The 32 Ukrainian refugees on De Wolfskuylen near Gees will soon be joined by dozens of fellow countrymen. On Wednesday evening, residents from surrounding villages were able to take a look at the studded recreation room.
Finding an installer and contractor who converted the large recreation room of the holiday park into sleeping quarters was quite exciting, admits project leader André Kolk. He is responsible for the reception of refugees in the municipality of Coevorden. “But we were lucky.”
In two weeks the new residents will arrive, who were housed for about a year and a half in forty residential units in the Ossehaar residential area in Coevorden. The municipality wants to build forty owner-occupied homes and forty houses for social rental there.
No dissonance
In Ossehaar there was initial resistance from local residents, who felt overwhelmed by the decision. There is virtually no discord audible around the reception of Ukrainians in De Wolfskuylen.
Residents from Gees, who took a look on Wednesday evening, especially praise the good interaction between both population groups. “If there is a request for help or assistance, we see what we can do,” says a man. Another: “They are welcome here and we also try to involve them in activities.”
Takeover
The holiday park near Gees has not been in use as such for years. The entrance sign is turned green and the site of about 8 hectares makes a barren, desolate impression. Two years ago it was taken over by the Hofparken company, which wants to revitalize the area in the long term.
This is already being done by the Ukrainians, who are adding color to it. The advantage of this reception location, where people can be accommodated until at least April 2025, is the presence of toilet and shower facilities. There is also a bar. Without the sale of alcohol, that is.
For the past year and a half, 32 Ukrainians, aged from 17 to 81, have been accommodated in a former group accommodation in the park. Another 40 to 50 compatriots will soon be added. Others are housed in the Cosis location In de Goorn on Commissaris Gaarlandtlaan in Coevorden. Sleen also accommodates Ukrainians.
Professional language
In the municipality of Coevorden this concerns a total of about 200 people. Project leader André Kolk thinks everything is going quite well. “They are learning Dutch and now also specific professional language, for example to be able to read and understand the safety instructions at work.”
A large number of them work in the catering industry, at production companies, nurseries, car companies and in construction. “Employers regularly ask if there are more workers from Ukraine available. Because they are an example for Dutch employees in terms of work ethic.”
Pets
In addition to new residents for the holiday park, pets are also coming along. “That’s quite a thing,” says Kolk. “There are a lot of them. Especially dogs and cats. That requires a bit of tolerance from other residents, but it works.”
A cat is sitting in the middle of the stairs, washing herself extensively. The animal looks disturbed when a resident wants to pass in detail.