What is UAM?
Since June 2022, Movement on the Ground has been active in the Netherlands, providing support and guidance for unaccompanied minor refugees (UAM, AMV in Dutch). This program focuses on young people aged 15 to 18 who have come to the Netherlands alone, without their parents, to apply for asylum.
Currently, Movement on the Ground accommodates over 30 young people at four different locations in Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Duivendrecht, and soon Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. Additionally, we offer outreach support to more than 20 youths. We work closely with Stichting Nidos, which has legal guardianship over the unaccompanied minors.
How Does MOTG Support Young People
At Movement on the Ground, we provide a warm and welcoming home while collaborating on their personal and social development. By standing alongside these young individuals and encouraging them, we help them become independent adults who can integrate well into Dutch society. We assist them in navigating their new environment, addressing both the everyday challenges faced by teenagers and the unique obstacles they encounter being away from their families in a new country.
Our support encompasses various aspects, including education, self-care, and financial literacy. We place a strong emphasis on the mental health of the young people, offering a listening ear and referring them to psychological support when necessary. Our priority is to ensure they feel at home and comfortable. We strive to provide these resilient youths with a solid foundation from which they can grow into independent adults.
About us
Our team
Our team of caregivers consists of passionate professionals and individuals with lived experience who are dedicated to providing the best possible support for the young people. Our team is diverse in terms of age, ethnicity, religion, and educational background. What unites them is their caring, warm, and motivated attitude. This diversity strengthens our team and creates an environment where everyone supports and understands one another. It fosters a positive workplace where staff can grow and contribute effectively to the well-being of the young people.
Our Philosophy
The philosophy of Movement on the Ground is based on several key principles that guide our AMV support:
- Humanity and Dignity: We recognize the inherent dignity of AMV youth and treat them with respect and empathy.
- Self-Reliance: Our ultimate goal is to promote self-reliance by empowering young people to harness their own strengths.
- Community Building: We strengthen communities by actively involving them in the care of AMV youth. We collaborate with local municipalities and neighborhoods to initiate projects that contribute to the development of these young people.
- Sustainability: We aim for sustainable, long-term solutions rather than temporary aid. In our approach to supporting AMV youth in the Netherlands, we prioritize sustainable practices that ensure the best possible care for our young people while responsibly managing resources.
