'Life in the Netherlands is nice'
We often hear that living in Opsterland is good. Of course, as a municipality, we like that and we would like to keep it that way. But, as elsewhere in the country, the housing market is tight. Together with housing corporations and commercial construction companies, we as the city council want to ensure a housing supply that matches the market and is future-proof. Here we portray residents of Opsterland and ask them about their experiences living in our municipality.
It is a colorful, cheerful palette of colors. On the walls of the living- cum bedroom of Antonina Kamenchuk at the Trimbeets in Gorredijk several paintings and posters with the most diverse colors. The posters depicting mermaids come from an Internet store, the paintings are by the 27-year-old resident herself. I don't know why, but I love mermaids. And the room could use a little color,'' says the Ukrainian.
Fled with only a backpack
The exuberant colors are in stark contrast to the inky black reason for Antonina and her mother's arrival in the Netherlands three years ago. Russia's invasion of Ukraine made life in hometown Irpin impossible. ''Only maybe 20 percent of the town is left. The Russians destroyed everything.''
Initially, Antonina hoped to stay in Ukraine, but her own home was also badly damaged by the Russian bombing. There was nothing left for her mother, who suffers from an autoimmune disease, but to flee. With a backpack, containing only a laptop, jeans, sweater and a few personal documents, she left behind her hitherto good and peaceful life. ''We thought we could go back after a few weeks, but that turned out not to be the case.'' Her four cats stayed with her then neighbors.
The house on the Trimbeets is the second for Antonina in Gorredijk and the third in the Netherlands. ,,Via Poland we flew to Eindhoven. From the Netherlands I only knew the painters Rembrandt and Van Gogh.'' The choice of the Netherlands was fortuitous. ,,I was working as a copywriter for a German company and someone from the Netherlands was also working there. He recommended going here.''
Thirteen refugees under one roof
Antonina, who had graduated with a master's degree in English in Kiev before the war broke out, found housing in Noordwolde by searching the Internet herself. ,,We were able to stay with people in their own homes for four months. Then through private individuals we were able to live in a house in Gorredijk for a year. Since November last year, we have been living with 11 other refugees from Ukraine on Trimbeets. First my mother and I shared this room, but it was actually too small. Now she has her own room. I share the bathroom with my hair; the kitchen is used by all the residents.'' The house, a semi-detached house, was previously used as a care home and is now one of the homes the Opsterland municipality rents from Elkien housing corporation for the reception of refugees.
In Gorredijk, Antonina picked up her life smoothly. ''With a lot of help from residents of Gorredijk, the municipality and Code Hans (volunteer organization, ed.).'' The Ukrainian learned the Dutch language and now gives language lessons to other refugees herself. ''I have made new friends here and I have a Dutch boyfriend. In June we are going to get married! Life is nice here. I don't really miss Ukraine. Well, maybe the food, but I also really like the Dutch snacks'', she laughs.
No one knew about a housing problem in the Netherlands
For many Ukrainians, it is uncertain what will happen early next year, when the special residency arrangement under which they fall expires. ''Especially for the elderly, it is difficult,'' Antonina knows. She knows that part of the Dutch population is not happy with the housing of its compatriots and that it is difficult for many residents to find housing. Contact with people who speak negatively about the refugees, she avoids. ,,It is unfortunate that there are problems with housing in the Netherlands. Of course, other refugees and I didn't think about that when we left our country. Everyone thought we would return after a while.''
Antonina sees her future in the Netherlands. ,,I want to remain stable in my mind. The war has become a trauma. Russia and now America, with President Trump, are playing a game with the lives of Ukrainians. It will not be over for the time being.'' A new life, including another home, awaits in Drachten, the hometown of fiancé Sybren. ''My mother will stay here in Gorredijk. Fortunately, Drachten is close by.''