“The children in question come from another country, and are now alone in the Netherlands. They have no parents, family or other network that can help them do the things you do when you are 16 or 17: go to school , make friends and find out who you want to be when you grow up. We will try to help them with that in the villa in Lieven.”
That is what Bregtje Kneepens, spokesperson for Elker Jeugdhulp, says. In the hamlet, near Beilen, unrest has arisen about the arrival of six minor status holders. The plan is to house them in a villa. Residents fear for problem young people and are unhappy about the communication from the municipality.
The environmental permit was quickly arranged by the municipality, because there is a crying shortage of housing. But according to the neighbourhood, the municipality arranges it in the reverse order: first arrange the permit, and only then inform the local residents.
The neighbors still have many reservations and questions. About the guidance and supervision of unaccompanied minor status holders, for example.
Kneepkens acknowledges that the young people – before they come to Lieven – may have already had a lot behind them. “These children have been through so much, they don’t always sit in the cold clothes.” She emphasizes that the newcomers have a mentor who acts as a confidant. The person can process the journey they have made.
“The part of Elker that will carry out the supervision in Lieving is Viyuna. They have experience in the Northern Netherlands in guiding unaccompanied minor refugees. For example, we assist them with their integration in the Netherlands, ensure that they go to school and become acquainted with their In addition, we offer them a replacement home.”
One of the reasons that Elker is happy with the accommodation in the villa is the proximity to the train station in Beilen. “The young people go to the international transition class in Assen, where they learn the Dutch language. That is why we are so happy with Lieven 2, because it is close to the station.”
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