OpenEmbassy is in daily contact with newcomers. For example, through our Welcome! App, or building communities in various municipalities where we work. We learn something from every conversation. Through the stories and experiences we learn what could and should be done better in the Netherlands.
Ambitious radio maker from Syria
For example, we keep learning from newcomers that their stories are not listened to enough, resulting in little or incorrect guidance in their job search. One of the conversations we had was with Nivin Baranbo. She currently works in the hospitality industry, but would like to return to work as a radio producer. Read more about her experience, and as you read, ask yourself: what can you learn from Nivin's story?
Can you tell something briefly about yourself?
My name is Nivin Baranbo, 32 years old. I am from Syria, Damascus. I studied media and journalism at Damascus University. Then I studied presenting and reporting at the American Academy. After getting my degree, I was able to start my dream job. I worked at the biggest radio program in Syria; Arabesque.
You studied journalism in Syria. And later worked at the Radio. Can you tell more about the work you did in Syria?
I had several programs on the radio, such as the daily morning show and other programs that focused on social issues.
You made several programs about social issues in society. Can you give an example of such an issue that you discussed during a radio program?
For example, one show dealt with problems every teenager faces in society at school, at home and also on the street. For example, whether, when they have a good relationship with their parents, they can discuss topics such as having sex at their age and other taboo topics. I tried to approach this problem from different perspectives. First by talking to the teenagers, then to the parents and at the end I invited a psychologist to solve the problem and help the teenagers and their parents move forward.
You now live in the Netherlands. What expectations did you have when you came to the Netherlands?
In 2016, I came to the Netherlands. Fled the war and looking for a better future for my son. I came to the Netherlands with the dream of continuing the work I was doing in Syria.
You broadcast the first Syrian radio program in the Netherlands. You hosted a weekly program on various integration topics. Can you tell why you started this radio program?
In the Netherlands, I had the opportunity to start the first Syrian radio station in Amsterdam with a group of Syrian boys. We had received a small amount of funding to start a new project and from this money we bought our equipment and we rented a studio in Vondelpark CS. I also had an outdoor show every Tuesday for two hours. I set up the program from A to Z. In this program I focused on newcomers and how to make our new society more beautiful and easier, but also about the problems we experience, our fears and in what way we can solve daily obstacles in the best possible way. Ook the show played Arabic music that we loved and what we missed so much to hear on the radio in the Netherlands.
Why did you quit this radio program?
Unfortunately, we had to quit after 7 months because we were going to run out of money. Another disappointment for me was that the municipality where I live gave me very little time and opportunity to find something within my field. I was forced to take a paid job after a short time. Then I had to give up my dream. I now work as a waitress and behind a bar in a restaurant.
You now work as a waitress, but you would like to work within your field again. What would you like to do in the Netherlands?
After one year, I felt so strongly that I had to stop and go back to what I love. I am sure of what I can do and I have to offer. I came up with a new idea. I would like to work as a radio producer at a Dutch radio station where I can bridge two cultures in my own language, Arabic. The idea is that the radio program will consist of several parts. First of all, I want to translate the news that comes on the radio in the Netherlands into Arabic, so that everyone can understand what is going on in the society you live in. I also find it interesting if there is an opportunity to discuss events in the news. In addition, I think it would be valuable to include a section in the program where newcomers take center stage and they talk about their daily lives and the difficulties they face, why they find this difficult and how they can deal with these difficulties. I would like to highlight this from the perspective of newcomers and locals.
I would also like to devote a section to inviting people who have achieved their goals in life, such as study, work or other things. Who have shown what they can do.
Finally, I want to dwell on the theme of entertainment. What cities in the Netherlands are fun to visit, what museums you can visit or activities to do.
I would like to help many people through this radio station, by explaining things. Everything is new in the Netherlands. Newcomers have many questions. You can reach many people through a radio program.
What do you need for this?
I would really like support/tips on how to take my idea further. What is a good radio station to contact or another platform?
Is there anything else you would like to add to the interview?
I see myself as someone who is very lucky because I have a chance to build a new life away from the war.
I think it would be valuable to include a section in the radio program where newcomers take center stage and they talk about their daily lives and the difficulties they face, why they find this difficult and how they can deal with these difficulties. I would like to highlight this from the perspective of newcomers and locals.
