At Sheltersuit Foundation, we believe that safety only truly matters when it comes with opportunities to grow. Our mission goes beyond providing shelter or employment; we aim to help people develop themselves — at their own pace and in their own way.
A step forward
Working at Sheltersuit Foundation is often an important part of someone’s personal growth. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential — and we’re committed to making that path possible.
Together, we create products with purpose, and we do so with people who, in turn, deserve our support. We’ve seen how essential speaking the language is for their development — both in the workplace and beyond.
Language opens doors. It helps people express themselves, build connections, and feel at home. That’s why we looked for someone who could create a safe and encouraging learning environment, where everyone can learn to understand and use the Dutch language at their own pace.
We believe that people should feel safe. Knowing the language can help them feel more at ease, build connections, and strengthen their work.
Ingrid
We met Ingrid during a class and were immediately impressed by her approach. She teaches from a practical perspective, helping people use their talents while feeling more at ease in the workplace through improved communication.
Ingrid has extensive experience supporting people who are finding their place in a new society. Since September 20, 2022, she has been part of the Sheltersuit Foundation.
Language plays a key role in building confidence—at work and beyond. That’s why Ingrid starts each lesson with a personal conversation. It helps participants build trust, learn words relevant to their daily lives, and gives them space to practice—from doctor’s appointments to small talk at the supermarket.
“Many people are afraid to make mistakes,” Ingrid explains. “That’s why I work with them one-on-one. In that safe space, they can practice and carry that confidence into the group—and into the world outside.”
Her goal? To create an environment where people feel safe, connected to themselves and others, and free to grow. “Language isn’t just learned through words—it’s learned through patience and trust in your own process,” she says, smiling proudly at her class.
It's beautiful to see how someone can transform their life in a way that allows them to grow and feel free — communication is a key part of that.
Every week, Dutch classes are held at Sheltersuit on Tuesdays and Thursdays for staff and volunteers, from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM. We believe it's important that they can attend these sessions during working hours.
Ingrid is very patient with all of us.
Karam
Karam has been working in our atelier for quite some time now. He arrived in the Netherlands eight years ago, and since joining us, he has shown unwavering dedication—both in his work and in learning the Dutch language.
What started at a beginner level has grown into an intermediate level within just a few months. Thanks to his motivation, he receives extra assignments to complete at home and participates in weekly listening and speaking exercises with Ingrid. His goal is to express himself freely—not only at work but also at home, to help his children with their homework or to navigate institutions independently.
In Syria, Karam worked for 25 years in software and hardware engineering. His biggest wish is to return to this field here in the Netherlands. But he kept hearing the same thing: “You need to speak the language.” For many, that would be a reason to give up. For Karam, it became his drive to keep going.
He’s not just learning for himself—but for his future, and his family’s.
What I love most about being able to speak the language is that I can help my children with their homework.
Jamal
We met Jamal nine years ago. At that time, he didn't speak any Dutch, but his dedication, craftsmanship, and attention to detail were immediately evident.
During his escape, Jamal lost hearing in one ear due to the loud sound of a tank. He told us this softly—while he was already eager to get back to work.
Despite his hearing impairment, Jamal shows tremendous resilience every day. In the language classes, he often asks the most questions and uses creative examples to help others better understand words. His commitment is not only admirable but also inspiring.
Where daily communication used to take a lot of energy, speaking the language now gives him confidence and connection. Since learning Dutch, he feels stronger in the community and at work.
Since my Dutch has improved, I can concentrate much better on my work. I can be myself and feel like I can share more of who I am with everyone.
What is the future we want for the people who work with us?
The least we can do is contribute to an environment where people feel empowered to speak up and can grow to reach their full potential. Learning a new language is no easy task, but at Sheltersuit, we believe in a process that offers trust and stability — so that everyone who works with us can gradually master the Dutch language, step by step.
For everyone who joins our workshop, we want to create a future where there is space to discover, connect, and flourish. Language is a powerful tool in this. Because being able to communicate freely means being free — and we want that for everyone.
Many of the people in our team have beautiful stories of courage, care, faith, and helping others. They should be able to tell these stories, to everyone.
The past ten years have been made possible by the dedication of everyone in our workshop. By donating once or periodically, you not only support the creation of products for people without shelter – you also contribute to the development and future of the people behind every stitch. Together, we are creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
