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What you need to know about childcare

Ukrainians are welcome in the tight Dutch labour market

The rise of gravel cycling in the Netherlands

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MAY 2022 | 3

Contents Where can I find the Holland Times? The Holland Times is widely distributed for free, in the regions of Amsterdam, Amstelveen, Hoofddorp, Schiphol, Leiden, Delft, Den Haag, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven, Maastricht, Wassenaar and Enschede. You can find The Holland Times at embassies and consulates, international organizations, internationally oriented companies, hospitals, medical clinics, sports clubs, international schools, housing companies, financial services and banks, expatriate centers, restaurants, libraries, kindergartens, language schools, social clubs, movie houses and expat-oriented stores. Would you like to receive The Holland Times in your organization or become one of our distribution points? Please contact c.spraakman@argomedia.nl

Ukrainians are welcome in the tight Dutch labour market Municipal elections in the Netherlands

Energy crisis causing problems for companies Waiting time for driving exam has risen to 20 weeks

Teenagers need permission to feel Majority of Dutch people are now agnostic or atheist

Netherlands to double its production of offshore wind energy E-commerce is here to stay

13 Introduction of basic grant for all students in higher education High rents force daycares in Amsterdam to close 15 What you need to know about childcare 17 Shopping at Gelderlandplein 19 Column 21 Interview with an expat 22 Art & Culture 27 Nice spots 29 Tips 31 Sport: The rise of gravel cycling in the Netherlands

COLOPHON The Holland Times is an independent, English language newspaper with Dutch news, published by Argo Special Media B.V. Argo Special Media B.V. Postbus 2203 1500 GE Zaandam Contributors Marla Thomson, Priyanka Sharma, John Mahnen, Nanda Jagusiak, Femke van Iperen, Nicole Kerr, Molly Fitz, Zuzanna Kuffel, Mariana Mendoza González, Benjamin R.Roberts, Lorre Luther, Raphael Vieira, Beatriz Negreiros, Young Expat Services, GoStudent, Vernandi Dyzel & Partou+Smallsteps Editor Roselaar Tekstadvies Visit our website for news updates: www.hollandtimes.nl For all editorial information and suggestions, please contact us at: c.spraakman@argomedia.nl Advertising and Inquiries Bert Versteeg 020-506 39 26 06-33 74 34 63 bert@hollandtimes.nl

Design & Layout Caroline Spraakman All Rights reserved by the publisher and/ or the author(s). ©2003 The Amsterdam Times The editors try to ensure the accuracy of all information contained within. However, mistakes and ommissions are possible. No rights may therefore be derived from material published. Would you like to receive The Holland Times in your organization or become one of our distribution points? Please contact c.spraakman@argomedia.nl Controlled circulation: international institutions, the diplomatic corps, and epicentres of the Netherlands’ international and expat community. The opinions of external authors in the Holland Times are published under personal title and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editors of the Holland Times.

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05-04-2022 11:30

MAY 2022 | 5

NATIONAL

Ukrainians are welcome in the tight Dutch labour market Ukrainian refugees may be able to fill some of the 387,000 vacancies in the Dutch labour market. Due to big staff shortages both blue- and white-collar workers are welcome. On 24 February, Russia invaded Ukraine, launching missile attacks and killing civilians. While it is prohibited for Ukrainian men aged 18-60 to leave the country, more than 4 million women and children have left Ukraine. Most are staying in Poland, yet some go further. Ukrainians can receive temporary residential status in the Netherlands under the EU Temporary Protection Directive. Work permits not necessary The government has abolished the requirement for a work permit for those who enter the Netherlands under the Directive. This exemption took effect on 1 April (retroactive to 4 March). It is now possible to work in the Netherlands for a year with just a Ukrainian passport. This period may be extended later if necessary. The government has taken additional measures to protect these refugees on the labour market. Ukrainians will, for example, only be permitted to work as paid employees. Employers do not need to apply for work permits. However, they must report to the UWV that they have hired a Ukrainian refugee. As of 15 April, they are required to report this at least two days before the person starts working, otherwise they may be fined, and they have to submit certain information

to the authorities, such as the employee’s working hours and place of work. The Dutch government initially expected 50,000 Ukrainian refugees, though the number might turn out bigger. ABN AMRO Bank predicts that up to 156,000 Ukrainians will come to the Netherlands and that approximately half of them will enter the labour market. Tight Dutch labour market Ukrainian refugees might bring some relief to the tight Dutch labour market. As stated in a recent report published by ABN AMRO in March, the number of unemployed in December 2021 in the Netherlands stood at 336,000, one of the lowest numbers ever, while there were 387,000 unfilled vacancies. Based on the Ukrainian education level, the refugees do not necessarily have to work at the bottom of the labour market, states Piet Rietman, economist at ABN Amro. Digital professionals wanted Not only blue-collar workers are welcome in The Netherlands. Many companies are seeking IT specialists. For example, DEPT agency published an open call to Ukrainian digital professionals on its website, looking for front-end and back-end developers, architects, software engineers, UX designers et cetera. Moreover, the agency is opening all of its offices for digital professionals who have fled Ukraine and need a place to work with the right infrastructure and support.

