World Guys – World Girls
Refugees & Dutch youth meet each other
World Guys-World Girls (WG-WM) is a buddy project byfrom the national government financed via the Community Service Action Program (MDT) of ZonMw. Create through the project young people with a refugee background are introduced to a range of sporting activities, together with a Dutch sports buddy. Youth Fund Sports & Culture collaborates with WG-WM and ensures that young people can continue to exercise weekly after a 'trial period'.
Sports help with integration
Together with peers sport and move can help refugees integrate into the Netherlands. It expands their social network and brings them in contact with the Dutch language. But most importantly: they make new friends and pleasure! WG-WM links young people with a refugee background to Dutch young people. Trying together they Try out different sports for ten weeks. Then choose they one sport that they ten weeks of further exploration. And are they still enthusiastic afterward? Then regulates the Youth Fund for Sports & Culture the membership fee or tuition fee and materials, such as clothing and shoes.
Who's participating?
WG-WM collaborates with various partners across the country. Who exactly can participate in the project?
- Young people who have lived in the Netherlands for some time and are familiar with the Dutch sports scene (the buddies). They participate in this project during their community service.
- Young people who have just arrived in the Netherlands and are busy with their integration (the participants).
In recent years, many participants and buddies have connected and tried out various sports together. Not only did they play sports together, but they also got to know each other better. This project encourages young people from diverse backgrounds to connect, share stories, and explore their passions and talents together.
Read the experiences of participants and buddies below:
Harderwijk
In Harderwijk, 15 girls, along with eight buddies, went out every Monday to discover a new sport and then decide if they'd like to join a club. They not only discovered new hobbies but also each other. A wonderful, educational, and connecting experience for everyone.
“Participant Reem (14): “I love sports. It's good for me, for my body but also for my social contacts and learning the language.”
Buddy Mannin (20): “You don't normally speak to refugees so quickly. I didn't know the stories. Now I have a glimpse behind the scenes and have gained a lot of understanding and respect.”
Hoogeveen
After the sports carousel in Hoogeveen, World Girl Firoza indicated that she would like to try gymnastics.despite that it had not been part of the carousel, knew Firoza it's certain: “I want to go to gymnastics!”
Accompanist Eefke arranged for her that she a lesson could participate in the local gymnastics club.
That Firoza Being alone didn't stop her. She quickly made contact with a group of girls and they asked: "Do you want to join our group later?" participate?”.
Eefke saw that Firoza loved it. After the lesson, Firoza said she would definitely go again the following week!
