In the beginning of October, a delegation of Estonian local governments visited the Netherlands to explore various integration practices. The study visit was coordinated by the Association of Estonian Cities and Municipalities and took the delegation to Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Breda and Sneek.
- In the city of Breda, the group learned about the development of integration policy and the activities of the organizations Refugee Team Breda and Buddy to Buddy.
- In Amsterdam and Utrecht, they gained an overview of a community-based approach and visited a shared community hub—part of the internationally recognized “Plan Einstein” project—where local residents and asylum seekers learn, work, and engage in daily activities together.
- In Sneek, they explored the municipality’s experience in the field of migration and integration and visited an asylum seekers’ center.
We would like to express our gratitude to our Honorary Consuls: mr. Marcel van den Heuvel, mr. Nick van de Griendt and ms. Lutgarde Liezenberg for helping to organize these insightful meetings.
Hopefully all this inspiration can be put into practice in Estonia!
