Vervreemde vreemdelingen: zelfredzaamheid en sense of belonging onder ex-amv's in de gemeente Breda

Abstract

Every year hundreds of unaccompanied minor aliens (UMA’s) flee to the Netherlands seeking asylum. As a minor they are entitled to a guardian, education and housing. Once they turn 18, they are expected to be self-reliant. However, this is not the case. Ex-UMA’s are reported to struggle financially, socially and psychologically. Furthermore, the regular support that is provided for refugees turns out to not be enough for this specific group to establish self-reliance. Since every day more UMA’s in need of guidance turn 18, it is necessary to look into new, innovative ways to approach the support given to UMA’s. Sense of belonging has been identified as a fundamental human need and motivator for refugees to establish an independent and meaningful life. Although sense of belonging has been widely researched amongst child refugees and adult refugees, knowledge is still lacking on what creates a sense of belonging amongst refugees in the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Using a practice oriented qualitative case study, the concepts self-reliance and sense of belonging amongst ex-UMA’s in the municipality of Breda were researched. Special attention has been paid to how a sense of belonging comes to be among these refugees. This research shows that for UMA’s in the municipality of Breda it is important to (1) feel at home, (2) establish meaningful relationships with others from their own ethnic community as well as with Dutch people, (3) integrate in the Dutch society through frequent micro-interactions with Dutch people and (4) have a clear perspective of their future. Based on findings regarding what is important to UMA’s to experience a sense of belonging, as opposed to what they actually experience four policy recommendations have been established. Firstly, it is important to create a home that is perceived as safe and stable. Secondly, this research urges policymakers into investing in meaningful relationships with Dutch people through establishing a coaching system that will continue to guide these UMA’s after they turn 18. Thirdly, to prevent UMA’s to end up in social isolation, it is highly recommended to offer them support in joining Dutch sport clubs. Finally, time should be invested in motivating UMA’s to think about their future, mapping out how to achieve this and keep supporting them after they turn 18.