Eliza van Peppen, coordinator of the Romanian Language and Culture workshop at the Romanian School Amsterdam, has been living in Leiden since 2008. She is the mother of three children and is a native teacher. Always full of energy and motivated to prepare new and creative activities, Eliza is always there to guide and listen to the children.
On the threshold of a new year at the Romanian School, we asked her to tell us a few thoughts about herself and her work at the School.
Eliza, why Holland?
I came here in January 2008 out of a desire to keep the family together and to get to know my Dutch husband's language, culture and family better.
How long did the integration process take in your case? Or is it not over yet?
The integration process has taken at least three years, but I don't think it's over. It's a living, moving process. I still marvel and learn new things about my adopted country.
How did you manage to keep the Romanian language for your children?
It was a natural process. I feel and speak Romanian, so since they were in the womb I spoke, read and sang to them daily in my mother tongue, while my husband spoke to them in Dutch. Between the two of us we always communicated in English. In this way, the children were and are trilingual, English being at a passive level. We wanted everyone to express themselves in their mother tongue, being aware of the benefits and richness this offers our children. In addition, we have spent holidays in the country at least twice a year. Then, I keep in touch with my family, friends, traditions and Romanian customs and never miss an opportunity to tell everyone how beautiful Romania is. I assume my identity and origin and this is how I pass it on to my children, without difficulty and sometimes without words.
What does it mean for you to be able to teach in the Romanian School?
Romanian School Amsterdam is the fulfilment of a dream I've had since I arrived in the Netherlands. It is a pearl that I want to keep close to me, to help it grow and shine, an extraordinary opportunity to do what I love and, I think, what I am best at: to guide children, to discover and encourage their taste for the richness of the Romanian language and culture, to develop their sense of belonging to it, while not forgetting the Dutch environment and culture in which we live. I believe that in this way our children will develop harmoniously and healthily.
Although we are talking about a "young" school, opened in November 2016, how do you find the relationship with the school staff?
We have a homogenous team, with people of extraordinary character, dedication and soul. I could go on and on. I am grateful to have known them and to work with them. I feel at home with them.
What do you think motivates parents to bring their children to the Romanian School every weekend?
I think there are various reasons. Some are motivated by the desire to pass on to their children a part of what defines them, to have children who develop and live harmoniously. Others are motivated by the desire to socialise with other Romanian children, to learn Romanian so that they can speak with their loved ones back in Romania. Other parents are aware of the benefits of bilingualism and bring their children to us to enrich their language skills. There are also those who have missed the mother tongue train and want to find it again.
How do you see the future of the Romanian School in Amsterdam?
I imagine the Romanian School as a vital centre, as a cultural and community centre. I see it as a warm, steaming loaf of bread from which you feed and enrich yourself.
Would you like to say a few words to the children and parents of the Romanian community in and around Amsterdam?
Of course! Come and meet us, you'll love it and delight! You will discover a magical place for children and a great community!
