A conversation with the Sadriu family, 10 months after they moved to the Netherlands from Kosovo.
De familie Sadriu; man Isa, vrouw Minavere, dochter Riga en zoon Anik zijn eind maart 2024 naar Nederland verhuisd, Vanaf eind 2023 ben ik al met het gezin in contact om de inreisvisa, werk- en verblijfsvergunningen, huisvesting en scholing te regelen. Mijn collega Amber Matton heeft een mooie, nog enigszins betaalbare eengezinswoning aan de rand van ’s-Hertogenbosch gevonden.
Father and daughter spoke reasonable English, however, mother and son did not. With gestures and the translations from father to mother, we were able to arrange everything for them so well.
Regularly Isa still asks for advice and I am happy to give it. It was time to see, now 10 months later, how the family is doing. I ask Isa if they have time to meet with me over the weekend so I can ask some questions etc. The night before our appointment, I am kindly requested to come earlier so that Minavere can provide a late breakfast for me. I gladly accept this invitation.
Sunday morning at 11 a.m. I ring the doorbell of the Sadriu family. Minavere says "good morning" and speaks miraculously good English. The children are already fluent in Dutch. Riga enters group 5 starting April 1. Anik will start in group 3 in early September. The teachers of the language classes also visit the home regularly to see how things are going there and are very enthusiastic with the family. Minavere goes along with outings of the children she also gets language lessons there.
So I would like to know how they liked the (almost) first year in Holland. They both comment that people in stores etc. are very friendly and helpful. In November, they had had a break-in in their home, with Minavere's bicycle stolen and a few other small things in the living room. The break-in had a big impact on the family, and Isa points upstairs, where a firm camera hangs. Proudly he says, installed immediately after the burglary! On the other hand, the neighbor had immediately loaned a bicycle of theirs to Minavere. The neighbors pay a little attention to us. Isa had bought a2nd hand car for his work to Waalwijk. The other neighbor, who has a garage, immediately traded in his purchase for a better car. At least with this car you can safely drive to work and with your family.
Riga is looking forward to going to regular elementary school from April, because she will have to leave her friends again. The new school is just around the corner, so it will be even easier to play outside with her new friends, etc. Her greatest wish is to play soccer. I give Isa the details of the nearest soccer club. Girls' soccer is very popular in the Netherlands, so she will definitely like that.
Minavere would like to work for a few days, and that will only be easier in the near future when the children are closer to school. In a few months Isa and Minavere will start Dutch lessons and hope to be able to keep up with the level of the children.
Isa has since received an indefinite contract with his company and work and residence permits have been renewed for 5 years.
I would also like to know how a visit to the family doctor goes and Minavere indicates that they have been to the doctor 3 times and the doctor uses Google translate to explain difficult situations.
Last, I ask about the reason for coming from Kosovo to work and live in the Netherlands. Isa would like his children to get a good education in the Netherlands and there are more opportunities for a career in the Netherlands. They can have a bright future with an open mind, we are pretty branded by the war back then.
Before I put on my coat, Isa gets tears in his eyes and says, but without your help, it wouldn't have been so easy and you can always join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner. We see you as family and you are always welcome here.
I couldn't think of a more beautiful Sunday morning.