"We have created a unique bond that we cannot break" - Zeynep Canbaz
Zeynep Canbaz and her family are one of the volunteer friendship families in the project ‘At home with us’ (Hjem til Os), which is run by Save the Children and the City of Copenhagen to help children in vulnerable situations. She explains how being part in the project has been an enriching experience for the friendship child, as well as the host family.
Why did you choose to be part of ‘At home with us’?
The thought of being able to make a real difference for a child and support their family by offering a sense of community really spoke to me. My husband and I also asked our children, aged seven and three at the time, both in order to engage them and in order to teach them the value of helping others.
How long have you been involved?
We have been involved since January 2024. We were asked if we had any wishes with regard to gender and age. I said: “No, let’s just find the child who has the greatest need.” Save the Children found C, who was five years old, and who is the perfect match for our family. He has won us over completely. We recently went to an event for the friendship families, where I was told: “You’d think he was part of your family” – and he is.
How does it work?
We pick him up from kindergarten one day each week and then later we take him back to his family. We involve him in what we’re doing and ask, for example, if he has any particular wishes for next week’s supper, because he needs to feel that he plays a part in our everyday lives. Communication is also crucial. I communicate very well with his mother and I feel that we collaborate. C also senses it, which makes him feel safe. We made a point of saying from the outset that we were aware that she had entrusted us with the most precious thing she has.
Can you sense the difference it makes for your friendship child?
I can see from the way he behaves that he feels comfortable. There’s a nice story where we had gone outside and he was fooling around, and I asked if he needed to go home earlier. He said yes, and I suggested that my husband drive him home. “No,” he said, “I just want to go to your home.” That was so nice to hear. It’s wonderful that he regards our home as his home, and where he feels safe and cared for. Eventually, he will start to take an interest in other things, but he need to know that our home is always open to him. We have created a unique bond that we cannot break.
