Imagine a world where a bicycle isn’t just a way to get around but a symbol of freedom, courage, and a new beginning. For 30 young girls who recently arrived in Duivendrecht, their first bike ride was more than an adventure; it was a first taste of what a new life in the Netherlands could bring.
Cem Efe, who works at the reception center for unaccompanied girls under the age of 18, recalls this special moment. “It was like they had won the lottery,” he says. The laughter, the thrill, and the determination on their faces lit up the day. “For them, it wasn’t a little thing—it was everything.”
As Efe explained, some of these girls came from small villages and were unfamiliar with biking rules and even traffic signs and signals. But they were determined. “Some of them fell, yes,” Efe says with a smile. “But they just got up and tried again. They were determined to learn.”
A chance to pause, breath and learn
The girls arrived at this newly opened reception center in May. Although they come from different countries — Syria, Somalia and Eritrea — the girls share one thing in common: the courage and strength to leave home and travel thousands of kilometers in search of peace, safety and a better life.
Before Duivendrecht, they moved from one reception center to the next—from Ter Apel to Zelhem to Zwolle. But here, they’ve been given a chance to pause, breathe, and find a sense of routine.
Over the past few months, People for People has been working with this location to support the amazing COA employees who are trying to give these girls stability, encouragement, emotional support, and glimmers of light and happiness.
“They really wanted to go to school and they take it very seriously. They like to study. You see many of them doing homework during breaks and on the weekends,” said Efe.
Most of the girls didn’t have a backpack or even a pen and paper to bring to school. Thanks to our amazing partners, we were able to help Efe and his team provide all the supplies these girls needed to go back to the classroom.
They loved their backpacks! They were especially over the moon with the purple color.
Healing through bonding
For girls who have traveled such difficult paths, many arriving by boat or even on foot, life in a safe place is a strange new reality. Some are still gripped by trauma, others remain quiet and withdrawn, spending time alone in their rooms. Healing takes time, and Efe and his team understand that connection and trust are essential first steps.
Activities, even simple ones like bike rides or soccer games, allow these girls to experience joy in a safe space, to feel part of a group, and to laugh again.
“Doing activities helps the girls bond with others in the group. It’s important to show them they can trust people again,” Efe says.
Giving these girls the support to get back on their bicycles
But it isn’t easy. And, while some are able to call their families and friends often to get support, others come from remote villages where communication can be sporadic. Still, even at such a young age, the girls know that the difficult decision to leave everything and everyone behind will mean they can build a brighter future.
“Their dream is to learn Dutch and stay in the Netherlands. It’s heartbreaking when they have to go back after having gone through all of that trauma. Some of them aren’t safe in their home country and they have to come here to have a normal life,” Efe says.
“All 30 girls I have here are motivated. They really want to do something for the Dutch community. But they already have the feeling that they’re not wanted here.” Efe’s message to all of us is simple: “Just give these girls a chance.”
With support from our partners, we’ve been able to bring some joy and relief to the girls by providing essentials and planning exciting events. Next spring, we’re hosting a Rolling Aid Lite event, where they’ll get more opportunities to connect and experience community in action. Because of your generosity, we’re able to give these girls the support they need to get back up and cycle into the future with hope and smiles.
If your organization also wants to help support these girls and hundreds of other kids searching for peace and safety in the Netherlands, reach out to us via the form.
