The municipality of Assen continues the test to help asylum seekers get a job. The employment project “Faster start, stronger future” started last year and would last until the end of this month. But for more than 750,000 euros there will be a sequel, until the end of 2026.
And the bar is immediately raised. In the first year, the goal was to conclude 25 employment contracts. At the end of next year, another 50 agreements must be added. So Assen goes for a doubling of the objective. “We have noticed that the interest is very great. But unfortunately there is a limitation on the maximum guidance that we can offer to the asylum seekers, which is why we have chosen this,” says Alderman Cor Staal (ChristenUnie), responsible for asylum shops in the municipality of Assen.
In mid -March it was possible to offer 24 refugees paid work to various employers in the region. In most cases it concerns temporary work, such as in the cleaning industry, the catering sector or as a host on the train of a regional carrier.
Three Syrian refugees from the AZC in Assen on the track in Overijssel, for example, surveillance on the trains of Keolis. They check tickets, share fines, familiarize people or report problems.
The municipality of Assen wants to help asylum seekers in work as quickly as possible, because a job gives them a meaningful spending, she helps to integrate, and also to learn the language. The city council called on the B and W College in 2023 to come up with a plan for this. For a successful follow -up, two job hunters have to come, instead of one.
Among other things, the 750,000 euros is intended for that. Furthermore, the money is intended for following a short course, or compensation for wage costs. But the project also provides social and financial benefits. For example, asylum seekers contribute at least 6,000 euros per year to the reception costs at the AZC. And at an early start on the labor market, around 15,000 to 20,000 euros can be saved on benefits if an asylum seekers will live in Assen.
At the province of Drenthe, a subsidy was requested for ‘faster start, stronger future’ for both this year and next year. This month there is clarity about that. Steel: “But we have good hope that this will eventually make ends meet. That is great, because this project also has a regional function. “The Asser City Council must decide on the continuation of the project on 22 May.