An event at Vrouw en Vaart brought together seven women to celebrate their completion of a Personal Development Course, and also a meaningful cultural celebration: Orthodox Easter. The event, organized by Breath of Hope, in collaboration with Project Eruna, brought together participants, children, and partners for a day that blended learning, tradition, and community spirit.
The graduation ceremony honored the achievements of Eritrean women who had completed the course, each receiving a Breath of Hope diploma. The program, designed to strengthen confidence, personal growth, and integration, concluded in an atmosphere of pride and encouragement.
(Some faces have been covered to ensure safety and privacy)
This year, Easter was observed on two different dates: April 5th and April 12t, reflecting the distinction between Western and Orthodox traditions. For many of the participants, particularly those from Eritrea, Orthodox Easter holds deep cultural and spiritual significance. To recognize this, organizers created a celebration that merged the course graduation with an Easter picnic, highlighting diversity while fostering shared understanding.
Traditional food played a central role in the gathering. An early lunch featured a rich variety of traditional dishes from Eritrea, Syria, and Romania, offering a taste of home and a moment of cultural exchange. Laughter and friendly competition followed during a classic Easter egg fight, while small gifts were distributed to the women and their children, adding a festive touch to the day.
One of the highlights was the traditional Eritrean coffee ceremony, performed in three rounds, a ritual symbolizing hospitality, community, and respect. The ceremony invited participants to slow down, connect, and celebrate together.
The presence of children added to the sense of community, with childcare thoughtfully provided by the Vrouw en Vaart center, ensuring that mothers could fully participate in the event.
Beyond celebration, the gathering also looked ahead. The women expressed a strong desire to continue learning and engaging: “We want to continue to do activities. We want more courses and to practice Dutch more!” they shared collectively.
Responding to this enthusiasm, organizers plan to expand their offerings in the coming months. Upcoming initiatives include the Motherhood Across Cultures course and two new workshops focused on mental health, scheduled for late April and May. “These programs aim to further support young Eritrean women in building resilience, connection, and confidence as they navigate life in the Netherlands” explain the project coordinator Andreea Alexandru.
The event at Vrouw en Vaart was a reflection of what can happen when learning, culture, and community come together: a space where achievements are celebrated, traditions are honored, and new opportunities begin.