Ugandan refugees build new lives in Delft with jobs at local swimming pool
Nulu and Bridget, refugees from Uganda, have found stability in Delft after fleeing their homeland. With support from local organizations, they now work at Sportfondsenbad Delft, improving their Dutch and integrating into society while contributing to their new community.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Names | Nulu and Bridget |
| Country of Origin | Uganda |
| Current Residence | Voorhof district, Delft, Zuid-Holland |
| Employer | Sportfondsenbad Delft |
| Job Role | Facility employees |
| Hours per Week | 15 hours |
| Residence Permit | Granted for at least five years |
| Support Organizations | COA, Sportfondsenbad Delft, Werkse!, Municipality of Delft |
| Trial Program | Paid work for shelter residents without residence permits |
| Contact for Employers | Szonja Zsiros (06 – 28 84 23 28) |
The Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) plays a crucial role in supporting refugees during their integration into Dutch society, including housing and employment opportunities. Local municipalities and organizations like Werkse! collaborate with COA to facilitate work placements, helping newcomers build independence and contribute to their communities.
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'We are happy here'
More than two years ago, Nulu and Bridget fled their home country of Uganda. Now they live in the Voorhof district of Delft, learning the language, making friends, and finding work. Thanks to the COA and the Sportfondsenbad Delft on Weteringlaan.
They pose proudly for the camera. And they have every reason to be proud. Their cheerful demeanor reveals much, if not everything. After more than two years, they are now taking their first real steps toward a new life. To participate, to contribute to Delft society. Of course, it was a gamble to leave everything behind and build a new life in the Netherlands. But mathematics teacher Bridget and nurse Nulu did it. “What is life without risks?” they say.
Fifteen hours
Via the registration center in Ter Apel and emergency shelter in Assen, they arrived in Delft about a year and a half ago. They were housed in Hotel Campanile, along the A13. Recently, they were officially granted status and received a residence permit for at least five years. Last year, they met Nelly Veenstra, manager of Sportfondsenbad Delft, when they took swimming lessons there through the COA. Bridget: “We came into contact with her because there was a vacancy for a facility employee. Whether we were interested. Apparently, it’s not easy to find someone for the job.” Nulu: “We went for an interview and then got to try it out. It went quite well. Now we both work fifteen hours a week, since the beginning of this year.”
Bridget: “It’s a big step to say yes right away. Everything came at once for us. We got our residence permit and a home last year. And then you also get the opportunity to work. It was hectic, not easy, and a bit scary.” Nulu: “We start each day by opening the changing rooms, for example, cleaning the hallway. And we also work behind the bar in the pool’s hospitality area. We pour coffee or tea and chat with visitors. That’s good for our language skills. Although we often say, even when the children are excited and want to tell us something: ‘please speak slowly.’ We understand a lot, but speaking needs improvement. Hopefully, we can return to Dutch class soon.”
Independent
The two now work as facility employees, but the pool also offers internal training to become a supervisor. Perhaps they will pursue that path. They are already taking on other tasks when the opportunity arises. Nulu: “Sometimes I’m cleaning and see a child crying because they have to go to swimming class and their mother can’t come into the pool area. Then I comfort the child, give them a hand, and gently say: ‘come with me.’ Just like with us. We’re still working with a colleague who will retire soon. That’s until the end of May. After that, we’ll carry out our tasks independently. We have a lot of confidence in it. It’s definitely going to work. Life is good.”
Collaboration
Nelly Veenstra, manager Sportfondsenbad Delft: “When I saw how motivated the participants in the swimming group were, I asked if anyone would be interested in gaining work experience. I knew a vacancy for a facility employee would open soon. Danielle Balk from the COA then quickly put forward Nulu and Bridget. Thanks to this collaboration between Sportfondsenbad Delft and the COA, we can make a difference. We find that important, because everyone deserves a place in our society.”
Participating in Delft
The municipality, Werkse! (link is external) and the COA (link is external) also help newcomers who do not yet have a residence permit find paid work. This is part of a trial. Residents of shelters can register through the COA. They then receive support in finding a job. Employers interested in participating in the trial can contact Szonja Zsiros via. Or call 06 – 28 84 23 28.