam says of the trip. The family spent four hours in freezing water and feared the worst. Fortunately, they were able to be rescued from the water after hours and eventually ended up in the Netherlands.

Despite the fact that both Hussam and Marwa are academically educated, they are unable to find work and have to make do with a budget of 80 euros per week. Yet they are grateful that they can live in the Netherlands and that their children can grow up in a safe country.

Michael and Kimberley live in a beautiful villa in Borne and participate in the program mainly for their children. They want to show their children more than their own ‘rich’ life, because they know that money alone does not buy happiness. “Health is the most important thing.”

When the Alayoubi family arrives at the villa in Borne, they are speechless. “Truly the most beautiful day in the world,” says daughter Luna. Hussam and Marwa are also overwhelmed by the disposable weekly budget of 2000 euros. “I really feel like a rich woman,” says Marwa.

It is especially difficult for the Barkey family to see the living conditions of the other family. “I find it very confrontational,” says Kimberley in tears, as they walk through the social housing. Even though the house feels ‘very cramped’, they still notice that the family does everything they can to make it cozy.

In the meantime, the Alayoubi family is being spoiled and private football training is planned for son Adam. His dream is to play football, but his parents cannot afford a membership. “I’ve never been on a field like this before,” he says. Hussam and Marwa are overjoyed to see him so happy and will not soon forget this day. “I feel like a champion now,” Adam says proudly.

The exchange week flies by and it is already time for the families to go back home. “I’m going to miss almost everything,” Adam says. A week after the families return to their own lives, they meet for the first time. “It’s strange to see each other,” says Kimberley.

To surprise the Alayoubi family one more time, Kimberley and Michael have bought a return ticket for Marwa’s mother, so that she can visit the family from Turkey. “How sweet. You are really lovely people,” says Marwa. She is touched that she can finally see her mother again after years and daughter Luna is also overjoyed. “It almost makes me cry,” she says.

Both families are grateful that they were able to get to know each other and experience a special week. They both enjoyed it in their own way.

Steenrijk, Straatarm can be seen every Wednesday at 8:30 PM on SBS6. You can watch the entire episode here Looking back.