Job openings and space in the offices is not all that DEPT does for Ukrainians. Together with software company Salesforce, it is supporting Refugeeforce by organizing free Salesforce trainings for people from the region to help them with future job opportunities, says the agency. Agencies or social media Staffing agencies such as SprintWerkt have already expressed their eagerness to help Ukrainian refugees find jobs, mostly in the logistics and horticulture sectors. Several initiatives are available for those who want to find employment in The Netherlands or first aim to develop their professional skills, such as Refugee Start Force, Refugee Talent Hub, Duizend1 and UAtalents. The

full list and more information can be found on refugeehelp.nl in Ukrainian, Russian, English and Dutch. Business owners are also taking matters into their own hands. Danielle van Zuijlen from JC Hair, a salon with several locations in Rotterdam, posted on social media offering to hire Ukrainian hairdressers. She also contacted several Ukrainian hair salons, some of which reposted her advertisement. At the time of writing, Van Zuijlen had already invited a Ukrainian lady to come for a trial day and a job interview. Written by Zuzanna Kuffel

Municipal elections in the Netherlands largest national party, the VVD (the party of the current prime minister), became the largest party in the local elections as well, and the Labour Party (PvdA) took over from the Green Left (GroenLinks) party as the leader in the capital of Amsterdam. The second largest coalition national party, D66, won big in Gouda, Amersfoort and Den Bosch, but the remaining two coalition parties, CDA and CU, lost many seats. Other disappointments included the right-wing parties, the PVV and FvD, which both gained lower results than what they had expected. Still, the winners of the election were definitely the local political parties, which claimed 36% of the votes.

On 16 March of this year, people in the Netherlands went to the polls to vote, this time to elect local councillors in 332 of the 345 municipalities throughout the country. Elections at the municipal level are held every four years and decide who will sit on the municipalities councils that determine local issues. What’s interesting about these local elections that is as long as a person is registered with the local ‘gemeente’ and over the age of 18, they can vote – including EU citizens from other countries and expats! Still, this didn’t help the 2022 voter turn-out, as this election saw the fewest people voting in history, with only 50.3% of people actually voting. The administrative levels of government in the Netherlands start with national

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at the top, then the provincial level, then the municipality. One municipality (‘gemeente’) might cover several smaller towns or just one larger city, and is generally where you register your stay and arrange driver’s licenses. The gemeente is also in charge of many local issues, from waste collection and roadworks to social care and schools. While council members are elected by popular vote, mayors are actually appointed by the national government. The candidates for the municipal councils and positions can come from either national or local political parties. The 2018 elections already saw a strong upswing in local political parties, but nothing compared to the 2022 elections. The

What I found interesting – besides the low voter turnout – was the general discussion after the elections. Dutch talk shows spent several evenings discussing what could be the reason the local parties did so well and why the national parties continued to lose seats in municipal councils. To me this is an odd thing to discuss, since it seems obvious that a local party would do well in a local election. To be honest, I’m surprised more seats didn’t go to the local parties, since obviously they have local interests, issues and solutions at the core of their political platforms. For me it seems odd to think that a national party would have the same level of vested interest in local issues that a local party would. Many speakers in the evening talk shows said that if the turnout had been greater, the national parties would likely

have won more seats. I’m not sure that this is true. It seems that the growth in number of council seats gained by local parties is an indication of the voters’ general opinion on local politics. The discussions also focused on what the national parties could do to gain more foothold in the local elections. Now, I’m not political scientist and certainly not for Dutch politics, but at face value it seems the best chance for national parties to regain seats on the local (or even provincial) level is to align themselves with local parties. That would also give the novice or lessinformed voter an idea of where the local party stands on various political issues – something I found difficult to find out for local parties. National European political parties are all aligned with European parties in the EU – the Netherlands included. Why not extend this association in the other direction to the local level? Perhaps there are loose associations already, but again these are not easy to find online or in local media. Where local parties stand in relation to the national parties aside, the national government above all recognizes the problem of low voter turnout. The Dutch Minister for Internal Affairs, Hanke Bruis Slot, has initiated an investigation as to the reasons behind the low numbers. Written by Marla Thomson

06-04-2022 12:23

CHILDCARE

6 | MAY 2022

What are the signs that your child is not in the right place here. When your child feels that he/she is in better control of their schoolwork this might also effect their self esteem in a positive way. - Professional help: if you feel inadequate to help your child, you can always seek professional help. There are so many people specialised in kids, education and behavioural issues. Make sure you do some research and involve your child in this process to gain their trust so together you can book the best results.

Studies (Rijksuniversiteit Groningen) have shown that around 30% of Dutch kids don’t get the right advice for their future education. This means that after a couple of years kids are forced on changing their level of education or school. This can cause severe problems for one’s selfesteem. As GoStudent is on a mission to unlock the full potential of every child worldwide, we strongly feel it is also our responsibility to share some insights from an expert in this field on how to support your child when you feel it’s not in the right place. Eva Vuurpijl is an English teacher based in the Netherlands and has been teaching on all different levels within the Dutch education system. Whilst teaching she gets the chance to closely observe children going through a certain development, both personally and mentally. Very often, it made her question: are we as caregivers crossing the line in pushing our children to succeed or is that what needs to be done in order to make our kids happy and successful in a later stage in life? What are the signs that your child is not in the right place? As long as anyone can remember, kids in group 8 have to take a test which significantly determines the rest of their school career. For years now questions about this test are publicly being raised by experts on how relevant and validated this test is. Because how can one test at such an incredible young age, define your future when there are so many more aspects that actually should be taken into account and a child’s brain and personality develops way more after groep 8? It is not inconceivable that kids end up in the wrong level of their higher education when they had an off day when making this test and therefore scored differently than they would usually do. To prevent them from struggling for years in the wrong place here are the signs that you can, as a caregiver, focus on: - Low or insufficient grades: if your child regularly comes home with significantly lower grades than you are both used to, this might be a sign that your child is in the wrong level of education. Needless to say, this also goes the other way. When your child comes home with straight a’s, time after time, this might mean he is not being challenged enough. Time for a 1-on-1 with the respective teacher! - Behavioural issues: behavioural issues always come with a reason. So if your child is acting out lately, it might be good to start by doing some research yourself. First step could be to have an open conversation with your child on how he/she feels. Try to engage, be empathetic and make them feel safe. If you are lucky he/she will open up and share what’s going on. If not (most likely,

