Work experience position as a hostess: 'Step by step progress'

Violet Chebande is a hostess at community centre Het Buitenhuis in Delft. She is the point of contact for visitors, serves coffee and tea and makes sure the rooms are tidy. Thanks to this work experience placement, she meets many people and practices her Dutch. ‘It’s a lot more fun than sitting at home.’

It is school holidays and today Violet took her youngest daughter, 9, to The Buitenhuis. Since May 2023, Violet has been a hostess here. After sitting at home for three years following an accident, she was very keen to get back to doing something. ‘Just being at home is boring. I indicated to my counsellor at Werkse! that I would like to do something.’ The Buitenhuis is close to Violet’s house. ‘That’s very nice, it’s just a few minutes’ walk.’

Opportunities
Violet is originally from Kenya. She has been living in the Netherlands since 2018. She used to work in home care, but had an accident and underwent surgery on her knee. Although she definitely still has to consider her health, she is now keen to take steps again. ‘Staying at home and doing nothing is not healthy. I like contact with people. In my country, there are few opportunities. Here in the Netherlands, there are opportunities, and I want to seize them.’

Taking lessons
Three times a week, Violet goes to Het Buitenhuis. Besides this work experience placement, she takes Dutch lessons at the Brasserskade. The work experience placement ensures that she can also practice speaking Dutch a lot. Violet also took training courses through Werkse! such as: digital skills training, communication skills training, first aid light training and an interest test.

Future
With the interest test, she scored high on laboratory school. ‘In Kenya, I did much of laboratory school, but unfortunately I was not able to finish school.’ She might want to pursue this direction in the future. ‘Step by step forward! I’ve been through a lot, but I stay positive. I won’t be pushed down.’ Next year, Violet will start training with job guarantee for taxi driver. ‘My youngest daughter is also becoming more independent, so that gives more and more room for work.’

About the work experience spot for hosts/women
In several community centres of Sportfondsen Welzijn, Werkse! offers work experience spots for hosts/women. Candidates are given the opportunity to obtain a practical certificate from ROC Mondriaan and follow training courses via Werkse! They are also supported by a job coach from Werkse! The job coach provides personal guidance and support to help the candidates develop their skills and their place in the new working environment. As of May 2023, six candidates have started in these places. The work experience spots are perceived as very positive in different ways. For some it is their very first work experience, while others have moved on fairly quickly to training in security.