OpenEmbassy , in collaboration with the municipality of Almere, OpenEmbassy organized welcome meetings for Ukrainian newcomers in Almere. A warm welcome meeting serves as an introduction and provides information about building a life in Almere.
The need for such a meeting arose from discussions with the expert pool, a group of Ukrainian newcomers who advise the municipality on services and policies aimed at Ukrainians. The content of the meetings was then developed in co-creation with the expert pool and other stakeholders from the city. A warm welcome meeting is important because it helps newcomers feel at home in their new environment more quickly.
It provides essential information about building a life in Almere, such as housing, work, healthcare, and education. By sharing this information, newcomers gain the knowledge and resources they need to start a new life.
By: Anna Bilenka
What are the benefits for the municipality and newcomers?
Efficient provision of information
The most important information is centralized. By providing all relevant information in a single meeting, the municipality reduces the need for multiple individual appointments and referrals.
Preventive information and faster participation
Newcomers receive information about Almere and the stakeholders preventively, which helps them become familiar with the laws and regulations more quickly. At the same time, they meet providers in Almere, find their way to the right authorities more quickly, and can participate in Almere sooner.
Accessibility of the social map in Almere
By involving stakeholders in the meetings and bringing them into contact with newcomers, the social map for newcomers not only becomes clear, but also accessible. Stakeholders also come into contact with each other more quickly, which strengthens cooperation within the social map.
Promoting social integration
A welcome meeting promotes social integration by giving newcomers the opportunity to connect with each other and with local residents and organizations. This can lead to the development of a supportive network, which is crucial for their well-being and success in the community.
“Expert pools bring us close to focus groups: we collect rich data and remain humanly involved. That's the best thing about my job." — Anna Bilenka, trainer and product owner.”
Further possibilities
The welcome meetings are currently set up for newcomers to Almere from Ukraine, but with a few adjustments, the meetings can be used for a broader group of newcomers to Almere.
EU migrant workers in Hollands Kroon
More on the project
Expertpool Almere
More on the project
Understanding integration
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