Reconnecting with yourself
In the program Gouden Mannen, men with a migration background meet themselves. Together with others they learn Dutch and computers and they gain knowledge about health and exercise. Participant Julio Blanck tells what that brings him.
What exactly do you do at Golden Men?
“I’m taking part in the program in Amsterdam Noord, at 22 Havikslaan. We meet every Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. First we get language lessons and work with computers, then it’s about psychology. Then you learn how people are put together. For example, that your mental health also has to do with stress, fitness, how social you are.
How important is this program to you?
“I find it very interesting that it is about theory and about practice. I don’t know much about the internet world. But the world is evolving every day and you have to stay. For example, I still wanted to learn how to bank online. Now I kill 2 birds with one stone. I can further expand my skills on my mobile phone, with Googling and WhatsApp.”
What is it like to do this together with others?
“That’s always fun. At home I am on my own, at the Gouden Mannen I have social contact and I am in a different setting. You look through your own glasses, but here you hear others looking at it. Are they on the move? How do they handle themselves? I learn from that. And I can also fit a good idea into my life.”
Who would you recommend Golden Men to?
“I think it’s worth joining for everyone. You are never too old to learn. If you are just a little interested and have the discipline to be there on Wednesday.”
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Photo: John van Helvert