Marian

I am Marian Rietman.

I have lived in Epe for over 35 years. I am married and now have 6 wonderful bonus grandchildren. Until I was 60, I worked as a management assistant at a commercial company, and since retiring, I have been doing a lot of volunteer work. In April 2024, I signed up as a volunteer with the COA at the Fletcher Hotel Epe. Because there was quite a bit of local resistance to the arrival of an emergency shelter, I wanted to provide a different perspective.

I believe it is important that refugees, whether they stay here temporarily or longer, are offered a dignified life. I would love to contribute to that by listening, talking, cooking and eating together, going on outings, and doing all sorts of other activities. So far, I have done this with great pleasure, and I find it truly enriching to get to know people, their backgrounds, and their cultures. It has led to such warm relationships, and I have made many new friends.

Of course, it can be quite difficult to say goodbye sometimes to the residents of the Fletcher who are being relocated or find housing elsewhere in the country. I stay in touch with many of them; I even still have monthly contact with my Nigerian friend who had to return to Spain a year and a half ago. Isn't that wonderful? I wouldn't trade that for anything! ❤️

That is why I am so happy to have joined Thuis in Epe. Together, we can do even more for people who need it so much. ❤️