On Wednesday, May 21, the new temporary asylum neighborhood center (abc) at Vlampijpstraat in Utrecht opened its doors. The reception center provides temporary accommodation for up to 220 refugees. Just like other Utrecht asylum neighborhood centers, work is done according to Plan Einstein, an approach that connects refugees, residents, other Utrechters, and organizations. This helps residents develop and participate in Utrecht.
Plan Einstein is the Utrecht approach where refugees not only receive shelter but also the opportunity to learn skills and develop themselves. By living, working, and learning together, contact, exchange, and a network arise. In the living room of the asylum neighborhood center, newcomers and local residents can meet each other and participate in activities together. Everyone from the neighborhood is welcome. The activities are organized with and by various Utrecht organizations, local residents, and in collaboration with the COA.
Rachel Streefland, Alderman for Asylum: “Utrecht wants to continue to contribute to the reception of refugees as a city of human rights in the future. An expansion of (flexible) reception capacity is in line with the growth of the city. Plan Einstein inspires people and invites them to meet each other, make contact, share stories, and thus build a new, social community.”
Exhibition Getekend Leven
The graphic novel “Getekend Leven, Plan Einstein in beeld” is also on display at Vlampijpstraat. It features the colorful drawings of Myrthe van Heerwaarden that showcase stories from refugees, local residents, and other Utrechters. The drawings give a picture of life in the asylum neighborhood center, how people meet each other and learn from one another. After Vlampijpstraat, the exhibition will travel to various locations in the city. Read here: Getekend Leven | Plan Einstein for more information about the graphic novel.
Help and contact Municipality of Utrecht
Visiting address
Stadsplateau 1
3521 AZ Utrecht
Mailing address
Postbus 16200
3500 CE Utrecht