No valid residence permit. No housing. And no entitlement to anything, because you’re not legally allowed to be in the Netherlands. Most people can barely imagine what life is like under those circumstances. Stichting Seguro (Seguro Foundation) dedicates itself to people in this desperate situation. And it pays particular attention to children and their mothers.
Women and children with no valid residence permits face enormous difficulties. Their families have fallen apart. The unsafe situations from which they had to flee. And the hardships they encountered along the way. On top of that, uncertainty about life in the Netherlands. They aren’t allowed to be here, but they also can’t go back. These mothers have exhausted all of their legal recourses and have no rights to anything. Very often they drift from place to place with their children. Their future is uncertain and the stress is unbearable
A chance for peace and security
The Fanga Musow shelter exists specifically to help these women and children. It forms part of the Utrecht-based Seguro foundation, which is dedicated to helping people without valid residence permits. To do this, it works very closely with the local municipality and other agencies. For the duration of their stay at Seguro, people do not have to worry that the Immigration Authorities will try to deport them. There is a moment of respite and a safe haven.
The right to stay no matter what
During their time at Seguro, the foundation provides people with whatever they need. For instance, some people are not able to provide a clear and articulate account of their flight story to the IND (Dutch Immigration and Naturalisation Service). This may be due to the traumas they have suffered, for example. It may also be difficult to obtain evidence from their country of origin and to retrieve identity documents. In such cases, Seguro provides them with legal advice. With considerable success. 90% of the renewed asylum applications prove successful. Furthermore, the Foundation works with people on their reintegration into society. Whether in the Netherlands or elsewhere.
Help for mother and child
Throughout the year, an average of seven women and their children can stay at Fanga Musow. Here, the mothers receive support in order to find structure and stability for themselves again. This includes support in the upbringing of their children. Furthermore, each child receives individual support from their own remedial education specialist and/or mentor.
Space to just be a child
Without financial support, none of this would be possible. Money is necessary in order to provide food and clothing. Or for medical treatment, for example. And for an educational specialist to support vulnerable children during what is perhaps the most tumultuous time of their lives. On top of that, money for children’s afternoon activities, excursions and sports. Not only to support their socio-emotional development. But more importantly, so that they can just be a child for a while, in spite of everything.