Buddy | 2 June t/m 2 October

Then become a refugee's buddy for four months.

What are you going to do?

Buddy to Buddy helps refugees come out of isolation by linking concerned residents to refugees. This is how friendships are formed between people who otherwise would not have met. The Buddy to Buddy project of Welkom in Wageningen offers opportunities to get to know new people and other cultures in a pleasant and accessible way. We do this by taking into account the differences of people and helping to deal with this. As a result, in unequal situations, the way can still be clear for equal encounters.

This contact turns out to be very valuable for both sides. One of our buddies says: “I am happy with the contact with my buddy. It helped me to integrate in the Netherlands. Now when people ask me where I come from, I say Wageningen. Wageningen now really feels like home to me.”

What does the buddyship entail?

• Wageningen students are matched for a period of 4 months with someone with a refugee background.
• All buddies are matched simultaneously in a matching round during a matching meeting, for example a dinner. During this meeting you will meet your own buddy, but also other buddy couples.
• After this matching dinner you have weekly contact with your own buddy, but also the opportunity to do activities in the city with other couples.
• During the buddy trajectory there are 3 intervision meetings. During these meetings you will talk to your other buddies and exchange experiences about the contact with your buddy.
• The 4-month process will be concluded with a festive gathering.

What do we ask?

Listening skills, empathy, attention to emotions, recognition of differences, willingness to bring refugees into contact with Dutch society.

What do we have to offer you?

During the buddy trajectory there are 3 intervision meetings. During these meetings you will talk to your other buddies and exchange experiences about the contact with your buddy. There is a weekly living room meeting where you can have a chat or play a game and fun activities are organized regularly. In addition, you can always contact us with questions or advice.

What makes the work worthwhile?

It is educational and fun to get to know each other's culture. Both the newcomer and the Wageningen buddies are enthusiastic.