ONS Label Breda
Start of ONS label
The founders Monique van Winkel and Irene Nagtzaam saw the diversity in the Geeren-Zuid neighbourhood and the necessity to help refugees and residents with residency status integrate. Their initiative began in 2013 with residents from the area, particularly women of Turkish and Moroccan descent who spent a lot of time at home and did not know how to participate in Dutch society. Monique and Irene then established the Women's Studio. A place where women engaged in activities together, such as cooking. In this way, they built a social network.
The target group often has a traumatic journey behind them. This makes it difficult for them to feel at home in a new country and a new city. ONS label supports them with learning and work trajectories, language courses, training, internship placements, and workplace day activities to build a social network and life in Breda. This way, they feel at home sooner and become part of the city.
The Sewing Studio
In addition to making society more inclusive, ONS label also contributes to sustainability. At the Sewing Studio, for example, a wide variety of materials are used. These are recycled, upcycled, and/or are organic. With creativity, participants create unique products and give new life to discarded materials. Old bouncy castles, firefighter clothing, banners, and bicycle tires are transformed into beautiful bags! Nothing is too crazy for the Sewing Studio!
At the Sewing Studio, everyone is welcome, not just the participants but also the clients! Large companies like Heineken, Swapfiets, Tony Chocolony, and NS come to this company in Breda for sustainable products. But residents of Breda have also found the Sewing Studio! For instance, BredaPhoto has commissioned bags and other products to be made from old banners.
The story of Mahmod Abdulah, tailor at the Sewing Workshop
The Breda resident Mahmod, who fled from Syria, was a professional tailor in Syria. Thanks to ONS label, he can pursue his passion in a safe environment again. In Syria, he made many special garments, but in Breda, he had the opportunity to carry out a very unique assignment: making suits for a Carnival Prince! Besides learning the Dutch language, Mahmod learns something new every day about Dutch culture and the city of Breda.
In the photo alongside, you can see Mahmod making sweaters from organic material. These were the Christmas gifts for our team at Breda Marketing! Do you also want to give a sustainable and unique gift to your employees, friends, or family? Then be sure to visit the Naaiatelier!
Our Restaurant
In the Breda district of Geeren-Zuid, you can find Our restaurant. Here, the participants prepare a delicious lunch and dinner every day. From Monday to Friday evening, you can join the community dinner for just €6! You can also take the meal away. Our restaurant also has a location in De Teruggave (the former Tax Office). Here, you can enjoy a tasty lunch.
The Klusteam
Could you use a helping hand in or around your home or office? Then enlist the participants of the Klusteam! The participants are trained here and gain work experience in various tasks, such as painting, repairs, and garden maintenance. Many businesses in Breda are already taking advantage of these stars!
Together we make Breda even more beautiful and we are proud of that!
Mrs. de Wit
At ONS label Breda, they believe in fair prices for labour and fair opportunities for people. Mevrouw de Wit offers professional cleaning services for individuals and businesses!
The Studio
De Studio is an accessible studio for all kinds of work. Participants prepare tasks for the Sewing Studio, create products from beeswax, and do laundry and ironing for Our restaurant. In addition, training and courses are offered here, such as Dutch, healthy eating, and computer skills.
According to Ellen Deckers, co-director of ONS label Breda, it is wonderful to see that Breda is developing socially and that sustainability is becoming a prerequisite.