Mother’s Day is normally celebrated with the family. An emotionally charged day for refugee women from Ukraine who are separated from their families. Mehtap Snel has therefore organized a pampering day in the Jehovakerk in Weesp to put the women, mothers and children in the spotlight.
“It’s nice to be with so many Ukrainian women today,” says a Ukrainian mother enjoying her pedicure. Even if it is only a few hours, it is important that these women and children can also think about something else, says Mehtap. “I had nightmares: either too many people would come or too few, but when I look around me now I’m completely happy,” she says with relief.
Table tennis, face paint and a head massage
Mehtap has gathered more than twenty volunteers to come and help. From face painting to hair cutting, help is provided from all angles. “It is not only a good day for Ukrainian women, but also for the Dutch,” she says. “It’s a way for Ukrainian women to meet, but also the other way around.”
Making new friends
Especially women and children have fled from Ukraine, which is why there were also a lot of games present. “My kid was so happy when she saw all the cake and cookies!” At the large table with Lego, it is the way for young children to make friends and forget everything for a while.