Why Incluusion?
Research shows that one of the explanatory factors for lower participation of refugees in the labour market is the long-term exclusion of participation in society while they are still waiting for their statuses or when they are still in the process of learning Dutch. For that reason, it is of great importance that refugees are not put ‘on hold’, but that they keep on developing themselves.
Exclusion has negative consequences for both the refugees and society at large, while it often leads to lower participation of refugees in the labour market and can be a cause for loneliness, depression and other mental health problems.
Incluusion is a call to action to make use of this waiting period. We believe that participation should be facilitated upon arrival in the Netherlands. By offering newcomers the chance to attend courses at Utrecht University, newcomers get the opportunity to become involved, to continue their education and integrate into society.
Sponsors, partners and related projects
Incluusion is supported by various sponsors and partners. Since the start of this programme in 2016, several other universities started education programmes for refugee students.
All those involved learn from each other and this creates mutual understanding.