AZC Markerkant will transform into a neighborhood meeting space on November 26, bringing asylum seekers and local residents together for sports, music, and creative activities, 1Almere reported.
Visitors stepping into the former fire station can choose from volleyball, badminton, football, table tennis, pool, and billiards. A QR code scanned at the entrance helps attendees match with activities while encouraging conversations across neighborhood lines.
“Ik vind het belangrijk om te zien dat we allemaal één zijn. Iedereen kan in zo’n situatie terechtkomen,” said May Lin Brown, an organizer and community worker.
The gathering aims to bridge divides between asylum center residents and Almere locals who might otherwise never cross paths. Organizers hope the shared schedule reveals more commonalities than differences among neighbors.
Beyond traditional sports, the schedule includes a DJ on the dance floor and graffiti art stations. Brown said that these creative outlets directly counter the isolation many residents face.
“Mensen binnen het AZC zitten daar heel vaak heel lang, soms jarenlang. Dat kan best wel een eenzaam proces zijn,” Brown told 1Almere.
Many center residents live on the site for years during processing periods, making long-term social contact essential for mental well-being. Joint events offer a structured way to break routine and build local friendships.
Center residents shaped the program themselves, proposing the sports lineup and volunteering to hang informational flyers throughout local neighborhoods. Neighborhood residents also stepped up to assist with the event, supervising pool and table tennis matches.
“Het was echt hun idee om al die sporten te organiseren. Ze willen dat heel graag. Dat initiatief kwam van hen zelf,” Brown said.
The connection day is a collaborative initiative organized by De Schoor, Hoi Buur, Wijkteam Almere, and COA, the central agency for the reception of asylum seekers.
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