OpenEmbassy helps newcomers find their way in the Netherlands. We do so in all kinds of places, and shortly, these will also include Rotterdam. Through our Welcome App, we answer questions and build networks. With the knowledge gathered, we advise the municipality of Rotterdam on how to make policies that best meet the needs of newcomers.
To do so efficiently, it is important to know the city well. What’s at play? What are the networks like? What is crucial for the municipality to know?
To answer these key questions, we organised a brainstorm session on the 21st of November. We had a total of sixteen attendees: newcomers, experienced Dutch residents, and a few of our OpenEmbassy team members. We began by introducing the project and explaining how participants could benefit from it. Participants shared their concerns about newcomers. For example, many of them have a limited network, which keeps them from connecting with locals, asking questions, practicing the language, and finding work. However, they were also hopeful. According to those more experienced residents, there are many different initiatives aimed towards newcomers in Rotterdam. The main issue with these, however, is that they are not widely known to newcomers.
All in all, OpenEmbassy is very happy with the first stakeholder meeting in Rotterdam. We are also enthusiastic that experienced residents who were once newcomers are happy to give us more insight into what life is like for them. We are thrilled to continue our work in Rotterdam with lots of positive energy!
There are many different initiatives aimed towards newcomers in Rotterdam. The main issue with these, however, is that they are not widely known to newcomers.