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as kids are kids….) you might want to consider a chat with their teacher. - Lack of connection: if you feel your child is withdrawn, this might be a sign that he/she is not happy. Questions that can be considered could be: is your child bringing home friends for playdates? Is he/she avoiding talking about school and school events? Does he/she come out of bed easily to happily go to school? Is he/she sick very often? If you are not happy with the answers to these questions, it might be time to take action. - Discrepancy between behaviour at school and at home: this kind of behaviour is typically something kids can hide easily. So most likely someone else will make you aware of the situation, eg your child’s teacher or another parent. When a situation like this arises, it is very important to get in touch with the teacher to see what the exact discrepancies are so you can get to the root of the problem. How to support your child when you have identified that he/she is in the wrong level of education? - Talk with your child: offer your child a safe environment to be open so he/she can share his/her feelings. It is not always easy for kids to open up, especially not to their parents (we’ve all been there, right?). If you feel your child is having problems opening up to you, it might be a good idea to ask someone close to you, to start the conversation. Think friends, relatives or a confidential advisor from their school. When starting the conversation you might want to consider mentioning they are not in trouble or they have done something wrong. You don’t want to scare them off. Perhaps you can choose an environment they like, such as the zoo, the ice cream shop or take them out for a walk in the park. Also, try to use as many open questions as possible to give them the opportunity to share as many insights as possible.; - Talk with the respective teacher: your child’s teacher plays a vital role in their life and development. That’s why it is important to align with this person. Together you might come up with a solution to the problem; - Find your child a personal tutor: not every child thrives in an environment that’s busy and where they experience a lack of personal attention. If this is the case, you might want to consider getting your child a personal tutor. A tutor can support your child in their schoolwork, but can also function as a person that listens and someone they can trust on multiple occasions. If it turns out that your child is in the right level of education, but he/ she just needs that extra support with homework or learning methods, a tutor might be the perfect solution

When do you stop and when do you give that extra push to make them go the extra mile? As every child is different and therefore has different needs, there is no standard answer to this question. The most important thing in all circumstances, is a child’s well being and when the moment arrives that this well being is out of balance, it is important for caretakers to act and to make the changes that in this case might be necessary. A child’s school teacher can play a fundamental role in this process. Switching classes, level’s or even schools, might seem a lot to deal with, but with the right help and guidance of the respective teacher or department (most schools have a healthcare manager or pedagogue who is experienced with these kinds of situations) it is most definitely worth the time and effort. How can you as a caretaker support or motivate your child to do well in school? - Don’t force your child into doing things or positions they really don’t feel comfortable with or strongly dislike. We all have to deal with things we like less, same goes for us in our professional career, but always make sure that when you have the option of choosing a certain school, level or direction you involve your child and discuss options openly; - Make learning fun, eg implement game elements when doing their homework; - Don’t project your own dreams and missed chances on your child. Support your children in making their own decisions when it comes to choosing the right school or direction. Support your child in their development of creating their own will and opinion; - Make sure your kids are aware of all the different options the Dutch educational system has to offer. Take enough time to do research when the times arrives of switching schools/education; - Compliment them when they booked a great success such as a successful presentation or good grade; - Don’t get angry when they come home with a grade that is not as high as you both expected. Rather support them and find solutions on how to improve next time; - Offer them to work with a tutor that can provide them with extra, individual support. Pro’s and Con’s about individualised tutoring Pro’s - Personal attention; - Personal learning plan; - Guidance from someone that’s not the parent or teacher, which makes it easier for kids to accept help and advice; - A way to optimise school grades; - When your child feels more comfortable in the classroom, this will boost it’s self-esteem. Cons - As this is individual, it is less social; - No guidance or help from your peers. Written by GoStudent www.gostudent.org

07-04-2022 10:02

MAY 2022 | 7

NATIONAL

Energy crisis causing problems for companies It’s like the collective bad karma of the human species has finally come to haunt us all at the same time. Right when we thought that after two years of pandemic we could finally look forward to some normalcy, there comes an energy crisis to make sure we stay on our toes and keep some “excitement” in our lives. It’s a good thing we have entered daylight saving time. With these soaring energy prices, we can use every ounce of daylight and as much warmth as we can get from it. We might not have been able to show off our skating skills on the Amsterdam canals, but that has been a blessing in disguise, else we would have found ourselves breaking into our piggybanks and looking for alternate sources of income just to pay our heating bills. Why energy prices are rising So what is causing the energy prices to rise by more than 86 percent in less than a year? And gas prices worldwide by nearly 350 percent? There is not one single reason, but several factors causing the crisis: • You would think that a quick economic recovery after the Covid crisis would be a good thing, but apparently not. After a slowdown of almost two years, everyone around the world is gearing up their production to catch up with the demand, causing a massive increase in energy consumption. • The world focus on climate change is putting extra pressure on the industry and the government to transition from

fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources. However, this transition is taking its toll on the availability of energy. • Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has caused major uncertainties surrounding the production and supply of gas. Though Russia’s gas is still flowing to Europe, according to a Russian foreign ministry official, the European Union will end up paying three times the usual price as a result of the sanctions against Moscow. The higher gas and electricity prices will be passed on to the consumers by energy suppliers. Effects for consumers and businesses It is always the consumers, isn’t it? Not only will you see a higher price at the gas pumps and on your heating bill, but also in increased grocery bills. After all, the transportation and storage costs for the same fruits and vegetables have risen spectacularly. Prices for building materials are skyrocketing as well, so if you are doing up your house, you will notice the increase. However, the situation is much worse for businesses. According to ABN AMRO, high energy prices coupled with end of Covid support subsidies may cause 80,000 to 120,000 jobs to disappear. The bank foresees a 50% increase in bankruptcies, especially for the companies that rely heavily on energy consumption such as the chemical sector, greenhouse horticulture, refineries and the construction industry. While a number of sectors will try to pass on the increased cost to the end customer,

