When Valentyna arrived in the Netherlands from the war in Ukraine, she was searching for more than just safety, she was looking for a sense of belonging. A chance encounter with a position at Sheltersuit turned out to be the beginning of a transformative journey. Not only into the world of sewing and shelter, but into language, confidence, and community.
At first, everything was silence
For Valentyna, moving to a new country where she didn’t speak the language meant living in isolation. “You walk through the streets, you hear people talk—but for you, it’s just silence,” she recalled. “It’s scary not to understand anything. You feel invisible.”
That all started to change when Sheltersuit introduced Dutch language lessons at work. While Valentyna was already skilled in sewing, it was the invitation to learn Dutch that gave her a new kind of thread: connection.
A voice of her own
Every word learned was a victory. Valentyna described how each class gave her not only vocabulary, but joy. “Every lesson brings a new word. I hear it from my teacher, then I hear it outside and I recognize it,” she said with a smile. From ordering coffee to asking for directions, she began using her growing language skills immediately in daily life.
At Sheltersuit, language also became a tool for safety and independence. Simple words like “pas op” (watch out) helped her stay aware on the work floor and in public spaces. “Even knowing one word can change how you move through the world,” she said.
It’s about being seen and being able to speak up when someone needs you or when you just want to share a laugh together.
- Valentyna, participant language at work program -
From isolation to integration
Speaking Dutch has not only opened doors, it has opened hearts. “Now, when my colleagues talk to me, I understand,” Valentyna shared. “I can respond, even if I make mistakes. I feel less alone.”
Through language, she became more than just an employee—she became part of the team. She could celebrate birthdays, offer help, and comfort others during difficult moments. “It’s not just about work. It’s about being seen and being able to speak when someone needs you—or when you just want to share a laugh.”
A dream with purpose
Valentyna’s goal is clear: to become fluent enough to navigate life on her own. Whether it’s making a doctor’s appointment, talking to her Dutch grandchildren, or helping new colleagues feel at home—language is her key to freedom.
“You never know what the future holds,” she reflected. “But if we want to become part of Dutch society, then I want to be able to speak Dutch. I want to be a part of it—not just live in it.”
Driven by gratitude
Learning Dutch isn’t easy. “Speaking is still hard,” she admits. “But the Netherlands has given us so much.”
The least I can do is learn the language. Out of respect, and to connect.
- Valentyna, participant language at work program -
At Sheltersuit, we believe that safety goes beyond shelter. Language empowers people to be seen, heard, and valued. Valentyna’s story reminds us that every word learned is a step toward freedom and every lesson a chance to feel at home.
