AngElo Schuurmans
specialist in refugee reception and integration
Available to order now!
This book is about people
This book, presented by Dutch publisher De Boekerij, reflects on my decade-long work connecting refugees with those providing asylum. My journey starts as a naïve volunteer on the Greek island of Leros during the European Refugee Crisis and leads to my current role running a national pilot shelter for 500 people in my hometown, Oss.
My writing partner Marloes Berghege and I showcase our innovative asylum approach, addressing the practical realities behind the buzzword 'integration'. We emphasize the importance of empowering refugees from day one while also acknowledging opposing views. It’s about finding common ground, not determining who is right.
For anybody with an opinion about refugees, This book is about people offers a contemporary narrative based on daily experiences and stripped of media sensationalism. It will be available in bookstores throughout the Netherlands on 25-03-2026 and can already be ordered via these links.
my core values
I left for the Greek island of Leros as a volunteer in late 2015, planning to stay a month to assist with the refugee crisis. The unbelievable situation I encountered there and the hopeful people I met changed my life, prompting me to chart a new course upon my return home.
I began a volunteer organisation – Home in Oss – that organised activities for newcomers, and under my leadership, it has grown into a professional organization with currently 31 employees and more than 200 active volunteers. The municipality of Oss recently signed a groundbreaking contract to run its own shelter. Naturally, cities around our country are very interested in the way we do things.
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Ownership of your living environment and understanding of the responsibility this involves places control exactly where it needs to be, namely with those newly arrived who are living in the shelter or in the next house over!
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Self-reliance is a key understanding in the Dutch healthcare and wellness sector, but doesn’t always work for those who newly come and live here. I have seen more value in a warm welcome; volunteers and professionals stand ready with open arms, helping new members of the community gain autonomy, but always encouraging them to ask for help when needed.
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…is the way to go! Not speaking to, but speaking with people. Giving the narrative form and making decisions with all those involved together. When you work from the needs of your intended audience, you guarantee your own success!
Consensus is the cornerstone of successful reception and integration. Image: Thomas Segers
Raising community awareness helps spreads a more positive message. Image: Thomas Segers
We’re closer to each other than we may at first think. Image: Thomas Segers
in the press
Articles in Dutch
ready to get to it?
City-led operations in this field are new and Oss has recently become the first municipality in the Netherlands to be awarded with a multi-year reception and resettlement agreement.
Curious to learn more? I would love to share my vision and experience with you! This can happen with a casual chat, in a formal advisory role, with a group presentation, motivational talk, or something more tailored to your needs.
Let’s build resilient, open and harmonious communities together! 🫶🏼