the higher energy prices will also result in thinner margins for companies. What is the government doing? The more cynical among us will be quick to point fingers at the authorities, but they are doing what they can. The outgoing cabinet had already pulled out its wallet and increased the tax reduction on energy bills by 400 euros. Because of these tax reductions the total energy bill is “only” 86 percent higher for many households. However, entrepreneurs, especially from sectors with thin margins like horticulture, who also have to compete with agriculture from warmer countries, find the energy tax reduction just a drop in the ocean. They fear that their profits will be wiped out and that they will have to pay for the energy costs out of their own profits. The Association of Professional Fryers has already reached out to the Ministry of Economic Affairs to come up with support measures. “Entrepreneurs are panicking,” says Frans van Rooij, the director. “The energy bill has already tripled and is expected to rise even more due to the war in Ukraine. A year ago, a neighbourhood cafeteria spent 1200

euros a month on gas and electricity, now it’s more than 3600 euros. To cover those costs, cafeterias, snack bars and other chip shops would have to raise their prices by at least 20 percent.” What can you do? Do you have a fixed-price energy contract? Then count your lucky stars. If not, try to reduce your energy usage. Consider investing in solar panels and better insulation. If you use central heating, turn down the notch a little. Put on that extra jumper and save on the heating. Do not try to switch energy providers; there are no better offers at this point, so stick with your current provider. Switching will just increase your cost. Sadly, until the conflict in Ukraine gets resolved, there seems to be no end in sight to this global predicament. Hang tight and hopefully with the warmer days approaching we should be able to ride this crisis out too. Written by Priyanka Sharma

Waiting time for driving exam has risen to 20 weeks Due to a number of complications caused by the Covid pandemic, students looking to get their driver’s license in the Netherlands currently have to wait up to 20 weeks for an appointment with the Central Office for Motor Vehicle Testing (CBR) for their driving tests. “Because of Covid, many organizations in the Netherlands have long waiting times. Unfortunately, this also applies to the practical examinations of the CBR,” announces the website of the CBR, followed

by an estimate of the waiting list’s times. For the period 21-27 March the waiting list is 2-3 weeks for the theoretical exam for driving a car, motorcycle or moped and an average of 17 weeks for the practical exam for driving a car. The website also states that the time periods might change from location to location, and may speed up because of reservations that are cancelled: “Some people may have to wait 14 weeks and others 10 or 18 weeks.” But as the Covid pandemic has been with

us for a few years now, the delays and growing waiting lists are not a new thing to institutions, including the CBR. Already in February 2021, RTL Nieuws announced that, after two lockdowns, 600,000 driving exams had been postponed, seriously affecting the lives of people who are in need of a car to reach their jobs. Esmee, a 19-year-old student from Hoensbroek, said in the article: “In November I had my last lesson. Then everything closed. I have no idea when the exam can take place. And if it can, I’m afraid I won’t pass because I haven’t driven for a while.” Thus, a package of 35 lessons that included a 2000-euro test could not guarantee her a driving license.

Similar complaints are found all around the internet and social media: “I had my theory test scheduled for December 2020 in Amsterdam, then it was rescheduled to the beginning of February, and now it has been rescheduled again to June – the first available date. Depending where you are it can be tough to get the exams for the summer, I guess. The earlier you sign up, the better,” commented a Reddit user about a year ago. “We have been doing exams in the evenings and weekends since last year,” said CBR

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managing director Jan Jorgen Huizing, according to newspaper Het Parool, which also cited possible emergency measures such as increasing the examination age to 18 years old and stopping interim and pass tests, which would result in a decrease of 170,000 tests taken annually. According to Het Parool, the biggest issue for the CBR in recent weeks is the lack of examiners, especially since the recent rise of the Omicron variant has resulted in around 12% of the 603 examiners to be at home at any one time because of the virus. As to the lack of examiners, the website IamExpat quoted Pechtold: “Recruitment is extremely difficult: of the 8.087 candidates who have applied for a job since March 2021, only 108 have been hired by us for examiner training.” Pechtold states that there are two possible ways out: either accepting that the waiting time will be high for months or deciding to do something about it. Nevertheless, the CBR has no intentions of enforcing any measure by itself: “But it’s with the driving schools and the Tweede Kamer that solutions should be found. We cannot decide anything on our own.” Written by Mariana Mendoza González

06-04-2022 20:43

At Kühler & Partners International Mental Health we provide psychological healthcare for Kids & Teens. We have a specialist team of child psychologists and a child psychiatrist, offering high quality care to children age 6-18 and their families. We are there to support children who experience psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, stress due to major life events, low conﬁdence and self-esteem, problems with attention, behaviour or emotion regulation. If these problems do not disappear by themselves and last too long, they may have an impact on different areas in the child’s life, such as family, friends and school. Therapy or counselling can help to ﬁnd a way forward. We work together with children and parent(s)/families towards a healthier and better personal wellbeing. After initial assessment, we offer individual therapy, parent- and family counselling. Our treatments are tailormade, short if possible and longer if needed. We are a multidisciplinary team of professionals with an international background.

