And the old school location certainly offers possibilities. “Here we enter the gymnasium as it was used in the school,” says Van Dalen as we open the large doors in the building. “We are going to hang a volleyball net and two baskets here. Then they can freely go about their business here to exercise and play games. I would call it a recreation room.”
The municipality already has experience with conversion. It is the fourth reception location in Emmen. Ukrainians are also accommodated in the former Fletcher Hotel on Van Schaikweg, a former school building on Angelsloërdijk and the Parc Sandur holiday park.
The old school building on Weerdingerstraat has a large kitchen and auditorium, which are now put to good use. “People who come here receive food from us for the first few days,” says Van Dalen. “As soon as they receive living allowance from the municipality, they can cook here themselves. It often smells very nice here.”
The classrooms have been converted into bedrooms. “We have rooms for two people, three people or four people,” says the location manager. “There is a refrigerator, pans, a bed, bed linen and towels. And a cupboard. They also receive a welcome package with the basic necessities.” Showers have also been installed in the hallway.
Two-thirds of the school location, with an entrance on Stationsstraat, is still being renovated. Another 260 places will be added. Then there is room for 360 Ukrainian refugees in the old Craft School. That part is expected to be completed by the end of the year. Emmen now accommodates approximately 910 Ukrainians. The new assignment from the government will create another eighty places. “We think we can do it with the current locations,” says Wanders. “Then we will have almost a thousand Ukrainian guests in Emmen at the end of the year.”