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Breda | September 15, 2025

Iris: “Participating really helps children settle in the Netherlands.”

Iris Honcoop is a youth nurse at the Municipal Health Service (GGD) in Breda and works with newcomer children: young people and families from abroad who have just registered with the municipality. She sees firsthand how important it is for children to quickly settle in, even outside of school. Sports, swimming lessons, and other activities help with this, and she works with the Breda Youth Fund for Sports & Culture.

Arriving in a new country

I also work at schools through the Municipal Health Service (GGD), make home visits, and maintain close contact with the International Transition Class (ISK). During the initial period a family or child is here, I try to offer a warm welcome and assess their needs. Families are often still preoccupied with housing, belongings, and finances. Refugee services are usually already working on these matters. I focus primarily on the children's development. Physically, there's usually nothing wrong, but I see a lot going on mentally. Children have sometimes experienced war, lost their families, and are living in survival mode. Their bodies are here, but their minds and hearts are elsewhere.

Youth Fund as a permanent component

I came into contact with the Youth Fund right from my induction period. For families in poverty, which is almost always the case with newcomers, it's simply part of the deal that we offer this. And it's also incredibly beneficial for their integration: participating helps them learn the language faster, develop talents, and make friends. And that benefits society as a whole. Swimming lessons are very important, especially with all that water here. For adolescent girls, this sometimes requires extra attention due to religious beliefs. We need to find solutions for that together.

It's also incredibly beneficial for their integration: participating helps them learn the language faster, develop talent, and make friends. And that benefits society as a whole.

Sport as a stepping stone and outlet

I see that sports help enormously. Physical exertion is mental relaxation—I explain that to young people. Sports can be especially helpful for children who are harboring anger, for example, because of what they've experienced. Something like boxing is a perfect outlet. And in such sports venues, all sorts of cultures come together, which is good for connecting. I had a boy who went to the gym; it wasn't close by, but he faithfully cycled, which was even better for his health. And a Syrian girl who started playing tennis. That sport isn't often requested, but with the help of the Youth Fund, we were able to easily arrange it. She also received the equipment in a gift certificate.

Small steps, big impact

I always mention the Youth Fund in all my conversations. I usually have families who speak the language request a trial lesson themselves. That increases their involvement. With others, I do it together. And if someone is hesitant, I ask them to think about it. If they still want to participate later, I know their motivation is genuine. These are small steps that ensure children participate, develop, and feel at home. That gives me real satisfaction.

Spread and pass on

I also see it as my duty to tell colleagues and network partners at schools about the Youth Fund. I share success stories. Life is expensive, and barriers can be high. But precisely then, it's so valuable that something like the Youth Fund exists, so we can help families and give children more opportunities. Especially with newcomers, I find it especially special that we can contribute something positive to their start in the Netherlands in this way.

Facts about Iris

How old are you? 36 years

What is your favorite sport? I used to play basketball a lot. And I still enjoy going to the courts.

What is favorite song? I love R&B Classics, nineties.

What are you proud of in relation to your role as Meerkracht? I am proud that I can be easily accessible to newcomers who have to rebuild their entire lives here.

What do you do if you win 1 million? Installing a really good surround sound system in my house! And taking a world trip with my children: taking them home for a year of school and then teaching them myself.

What do you wish for children in Breda? I want all children to feel safe, secure and at home, that is really the most important thing.