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07-04-2022 08:43

MAY 2022 | 9

CHILDCARE

Teenagers need permission to feel anxiety. It is often difficult for both parents and teenagers to talk about emotions, because we might not know how to make sense of them and how to support our teenagers through their feelings. Identifying, naming and understanding the causes and consequences of one’s emotions are skills that most of us did not learn when we were younger. As a result, we avoid talking about emotions because they are unfamiliar and uncomfortable. However, emotions are unavoidable. We all experience various emotions in a given day, whether we talk about them or not. Avoiding talking about our feelings often leads to depression and Each parent has a universal wish to see their child healthy and happy. These wishes seem reasonably attainable, but it feels less straightforward once your child becomes a teenager. According to The State of the World’s Children report (2021) by UNICEF, one in seven teenagers have a mental illness, and suicide is one of the top five leading causes of death among teenagers. As parents, we attempt to remain flexible while working fulltime, managing each family member’s schedule, staying in contact with friends and living a healthy lifestyle. This often does not leave much time and energy to focus on our teenager’s mental state. In

anxiety, which impacts how we perceive ourselves, others and the world around us. Emotions can feel foreign, but they become a powerful tool for growth and change when we are able to understand and process feelings. As parents, it is essential to create time and space to explore and understand emotions from a curious and non-judgmental perspective. This may be in your home, or it may be in therapy. Creating an environment in which emotions can be explored and dealt with in a healthy way may be the key to longer-term health and happiness. Written by Vernandi Dyzel, psychologist

addition to this lack of time, teenagers often struggle to express their emotions. Drs. Marc Brackett and Brene Brown discuss this lack of time and difficulty understanding emotions on the podcast Unlocking Us: Permission to Feel. Dr. Brackett mentions that we often ask some variation of “how do you feel?”, but we rarely expect and desire to give or receive an honest answer. The reason for this is two-fold: first, dealing with someone else’s emotions can be time-consuming. Second, and most importantly, it can be daunting and uncomfortable to admit or hear about sadness, anger, fear and

Majority of Dutch people are now agnostic or atheist In 1648, after 80 years of fighting for religious independence from the Catholic king of Spain, the Dutch Republic became the first Protestant nation in the world. Now, 400 years later, according to the recently published survey Buiten kerk en moskee (‘Beyond Church and Mosque’), more than half of the population proclaim they are either agnostic or atheist, making it the first agnostic/ atheist country in the world.

What happened? The report, conducted by the Sociaal Cultureel Planbureau (Netherlands Institute for Social Research), studied the religious landscape of the Netherlands, outside those affiliated with Christian churches and Muslin mosques. It concluded that the number of people who have never attended a church service shot up from 53% in 1983 to 69% in 2018, and the percentage of proclaimed atheists increased from 16% in 1990 to 29% in 2018. In sum, 22% of the Dutch population consider themselves ‘barely religious’ while 37% are ‘affirmed non-religious’. Since the 1960s, society in the Netherlands has become increasing more secular and individualistic. The development started the “ontzuiling” or “de-pillarization”

of Dutch society, which since the late 19th century until the 1960s had been segmented into religious subcultures. Each religious group (Dutch Reformed Protestants, Dutch Protestant Orthodox, Roman Catholics, Socialists, Communists, etc.) had its own political party, schools, newspapers, television and radio stations. From the mid1960s until today, this religious and political structure of the Netherlands has slowly dissolved and society has become more secular. Consequently, the percentage of people who proclaim to be active believers has decreased by two-thirds. The series of surveys entitled “God in the Netherlands”, which was first conducted in 1966, traces the downfall in adherence to the Christian doctrine. Currently, only a small minority of the population (between 14% to 28%) still believe that God is personally concerned with each individual’s wellbeing, that the Bible is the Word of God, and that there is life after death. Today most people only attend church for milestone life events, such as marriages and funerals, but otherwise, the report argues, organized religions do not fulfill the personal needs of individuals in modern society. People nowadays no longer look for the answers to the meaning of life in organized religions such

as Christianity and the Muslim faith. Instead, the seek to find meaning in life from within. Individuals consider themselves completely free to pursue their own happiness in whatever way, shape or form. However, a secular society was not what the Dutch Protestant forefathers had in mind 400 years ago. Some social scientists claim that the success of Protestantism in the sixteenth and seventeenth century ultimately led to the downfall of faith today. After the Dutch Republic was established, it became mandatory for all children to learn how to read, as they were expected to read the Bible for themselves. With everyone reading the Bible, this development ultimately unleashed new interpretations of the Bible and opened up new discussions about the Word of God. Some even questioned the very existence of God. Without the general populace being able to read, new advancements in science and medicine would have been unthinkable in the 17th century, let alone the Enlightenment a century later, which promoted the pursuit of individual happiness and freedom. This tradition of independent thought, the habit of questioning the meaning of life during the Enlightenment, and increasing individualization after the Second World War, people have shifted away from organized religion, or even stopped believing altogether. Today, individuals find more purpose and meaning in life by themselves, rather than having it presented to them in a ready-made religious form. On the downside, with the new freedom comes also more personal responsibility. God cannot be blamed for everything, and individuals today are held accountable for what happens to them in their own personal life. Nevertheless, in the same week the report declaring the country to be agnostic/atheist was released, the United Nation’s World’s Happiness Report was also issued. With more non-believers than believers, the Netherlands still ranked #5 happiest country in the world. Written by Benjamin B. Roberts

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NATIONAL

“Milestone in sustainable transition”: Netherlands to double its production of offshore wind energy in the North Sea on the mainland, as well as for shipping safety and necessary adjustments in the fishing sector, to make it more sustainable. It will also be used for strengthening and protecting the North Sea ecosystem.

