Integration Buddies in Enschede: An Evaluation

In 2007 the city of Enschede presented the “Integration Agenda Enschede”. Next to the acquisition of the Dutch language, the immigrants’ participation and engagement in social life are at the core of the social – and lately – economic integration of immigrants. This study evaluates the Buddy-project which was set up to promote the immigrants’ participation in the social community: Immigrants are accompanied by local volunteers with whom they practice the Dutch language and from whom they receive orientation in the city. This qualitative study evaluates the Buddy- Project as part of the local integration strategy on its effectiveness in promoting social integration. Fifteen interviews with immigrants and buddies illustrate the strength and weaknesses of the Buddy-Project as supportive element in the process of social integration, but also reflect fifteen individual perceptions and feelings towards integration