At the end of August, a very special achievement was celebrated at AZC Willinklaan: the graduation of our Arabic-speaking group from the 12-week Personal Development Course. What began at Vrouw en Vaart earlier this year found a new home during the summer holiday period at AZC Willinklaan, where the program continued with energy, resilience, and a spirit of learning.
The group was made up of five newcomer women, four from Syria and one from Turkey. Despite the challenges of everyday life in a new country, the participants showed inspiring commitment to personal growth. Two participants, who completed more than half of the sessions, proudly received Breath of Hope Certificates of Participation.
The day was particularly joyful for Muna and Nafiza, two Syrian women who officially graduated. To mark the occasion, they generously prepared a selection of delicious traditional Syrian dishes, filling the room not only with wonderful aromas but also with a sense of home and hospitality.
The certificates and diplomas were handed out by our group leader Berta Eourdekian and director Patricia Silva. Also present was Rasmiya, a partner from COA (Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers), whose support was crucial in making this course possible, facilitating a room for the sessions, assisting with participant recruitment, and ensuring the smooth continuation of the program.
As Rasmiya looked on, the certificates were received with pride: two Syrian participants and one Turkish participant formally closed this chapter of their learning journey.
Our partner organizations, Vrouw en Vaart and COA, were central to the success of this initiative, standing alongside us to provide meaningful opportunities for newcomer women.
Reflecting on the course, project coordinator Andreea Alexandro shared her admiration:
“For me it was impressive to see ladies well in their 50s and 60s still committed to learning new things, which is not always the easiest thing; proof that development is possible at any age!”
One of the graduates, Nafiza, echoed this spirit of resilience and transformation:
“I learned how to be independent and get out of my comfort zone.”
The celebration did not just mark the end of the Personal Development Course. Throughout August, our PM+ helper Yara also completed her sessions with five Arabic-speaking newcomer women at AZC Willinklaan. Together, these parallel efforts have strengthened confidence, independence, and wellbeing among women navigating the challenges of displacement and new beginnings.
The graduation party closed with food, laughter, and a strong sense of community. It was more than just the last day of class, it was a reminder that learning, growth, and hope are possible at any stage of life, and that no one walks this path alone.