The Netherlands’s aims to double its production of offshore wind energy by 2030. This was revealed by the Dutch Cabinet this spring, when it announced it has earmarked three new areas for future offshore wind farms on the North Sea. Two previously designated areas were also confirmed. Together, the five areas are set to produce 10.7 gigawatts (GW) of wind energy; with these five areas, the total planned capacity for offshore wind energy will be doubled to approximately 21 gigawatts by 2030. “This is an important milestone in the transition to more sustainable energy,” said Rob Jetten, Minister for Climate and Energy. “By way of comparison, 10.7 GW extra is twice as much as all Dutch households use together in electricity,” adding that by 2030, the government intends to be making offshore wind energy the country’s largest source of electricity, according to the special offshore wind energy Roadmap 2030+.

The three new areas are planned for the north and northwest of the country, and have been given the names Nederwiek, Lagelander and Doordewind; the result of a competition among 6000 contenders. The other two reconfirmed areas are the northern part of the IJmuiden Ver wind energy area, 62 km off the west coast of the Netherlands; and the southern part of Hollandse Kust Wind Farm Zone, about 53 kilometres from the Dutch west coast. “When designating these wind energy areas, careful consideration was given to the other interests in the North Sea, such as shipping, fisheries, nature and defence,” said Jetten. With the costs for the new wind farms to be spread over the government, companies and investors, the cabinet has proposed to use the Climate Fund to pay for its part of the expenditure, which will be just under €1.7 billion. The fund is intended for sustainable projects and money will be needed for the integration of the power connection

In the Netherlands, wind turbines are mainly located in the coastal provinces, where the wind tends to be the strongest. There are also windmills at sea, and the North Sea is considered a suitable location for offshore wind energy because of its relatively shallow water depth, favourable wind climate, good ports and (industrial) energy consumers nearby, explains the Dutch government. The North Sea Region Programme points out on its website that the top five European countries with the largest offshore wind capacity are bordering the North Sea. Denmark and the UK specifically are leading the way when it comes to offshore wind energy. The latter in fact has the highest percentage (40.8%) of installed offshore wind capacity in Europe. With the new plans, the Netherlands is on its way to follow suit. The cabinet will decide this summer exactly where the wind farms will be located within the designated areas. It is predicted that in twenty years’ time, a quarter of the North Sea will consist of wind farms, says independent research organisation TNO. With offshore wind energy, the transition to an energy supply without CO2 emissions is possible, the Dutch government explains on its website. The arrival of more offshore wind farms is also considered to bring with it economic opportunities. By playing such a large role in the energy market in the Netherlands, the Dutch offshore wind energy sector will get the opportunity to further develop its expertise and thereby strengthen its international position. Written by Femke van Iperen

E-commerce is here to stay Over the past two years, online shopping has drastically increased in the Netherlands. According to numbers released by the Knowledge Institute for Mobility Policy (KiM), Dutch shoppers purchased more goods and services online in 2020 and 2021 than ever before. Online sales of products such as clothes and electronic devices grew by 41% between 2019 and 2020. While the increase in online shopping was largely driven by Covid-related contact restrictions, online shopping and sales nevertheless remain popular now that these limitations have been lifted – leading many to believe that e-commerce is here to stay. E-commerce, while of course common in the last decade, began to rise sharply in 2020 with the initial rounds of pandemic-related contact restrictions and lockdowns. KiM tracked the number of online purchases in the Netherlands and shows a direct relationship between periods of stricter Covid regulations and higher levels of e-commerce activity. Dutch consumers spent more than €20 billion online during the first year of Covid restrictions. The amount Dutch consumers spent on groceries and cooking at home grew due to the closure of cafes and restaurants in 2020 and 2021. As a result, online grocery shopping and app-based meal delivery orders rose dramatically during lockdown periods, when hospitality businesses were closed. Online grocery store profits grew by 58% between 2019 and 2020, reflecting the overall trend of higher spending on cooking and entertaining at home. Yet, in spite of the increased numbers of people who shopped for groceries online and the resulting rise in profits for online grocery stores, it appears Dutch shoppers still preferred to purchase their apples and oranges in person. While online grocery shopping grew dramatically over the past two years, online grocery stores only earned around 6% of overall profits garnered by supermarkets during the first years of the pandemic.

than 50. More than 80% of households with a child under 12 made regular online purchases during 2020. Individuals living alone came in second, with just under 70% frequently purchasing goods or services online. Interest in online shopping also varied by age, according to KiM. Those between 40 and 49 were most active when it came to e-commerce, with just under 90% qualifying as regular online shoppers in 2020. Interestingly, more than 50% of individuals over 70 belonged in the “frequent online shopper” category during the first year of Covid restrictions. The data also revealed differences in the popularity of online shopping based on the level of education officially completed as well as driver’s license possession. Over 80% of those with a higher education diploma regularly purchased goods and services online in 2020. And just over 60% of individuals without a valid driver’s license made regular purchases online during this period, while almost 75% of those with a license used online shopping.

The rise in e-commerce also had consequences for the movement of goods and people in the Netherlands. Widespread delivery service availability decreased the difficulty of ordering products online, reducing the need to leave home to shop. During 2020, 38% more packages were delivered to residences than before the pandemic. The increase in online shopping also impacted individual mobility and shopping behaviour. Last year, the distance traveled by the average Dutch person to obtain products such as shoes, clothing and electronics dropped by around 27 kilometers. Innovations such as the introduction of microhubs and pickup points also contributed to the reduction of shopping-related driving miles. While e-commerce seems to be increasingly popular in the Netherlands, Dutch shoppers still value the ability to make purchases in physical stores. According to KiM, Dutch shoppers made more than 90% of their purchases in physical stores during 2020 and 2021. Written by Lorre Luther

