“I didn’t flee, I came for love,” says Aida. She was born in Conakry, the capital of Guinea. And she found that love in Brussels, where she studied and worked in a snack bar on weekends. One day, a man from the Netherlands came to eat there. They got talking, got to know each other better, and eventually it became serious. “He was about to marry a woman from Gambia, but he fell in love with me and wanted to marry me.” No sooner said than done, and Alida moved to the Netherlands in 1984.
“The beginning was really difficult for me,” she says. “I had a good life in Guinea. It was fun, I went to school…” Here, she knew no one, missed her friends and family in Belgium, and found the language difficult. At first, Alida tried to learn Dutch, but she stopped taking lessons due to her pregnancy and illness. For a long time, she stayed at home as a housewife. Fortunately, she had a Dutch neighbor who helped her with practical matters. “She helped me with hospital appointments, raising my children, and getting to know Dutch culture. We communicated in sign language.” Slowly, she began to get used to her new life in the Netherlands. She would therefore advise other newcomers: “Don’t stay within your own circle. Learn the language, ask questions, and seek contact with others.”
From no Dutch to multiple diplomas and jobs
Fifteen years later, she wanted to start something for herself, such as a restaurant. “I went to the employment office and said that I love cooking, but they told me that my Dutch wasn’t good enough.” She resumed her Dutch lessons, took a computer course, and obtained her hospitality industry diplomas. In 2001, she even started working as an interpreter in her native language for the Dutch Council for Refugees. She worked for various organizations, such as hospitals and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Even though she is now retired, she still works as an interpreter from time to time.
Keeping appointments
Aida now feels completely at home in Dutch culture. She is always on time and believes it is important to keep appointments. This can sometimes be difficult with friends who think differently. But she remains clear: “If you say five o’clock, then I’ll be there at five o’clock.”
Love of cooking and dancing
But she also remains loyal to her culture in Guinea. She still loves cooking and dancing, which are very important in her country. She often makes Guinean dishes for others and enjoys it when people like her food. Dancing makes her happy and gives her energy. “If I have to choose between going to the movies and dancing, I choose dancing!”