Interaction and information sharing program

Venue: AZC, Amersfoort, the Netherlands

Date: 25-6-2010

Participants:

Apologies: Many Bhutanese expressed their interests to take part in this program. Owing to space limitation, the participation on part of Bhutanese who had been living already for sometime in the Netherlands had to be limited.

The program began with a short introduction of the participants. There after, collection of opinion with regards to the problems faced by the new comers took place. The issues raised by the participants were intention to know more information on:

1. Issues concerning the regulations of the land, obligations and solutions

2. How to learn Dutch in a short time period

3. How can we establish ourselves in the Netherlands?

4. Why are our previous groups scattered far and wide in the Netherlands?

5. Means to involve our people (Bhutanese) in the information dissemination, translation process and assisting one another.

Mr. Gopal Gurung put forth a prime need of information on social responsibilities, traffic regulations, public transportation and moral obligations; internalization of policies and importance of their adoption in our daily proceedings. Mr. Kasi Nath Khanal said that they feel lost and need assistance of seniors to get used to the norms and terms of the new world. Mr. Junga Bdr. Gurung told that there is a language problem specially while attending medical centres. Mrs. Padma Maya, 84 years old enquired if there are plans that Bhutanese would be separated again. On each raised issues, an interactive discussion took place.

Mrs. Goma Adhikari provided information on basic rules and values that are expected to be followed by all people living in the Netherlands. In her deliberation, following issues came into discussion - traffic rules and importance of following them, public transportation, antisocial activities and violation of rules e.g. smoking in forbidden areas and punishments. What is expected of people and rights that people can enjoy.

Mr. Ram BK Chhetri further added issues concerning super markets, drugs, use and misuse of bank card, effects of misconduct in long term e.g. applying for passport, etc. "People in the Netherlands expect you to behave differently" said he, giving his own example how he landed in problem when he tried to help an old woman who fell down from her bicycle: thereafter 112. Then after, to address issues concerning progress, education and establishment of oneself in the Netherlands,

Mr. DP Mainali provided a brief explanation on Education system of the Netherlands and its prospects, how can one explore over the studies possibilities, etc.

Dr. Lakshmi Prasad Dhakal summarized every issue in discussion. In addition to the above mentioned points, he highlighted that Bhutanese and their issue is becoming a subject of concern. Prolonged stay in the camps led countries to adopt us. However, each land has its own pitfalls and benefits. The Netherlands, a developed and well managed country is not an easy country for the immigrants especially for the first generations - expectations and realities are different. For hard working people, though difficult, the Netherlands can be considered a country of opportunity. He said, there are challenges if you want to progress but there are also opportunities if you want to grasp. Opportunities are time bound, meaning you cannot use an opportunity as long as it pleases you. In response to the issue raised by Mr. Junga Bdr. Gurung on placement of Bhutanese all over the Netherlands, discussion was made over the policies of the Netherlands.

Reaction round: " The participants expressed if similar programs could be organised often to give them such important information and encouragement. " The group found the program enormously important, many issues got clarified, people got encouragement and moral support. Finally on Behalf of Bhutanese Community in the Netherlands (BNC), Dr. Dhakal thanked Mr. Gopal Gurung for taking initiative to inform all the participants, helping them to assemble and other management aspects. He also thanked COA for providing space and all the participants for showing interest to attend the program and for their active participation. Thanks are also conferred to all his colleagues already living for sometime in the Netherlands, who volunteered to provide information, share their experiences and expressed their willingness to volunteer in the future as well.