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06-04-2022 20:50

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NATIONAL

Introduction of basic grant for all students in higher education The national government of the Netherlands wants to reintroduce the basic student grant for higher education for all students in the 2023-24 academic year, after it was scrapped in 2015. The minister of Education, Culture and Science, Robbert Dijkgraaf, will discuss this proposal with the House of Representatives in order to make this happen. The main idea is to introduce a “performance grant” with a distinction between students living away from home and those living with their parents. In the bill, the cabinet proposes a grant amount of €255 per month for students living on their own and €91 per month for scholars living at home. If they obtain a diploma within 10 years, the basic grant will be converted into a gift. On top of the basic grant, students will be able to borrow money at a low interest rate. Introduction of the basic grant is a top priority for the Education Executive Agency (DUO). Despite its great efforts, changing the systemn will not be possible before 2025. Inequality in education In order to reduce the inequality of opportunities in education, the government wants to ensure that more vocational (mbo) and higher education (hbo and wo) students will make use of the grant. In addition, the proposal is to abolish the additional income limit in mbo. The government wants to enable students to A side job or owning a business is a good way to gain more work experience, to contribute to general development and can reduce the debt. Finally, in the

government’s preferred option, the repayment conditions in mbo will be relaxed. The cabinet acknowledges that the reintroduction of the basic grant is harsh for the students who were in education between 2015 and 2022, as they received a loan only, not a grant. Although a financial contribution in the event of a policy change is unusual, the cabinet wants to make a gesture towards these students and has set aside €1 billion to partially reimburse them. However, there are still some dilemmas to be discussed based, for example: will the reimbursement apply to all students or only those who have received a student grant? Reimbursement for students The cabinet is proposing a reimbursement for all students who fell under the student loan system and have obtained their diploma, even if they were entitled to a student loan at the time, but did not make use of it. For a (nominal) study period of 4 years, students will receive over €1,400. Students who start their course in the academic year 2022-23 will still have to deal with the “old” loan system for one year, receiving a reimbursement of €359. Additionally, as an extra amount of money on top of the allowance, the cabinet proposes to make existing study vouchers freely disposable. Students who were in education from 2015 to 2019 received these vouchers after obtaining their diploma, because they were not yet able to benefit

from the investments in improving the quality of higher education that were made possible by scrapping the grant. For these students, approximately 374,000 people, an amount of €1,770 will be deducted from their student debt. If they have no student loan or have already paid it off, this amount will be paid out in cash. To date, the vouchers can only be used for further schooling, but the government is relaxing the rules. As an example, anyone who has completed their studies in four years and studied from the 2015-16 to 2019-2020 academic year will receive €3,206: a total of €1,436 in compensation and approximately €1,770 from the student loan voucher. However, NRC newspaper reports that many students consider this a measly amount: The average student has a debt of €15,000, but many owe €60,000 or more. The reimbursement will not make a significant

impact for them. When buying a house, the student debt is taken into account, and in the current housing market a €60,000 debt seriously reduces one’s chances of buying a house. Therefore, the cabinet is speaking with young people regarding the concerns of their generation, such as being able to find a home or pressure to perform. Minister Dijkgraaf is currently holding discussions with students throughout the country under the “Speak out!” initiative. In the first week of April, he will discuss his proposal and the related dilemmas with the House of Representatives. Shortly afterwards, the internet consultation will start and everyone will be able to respond to the proposal. The bill will then be submitted to the House of Representatives. Written by Raphael Vieira

High rents force daycares in Amsterdam to close An after-school care centre (BSO) in the city centre of Amsterdam is closing, the second daycare to close in the city. According to newspaper Het Parool, the provider Partou claims it can no longer pay the rent on the premises, and the municipality of Amsterdam states it has no power to intervene.

Until April 2021, the 9-year-old son of Loes Wagemans, who lives in Nieuwmarktbuurt, visited BSO Boomsspijker on the Recht Boomssloot. Due to the closure of the BSO, the children were transferred to the branch in Nieuwe Kerkstraat, only a six-minute walk away – but this will close in July as well, due to high rental prices. Wagemans’ son is now asked to walk to Partou’s Nieuwe Achtergracht location, across the Amstel River, a walk of twenty minutes. Wagemans says: “It almost feels like I’m sending my child to Purmerend.” According to her, 110 children are now without a BSO place altogether, because the neighbourhood’s three remaining BSOs, with other providers, are all full. Partou argues that the buildings hired from the organization by the municipality were becoming too expensive. “There is less demand for care places; many remain vacant,” says David Gribnau, spokesman for Partou. The daycare at first only closed on Wednesdays and Fridays, due to declining demand, but new children were not recruited for the remaining days. “And the rent didn’t change,” he adds. Furthermore, he claims it is better for the children to have “more friends around them.” Partou, according to Wagemans, could do more to help the situation. “I’ve never seen Partou advertise for

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additional children to recruit.”

More daycares close This recent daycare closure is the second after Elfenbankje nursery for kids aged 0-4 years old, which closed due to a property sale in 2019. The building in which the nursery was located was sold and due to Amsterdam’s high rental prices andlack of space, finding a replacement site was not possible. For 29 years, Elfenbankje had operated as a small independent nursery on the Nieuwe Herengracht. According to Het Parool, mum Vanessa Jorissen considered the shutdown a serious setback. Her two girls must move

to a new nursery, but she was content at Elfenbankje. “We deliberately opted for a small-scale daycare, and there aren’t many of these. For parents, a good daycare is a basic necessity of life. It is such a pity that the owner of the building is going for the big money.” Another parent, Michelle de Boer, who has an 8-year-old son and a 4-year-old daughter, says their daycare is closing for the third time. Her kids visited Elfenbankje until 2019, and now have to find a new daycare again, after the closing of the Boomsspijker location. Municipality does not offer aid De Boer asks why the municipality is powerless to intervene. “Is it morally responsible to charge market-based rent for a daycare in the city centre, the most expensive part of the city? We must ensure that Amsterdam does not become London, where families no longer live in the heart of the city. What kind of city centre are we aiming for?” The municipality, through a representative for education, cites Dutch law, which mandates that the municipality uses market-based pricing. Childcare organizations that rent from the municipality are not given special privileges, as this would be unfair to childcare organizations that rent from third parties. De Boer would like to see a new BSO in Nieuwe Kerkstraat, According to the municipality, it is looking into renting out the location to a BSO again, which in fact happened to the Boomsspijker location. Written by Nicole Kerr

