A major shortage of civil servants threatens municipalities in the coming years. The municipality in Assen has therefore started a project with ‘new’ Dutch people. Talented, highly educated young status holders are trained internally, which creates motivated trainees. “I would like to give something back to my second home.”
Hussain al Alawa applied to many companies since he lived in the Netherlands, but he was rejected every time. The IT professional seemed enthusiastic, but was said to have a lack of experience. He has now found a place at the municipality of Assen. “This is a turning point in my life. I am learning the Dutch language, jargon and Dutch culture here.”
He is very enthusiastic about his workplace. Al Alawa helps colleagues with problems with laptops, changes accounts and adds applications. He also goes to school three mornings a week, where the Dutch language is central. He conducts the interview confidently in Dutch.