Buddy project “CoNnect” is looking for enthusiastic Brusselers
The CoNnect Brussels buddy project is a growing success!
Over ninety duos discovered Brussels together in the past two years, and there will be even more in the future. Thanks to a new partnership with the Dutch Language House in the context of “Plan Samenleven” (Plan Living Together), CoNnect is looking for even more committed Brusselers. CoNnect Brussels, a buddy project with and for Brusselers, matches newcomers and people who know Brussels well with each other. In this way, the Flemish Community Commission (VGC) together with the Federation for Global and Democratic Organisations (FMDO), aims to welcome newcomers in Brussels Dutch-language organisations and networks in a better, warmer and more sustainable way.
“Brussels is an incredibly diverse metropolis that attracts people from all over the world. People who by trial and error try to build a new life here. A metropolis can sometimes be anonymous and overwhelming. CoNnect Brussels matches newcomers up with buddies who introduce them to the city and society. We are happy to support this powerful initiative. In this way, it can continue to grow,” said Ans Persoons, VGC college member responsible for Culture, Youth and Sport.
The results are impressive. The Brusselers themselves say that, thanks to the project, they learn to know Brussels in a different way. They gain more insight into the newcomers’ experiences and obstacles. The buddies learn from each other. Fatima: “The best thing about the project? People from very diverse backgrounds developing a great connection. Many buddy projects result in lasting friendships.”
Project assistant Fatima Altunbas (FMDO vzw): “It is often not easy for new Brusselers to build a new network. For two years, the CoNnect buddy project has been matching new and less new Brusselers with each other. The duos will see each other at least twice a month over six months in their spare time. They are free to choose what they will do together. For CoNnect, it is important that the newcomers’ needs are central. Many of the buddy duos explore Brussels together and get to know organisations such as a neighbourhood community centre or library. But they also go to concerts together or cook at each other’s homes.”
CoNnect Brussels matches the duos in a thoughtful way. The project assistant gauges the participants’ needs and interests during an intake interview. After that comes matching, when people meet for the first time. The aim is that they meet at least twice a month and choose their activities together. The project provides quality guidance throughout the process. There are also joint group activities. All of them are opportunities to get to know other buddies, but also new organisations. For example a karaoke at Toestand vzw, a film evening at Cinémaximiliaan, a creative workshop at Globe Aroma, …
There are also joint group activities. All of them are opportunities to get to know other buddies, but also new organisations. For example a karaoke at Toestand vzw, a film evening at Cinémaximiliaan, a creative workshop at Globe Aroma, …
“I had the impression that Belgians do not open up easily. Now that I know my buddy, I learned that Belgians can also be open and warm. It is not ‘the Belgian’ who is closed. Also among Turkish people, some open up easily and others not.” less new Brusseler & new Brusseler “I gained a lot of insights about what it’s like to be a newcomer. About how to cope and how much work it is to start over.”
Since two years, the VGC and FMDO are a strong combination. The VGC from its knowledge of the N network, FMDO from its years of experience with buddy projects, but also as organisation that prioritises positive living together in diversity. Recently, opportunities to practice Dutch are integrated even better in the project as a result of a new cooperation with the Dutch Language House. For instance, new training programmes will be developed for buddies, the Dutch Language House supports the development and guidance of language-accessible activities and we are experimenting with digital practice opportunities. With this additional offer, CoNnect is looking for even more committed Brusselers who would like to help build their city.
Do you want to meet new people? Do you want to contribute to a diverse Brussels where every story counts? Do you want to play a meaningful role for a new Brusseler? Then you are the perfect match for the CoNnect buddy project! Register at www.vgc.be/connect
Damiaan De Jonge