One of the most impactful projects of HNSE is Sudwest Fryslan Connect. With SWF Connect, we create strong communities in villages and small cities all over South-West Friesland, in which there has been a recent influx of newcomers.
In order to expand the social and professional network of newcomers, we host regular, low-key, informal events. These take place in a welcoming, shared and central public place, in which locals are invited to get-to-know each other. This also overcomes media polarization about newcomers and creates a deep personal bond.
We immerse ourselves in the local context and connect with local initiatives, businesses, schools and anyone who is able to contribute to a more tightly-knit, intertwined community on a regular basis.
Here, we work towards transitioning these events into the hands of the local diverse community. This is done by engaging locals to take on responsibilities and tasks on whatever they find interesting to explore. We shift our role to mentor and facilitate this transition and help to shape these events to the local context.
Thus, regular events overcome stereotyping, grow a personal and professional network, keep newcomers socially engaged, and provide a framework which locals can share responsibility and own it!