This story appeared in *Kijk Ons*, the magazine published by Weener XL. With permission, we are also happy to share it on our own website.
Real-Life Story
From Survival to Looking Ahead
Chaya's Story
It was a long journey—from seeking safety, finding structure, and daring to take steps forward. But she made it: Chaya (23) used to focus mainly on survival; now she has a full-time job and is looking to the future.
Because the situation at home is no longer sustainable, Chaya moves into assisted living at age seventeen. She applies for benefits and ends up at “Aan de slag.” “That’s literally what the name means,” she explains. “You walk in and you get to work.” There, Chaya discovers that the work doesn’t challenge her enough. “I did need the rhythm and structure, but I realized I needed something else to move forward.”
Participation Center
To gain a better understanding of this, she can turn to the Participation Center. There, Chaya takes part in creative activities, joins cooking projects, and gets to know people from different backgrounds. Slowly, her self-confidence is growing. “At the Participatiehuis, I started to realize more clearly what I *could* do.” At first glance, it seems like a small change, but for Chaya, it turns out to be a turning point: before, she mainly focused on her limitations, but here she is increasingly recognizing and acknowledging her strengths.
It was at the Participatiehuis that I began to realize what I *could* do.
Chaya
From an IT internship to a permanent position
Chaya has been fascinated by technology her whole life. “I’ve been using a laptop since I was three.” Through the Participatiehuis, she joined the ICT program, designed for young people who want to discover whether working in a particular sector is a good fit for them. And that’s where everything comes together: Chaya’s interest, the structure she needs, and the chance to show what she’s capable of. Part of the program is an internship at Circlewise, a company that gives used laptops and devices a second life. It quickly turned into a permanent position. Chaya: “I didn’t expect to find a company that was willing to see me for who I really am. And to give me the space I need.”
Dozens of small steps
Chaya now works 32 hours a week, holds a coordinating role, and contributes ideas on processes and improvements. When she looks back on her development, she doesn’t see one big breakthrough but dozens of small steps: from learning to to establishing a routine to discovering what works. And the future? She sees it more and more clearly. “There’s still so much to come. I’m on the right track.”
Dozens of small steps
“There’s still a lot to come. I’m on the right track.”
Chaya now works 32 hours a week, holds a coordinating role, and contributes ideas about processes and improvements. When she looks back on her development, she doesn’t see a single major breakthrough but dozens of small steps: from learning to live independently to establishing a routine to discovering what works.