Orwa

I am Orwa Alhawat, a lawyer from the Syrian coast.

I came to the Netherlands last year. My roots are deeply connected to the coast, the beautiful mountains, and the kind and uncomplicated people there. In my home country, I worked as a pharmacy assistant alongside my brother.

I have a great passion for music and hope that one day I can learn to play a musical instrument. My ambition for the future in the Netherlands is to have my diploma recognized so that I can work here as a lawyer, give something beautiful back to this country, and one day celebrate the World Cup together with the Dutch people.

I have found a bit more peace now, because I am safe in this country with wonderful people — I would love to give a rose to anyone who tells me they are Dutch. Having said that, I am afraid to return to Syria because of what happened to me last year 💔. What I find difficult is that some people have come to this country with wrong intentions and left a bad impression. Sometimes I worry that I will be judged because of that. When I think about my future, I hope that one day I can start a family with a wonderful woman and that we can have children whom we can love and care for.

I love learning the Dutch language. It makes me happy when a Dutch person smiles at me, when I speak Dutch with them, and when they feel that I understand them. I wish I had the money to make sweets and share them with the Dutch people I meet. My heart fills with warmth whenever someone needs my help. I love to meet and connect with others. When I saw the people from Thuis in Epe at the Fletcher, helping refugees connect with Dutch people, I joined them immediately. It is wonderful to feel at home among the people of Epe.