Radya Naciri and Tessa Thepen, mentors for Unaccompanied Minors at Movement on the Ground in the Netherlands, bring a unique blend of experience and passion to their roles, supporting young refugees in navigating new lives far from home. Radya, with a background in law, pedagogy, and years of dedicated work with asylum seekers and solo mothers, is deeply committed to uplifting newcomers through stability and guidance. Tessa, who transitioned from a career in journalism to focus on community impact, cherishes the opportunity to provide meaningful support to vulnerable youth. In this interview, they discuss their paths to mentorship, the daily challenges and triumphs of their work, and their hopes for the young people they serve.
For those unfamiliar with the role, can you explain what it means to be a mentor for unaccompanied minors, and what your main responsibilities are?
{RADYA} A mentor for unaccompanied minors provides guidance to children and young people who have come to the Netherlands without parents or guardians. The main responsibility of a mentor is to support them in their integration, personal development, and in navigating their new surroundings and culture. Mentors offer a listening ear, help with practical matters, and above all, provide a sense of stability and security. The goal is to give these young people a trusted person who helps them feel confident and safe in their new environment.
Can you walk us through a typical day in your role? What activities or interactions do you have with the minors?
{TESSA} A typical day in my role starts around 9:30 a.m., when I greet my colleague finishing their night shift. I begin by catching up on recent updates and checking our calendar; for example, if a boy has an appointment with his guardian, I’ll send him a reminder. Fridays are often more relaxed since many of the boys are home from school, creating a cozy atmosphere. Around 11:00, some of them stop by for coffee or tea, and we’ll chat. I also handle calls, such as handling calls or resolving issues with the municipality, health care or public transport services.
Afternoons are often spent outdoors if the weather is nice—soccer games are a favorite. Throughout the day, I always make sure to have small interactions and longer conversations if the boys need to talk. As mentors, we each have our own designated children with whom we engage in special activities, like going to the movies or visiting the zoo. Group activities are also a highlight, including soccer matches, boat trips, and even an annual mini-holiday—this year, we explored Groningen together!
What inspired you to pursue this field and work with unaccompanied minors?
{TESSA} I’ve always been passionate about working with people—I’m naturally curious and genuinely interested in others. For years, I worked in a bar and restaurant, which I loved, but I felt something was missing. I wanted to make a meaningful impact on society and support vulnerable communities. Working with unaccompanied minors, who are primarily boys, has been deeply fulfilling. This group is often overlooked or judged harshly by society, despite the immense challenges they’ve faced, fleeing their countries at such a young age—many no older than 13. It’s incredibly rewarding to offer them support, kindness, and guidance, and to build genuine connections with them every day.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in this role, and how do you navigate them? Can you also share a success story that has left an impact on you?
{RADYA} One of the biggest challenges in this role is witnessing the deep trauma many of these young people carry. It’s heartbreaking to see them struggle with fear, sadness, or anxiety, often stemming from their past experiences. My approach is to offer a stable, reliable presence and to connect them with professional support whenever needed. Another challenge is the language barrier, which can make communication difficult at times. But with patience, creativity, and mutual determination, we usually find ways to understand each other and build meaningful connections.
A success story that has truly touched me is about a young person who was extremely withdrawn when we first met. He felt unsafe, spoke very little, and was illiterate—unable to read or write. Initially, he kept his distance and was hesitant to engage with others. Over time, by simply being present, listening patiently, and gradually earning his trust, I saw a transformation. He began opening up, and actively taking part in group activities. With our support, he was able to enroll in school and start learning from the basics. Seeing him and his self-confidence grow is one of the most rewarding moments of my work. It’s a reminder of how powerful mentorship and compassion can be.
Why do you believe the support and mentorship of unaccompanied minors are so crucial, and what long-term impact do you hope to see from your work with them?
{RADYA and TESSA} Mentorship is vital for unaccompanied minors because they often feel isolated and face countless uncertainties. These children deserve love, safety, and a place where they can truly be themselves. While they may not fully recognize it now, I believe that in a few years, they will reflect on their time with Movement on the Ground as a period of stability and support. This sense of stability is largely created by our diverse team of mentors.
Some of our mentors were born in Syria and play a nurturing “dad role” for the boys, speaking to them in Arabic and offering a comforting sense of familiarity. Others act as aunts, older siblings, or friends, creating a warm, family-like atmosphere. A mentor serves as a role model, guiding these young people through life’s choices and helping them navigate an unfamiliar society. My hope is that, over time, they feel understood and supported, and that this experience empowers them with the strength and resilience to make a positive impact on the world.