As the Personal Development Course at Vrouw en Vaart approaches its final week, participants are reflecting on a journey marked by courage, resilience, and hope. Organized as part of Breath of Hope’s ongoing community activities, the program has created a meaningful space for women newcomers with refugee backgrounds to reconnect with their inner strength and envision a brighter future.
In the recent session “Nurturing Dreams, Life and Well-being,” participants explored their personal aspirations and began transforming them into concrete, achievable plans. “When the kids are a bit more grown, I want to start working,” said one of the participants.
“I want to finish my midwife course in maximum two years. For this I plan to study one hour a day; for me it is better every day. I know I am the boss of my schedule!”, said another, and the room was filled with determination and honesty as women shared their goals for the future:“I want to start a business, to open a restaurant. I have some contacts already; I am very ambitious and like people that have the same mindset. I am not afraid.”
For the project coordinator Andreea Alexandru and facilitator, these voices reflect not only ambition, but also a growing sense of ownership over their futures.
In the following session, “Show up for jezelf” (Show up for yourself), participants were invited to reflect more deeply on their personal journeys. A powerful exercise encouraged them to identify three positive and three challenging life events, exploring the emotions attached to each experience, how these moments shaped their lives, and what they learned from them.
Stories shared ranged from the joy of motherhood to the complexities of starting a new life in the Netherlands, as well as deeply personal health challenges. While many participants highlighted positive experiences and growth, they also acknowledged the difficulties of adapting to a new environment, often requiring time, patience, and inner strength.
“For some, opening up about more difficult memories proved challenging”, facilitators emphasized the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment, where participants could choose what they felt comfortable sharing. In doing so, the course also reinforced an important lesson: protecting one’s emotional boundaries is a form of self-care and strength.
Andreea also shared that despite these challenges, the sense of connection in the group was evident. “One participant reflected, ‘I’m very happy when I got my kids, I was a young mom. I learned that I am very strong.’ Another shared, ‘I had a very difficult health situation. I learned that life is short, and I learned to be grateful for my life and give back to others.’ ”
The session brought together three women from Eritrea, supported by an Eritrean intercultural facilitator from the Road of Hope Foundation. Their presence highlighted the importance of culturally sensitive support in fostering trust and understanding within diverse groups.
The initiative is made possible with the support of Samen Vrouwen Samen Leven, which provided the welcoming venue and refreshments, and Project Eruna, which helped connect participants to the program.
With last sessions remaining before the course concludes in April, facilitators plan to continue deepening these reflections while preparing for a meaningful closing moment. Participants will receive certificates in recognition of their commitment and personal growth.
Beyond the classroom, the sense of community will continue with upcoming gatherings, including an Easter picnic and a special Easter lunch at Vrouw en Vaart, moments designed to celebrate connection, culture, and shared experiences.