NED140 Thuis in West (At home in West)
projectdescription
‘Thuis in West ‘ (At home in West) is growing. This is not surprising, the situation in Rotterdam-West (Netherlands) is dire: half of the inhabitants are lonely, 60% of the children live in a single-parent family. In addition, addiction and debt problems are at play in the district. Thuis in West offers a meeting place, builds mutual relationships and helps – together with local residents – through language training, budget management and homework guidance. As a result, vulnerable local residents have the will to live again, gain self-esteem and grow in relationships.
why this project?
Both socially and spiritually, the situation is dire in Rotterdam-West. It is a vulnerable neighborhood full of loneliness, relationship problems, learning difficulties, prostitution, addiction and debt. Thuis in West offers activities to accommodate people in most of these areas. There are no churches that are diaconally involved.
impact
Thuis in West longs for changed human lives: more connection between people (because they join the community), decrease in loneliness among the elderly, better learning performance, strengthened relationships between parents and parents-children and meaning of life.
what can we learn?
People from the district know how to find their way to Thuis in West. The work is done together with the local residents so that they feel involved. The (part-time) commitment of professionals is important for stability, structure and continuity.
