On December 17, the Breath of Hope and Together projects hosted a Winter Decoration Workshop at Ru Paré in New-West Amsterdam. In partnership with SamenWonen-SamenLeven (SWSL), the event welcomed 18 women from diverse backgrounds—hailing from the Netherlands, Italy, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Iran, Syria, and Ukraine—for a day of creativity and connection.
Participants had the opportunity to craft their own Christmas wreaths, with many expressing pride and joy in their creations. For some, it was their first time making holiday decorations. One attendee shared, “Thank you for today! It was a pleasure to be here,” while another remarked, “I actually enjoyed it a lot! Thank you, Adriane, for organizing such nice events. I could tell so many ladies were happy and grateful, me included”. Adriane is the project coordinator of Breath of Hope.
Empowering Refugee Women in Amsterdam
The workshop was part of ongoing efforts by Breath of Hope and Together to support refugee women and newcomers in Amsterdam. New-West, known for its cultural diversity, is home to many individuals seeking to rebuild their lives after fleeing conflict and hardship.
Breath of Hope focuses on empowering refugee women through personal growth, learning opportunities, and community engagement. By providing a safe space for reflection and skill-building, the project helps women gain confidence and autonomy, which in turn supports the integration of their families.
Meanwhile, the Together project is dedicated to supporting Ukrainian newcomers as they navigate the challenges of displacement. It offers tools, emotional support, and opportunities for connection to help them adapt to life in the Netherlands and foster a sense of belonging.
Building Bridges Through Creativity
The Winter Decoration Workshop exemplified the mission of these involved organizations, Road of Hope and SamenWonen-SamenLeven, by creating a warm and welcoming environment for all migrants in the neighborhoood.
As New-West Amsterdam continues to be a focal point for refugee integration, events like this play a vital role in fostering connection and celebrating resilience. By bringing people together to share experiences and traditions, the Breath of Hope and Together projects remind us of the importance of compassion and collaboration in building a brighter future.