Last week it was announced that the Municipal Executive is making Maria Mediatrix available as a reception location for Ukrainian war refugees. In addition, there is a private initiative at the Zwanenhof on the Retraitehuisweg in Zenderen. Today the first refugees are expected there.It probably concerns thirty-four refugees who were picked up from Poland on the initiative of a number of entrepreneurs from Borne, Bornerbroek and Almelo. Initially, this first group of people would arrive early next week. “However, the Zwanenhof is almost ready and the enthusiasm of the initiators is so great. They have already left with relief goods and are now returning with refugees. Although there are still a few organizational arrangements to be made, the refugees can at least be warmly welcomed,” said Alderman Martin Velten. “That is the most important thing for now.”The Safety Region Twente (VRT), together with the municipality, is committed to deploying interpreters and providing information packages for both adults and children (coloring pages for example). On Thursday, March 17, there will also be a meeting in the Kulturhus organized by Wijkracht for all volunteers who have registered via Together with them we will look at what kind of support the volunteers could provide.Phased intakeForthe reception of war refugees, the municipality maintains a range of 250 to 350 refugees in the municipality of Borne. This includes the accommodation at the Zwanenhof, where there is room for about 80 refugees. A phased intake has been taken into account because of adjustments to Maria Mediatrix and the organization around it.
Reception of Maria MediatrixAtthe moment we are working hard on the Maria Mediatrix site to be able to start at that location as soon as possible. We may be able to receive the second group of refugees there by the end of next week. Initially, this will probably be about 80 refugees. “Of course, the sleeping and living quarters must be in order, but because most of them are women and children, safety and things like lighting and play facilities must also be ensured.Inaddition, we are in close consultation with De Horizon elementary school in Hengelo about how they can provide education for the children and we have made agreements with the general practitioners in Born about offering medical care.Borne municipality therefore faces a considerable challenge. Velten: “As mentioned earlier, a strong coordination and implementation, combined with good cooperation with local teams and volunteers, is therefore of great importance. We are all working hard to achieve this. Our appreciation therefore goes out to everyone who is cooperating: the initiators of De Zwanenhof, the VRT, the municipality, the volunteers, etc. We are all working together for a good reception of refugees in Borne. Heartwarming!”