The newcomers are helped with, for example, language lessons, music, sports and doing homework. In this way they get to know Amsterdam society better, build their network and regain resilience. The location attracts a few hundred participants every week, who then work with people who have been living in the city for some time.
“I think it is very important that we have an annual moment to reflect on freedom and what it means to live in freedom,” says Karin Arendse of the Boost Foundation. “And to reflect on the people who don’t live in freedom.”
Mix of cultures
During the freedom meal today, music of the boost band sounded. “It is a special bond with people from different cultures who have found freedom together,” says band leader Noa Eyl. Band member Ali, from Lebanon, cherishes freedom in the Netherlands. “You can’t say or do everything there, you should always be careful. You can do everything here.”
Boost mainly runs on support from partners, funds and the municipality of Amsterdam.