The main burden of accepting Ukrainian refugees in the Netherlands falls on the municipalities (gemeente). There are enough problems in resettlement and provision of Ukrainians, but the municipalities are striving to do even more for Ukrainians affected by the war. In the municipality of Almere, Ukrainian schoolchildren were given the opportunity to travel to school for free.
Almere, with a population of about 200 thousand people, will receive at least 1000 refugees from Ukraine, including school-age children. Ukrainians will be placed in several shelters located in different areas of the municipality. Education of Ukrainian schoolchildren is organized in the center of the city. Not every shelter can be reached on foot from school, and paying for transportation to and from school makes a hole in the budget of poor refugees. Therefore, the carrier company - AllGo - provided Ukrainian schoolchildren with free travel tickets.
The School Free Pass Program is currently open until January 1, 2023. A free pass is valid only on school days, but it gives the right to free travel to the one who accompanies the student.
Representatives of the AllGo company said that they are happy to help Ukrainian refugees, especially children who find themselves in such a difficult situation. The right of children to education should not depend on external factors, according to AllGo.
The Netherlands takes care of the Ukrainians under temporary protection in the kingdom. Perhaps the Almere initiative will be supported in other municipalities of the country. Find out more about the assistance provided to Ukrainians on our Online.
Publication Date: 24.05.2022
