SSHO winner of Participation Award 2022
“The most appealing citizens’ initiative because of the way in which it takes a large group of people out of their isolation by activating them and bringing the center to Schalkwijk. A place where they feel safe and familiar with many landmarks. Here they are received by volunteers and welcomed. They can talk to each other here, play a game while enjoying coffee or tea. There are also direct points of contact who can also help them with difficulties they encounter. SSHO is not only there for people with a Somali background, but also reaches other groups in Haarlem.”
These are the words from the jury report of the Haarlem Participation Council that earned SSHO the Participation Award 2022. The prize was presented on Wednesday by alderman M.T. Meijs of the municipality of Haarlem.
The Participation Award was presented to the SSHO foundation, in their meeting center Schalkwijk Divers!
The Participating Schalkwijk project, where SSHO continuously brings groups and individuals together through themes that are relevant today, or just fun to work with. From upbringing in the Netherlands, to budget control and from breakfast together to running together, the jury also highlighted. Joining Schalkwijk is an ongoing project until March 2023. Meanwhile, SSHO is busy developing the following activities and events.
What is the Participation Council
The Haarlem Participation Council provides solicited and unsolicited advice to the Municipal Executive and the municipal council on the policy of the social domain: work, income, debt, housing, aid and aids, welfare, care, youth and the inclusive society of Haarlem. In short, subjects that every Haarlemmer sooner or later has to deal with.
The Participation Council is an independent advisory body. The council consists of 15 committed Haarlem citizens and a chairman, supported by an official secretary. The members and the chair are appointed by the college after a recruitment and selection procedure.
The role of the Participation Council is officially laid down in a municipal bye-law: Regulation Participation Council Municipality of Haarlem.
Website organisation Participation Award: https://www.participatieraadhaarlem.nl/