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CHILDCARE

‘It’s not about differences, but about what we have in common’

How Partou welcomes expat children and their parents A country where you don’t know anyone, with a different language and strange customs. It’s no small matter to leave your familiar surroundings for an adventure in the unknown. And how does childcare work in this new place? Childcare company Partou welcomes expat children and their parents with open arms. “We want to give them emotional security above all, that is our objective,” explains Ardi van Wiechen, pedagogical specialist at the childcare organisation.

“All parents know: your child is the most precious thing in your life. Culture or background make no difference,” says Ardi. “It is therefore very important that we communicate effectively with parents who do not speak the Dutch language about the development of their child. The language barrier sometimes makes that difficult. But people have great non-verbal capabilities.” Predictable daily routine Cheyenne Molendijk recognises that too. She is a childcare worker at Partou at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam, and works with expat children daily. “Parents always have a dedicated point of contact with us, a familiar face. In addition, you can do a lot with facial expressions. We usually use Google Translate and show

pictures, objects and pictograms. This is also useful for showing the children what we do during the day, so they know what to expect. A predictable daily routine and recognisable rituals are very important for them.”

Partou’s OuderApp is also a handy aid in communication with expat parents. It’s used it to share photos and videos and describe what children do during the day. It is also used to follow their development. Cheyenne: “It shows parents that things are going well. That increases their trust in us.” Focus on diversity Both children and parents must feel at home at Partou. “To know that their culture, background and customs are accepted. That they are heard,” says Cheyenne. “We have a strong focus on diversity. It’s important for us to get to know the parents. We always try to take their expectations into account and translate them into our own way of learning and playing.” This is also outlined in Partou’s pedagogical policy. “We respect parents’ educational wishes as far as possible,” Ardi adds. Connecting parents with one another The great added value of childcare for expats is that it can expand their social network. Ardi: “Parents see one another when they drop off and collect their

children, as well as at parent evenings. And we can play an active role in creating networks by putting people in touch with one another, if they want to.” This is done very actively at the location where Cheyenne works: “We check where people come from and whether we can put them in touch with one another. Expats encounter many challenges. They may be able to support one another through them.”

Immersion Cheyenne finds her work with expats incredibly interesting: “It is an extra challenge to work with foreign parents and children, you are really immersed in new cultures. It also requires the ability to empathise: how would I myself like to be received in a strange country? That is why I always try to greet parents in their own language. I can now say hello in Chinese, Polish, Italian and many more www.partou.nl

Daycare or preschool, what is the best for your child? Every country has its own education and care system for younger children. In the Netherlands a child can go to either preschool or daycare. What are the differences?

Opening hours and age Daycare is a facility for children from 10 weeks to 4 years old. It offers full-day care and is mostly used when both parents are working. Daycares are open from 8.00 until

at least 18.00, but often longer. You can bring your child for two to five days a week, all year long. Some daycares also offer options for shorter hours, e.g. mornings only or 8.00 to 15.00.

per month. For preschool, the municipality pays part of the cost when only one parent is working. The contribution you to pay depends on your income and can range from €75 to €250 a month.

While daycare is the same in all cities, the way preschools are run depends on the policy of the city in which you live. The differences include the starting age of the child, the number of hours a child can attend per week and the costs. From the age of 2 or 2,5 a child can start at preschool for a couple of times per week. They can attend the morning shift (usually 5 hours) or the afternoon shift, lasting 3 or 4 hours. In most cities preschools are closed when the primary schools have holidays.

Food, diapers and activities are included in the fee of a daycare, while at preschool children need to bring their own drinks and snacks. A hot meal is usually not offered in Dutch education.

Quality All daycare centers and preschools have to follow the same requirements for child-caretaker ratio, hygiene rules and pedagogical approach. This is yearly checked by an independent healthcare organization, the GGD. Most preschools and daycare follow a special development program. Costs The gross price for a daycare is around €100 a day, but when both parents are working within the EU, you can get a tax refund called childcare allowance. This depends on your income and covers part of the costs. The more you earn, the more you have to pay yourself. This is the same for preschool when both parents are working.

What is best for you? When both parents are working, preschool is not really an option with the available timeslots. When one parent is working, daycare is rather expensive and preschool is a cheaper option to prepare your child for school. No matter what you choose, on the day your child turns 4, they start primary school. You can then use after-school care, which is organized by the same organisations as daycare for preschoolers. For after-school care, you can also get childcare allowance, if both parents are in work. Contact Young Expat Services Young Expat Services is specialized in supporting families with children to find the right daycare, preschool or school. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us www.youngexpatservices.nl

When only one of the parents is in work, the situation is different. In this case, you don’t get childcare allowance for daycare, which means you pay the full price yourself. The maximum price for 5 days a week is at least €2000

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SHOPPING

Gelderlandplein For a truly gezellig time

Looking for the perfect outfit or gift? Or just want to go for lunch or grab a coffee? Check out Gelderlandplein near Amsterdam’s Zuidas business district. This modern, sleek shopping mall with international allure is home to over 90 shops and restaurants and various art pieces by world-famous artists. Spending a day here is unlike any other leisure activity. Gelderlandplein is a place where you can get anything, from your daily shopping to luxury items. Fashion, food and more Gelderlandplein houses a variety of shops. There is a great mix of local, national and international shops, ranging from high street to high-end brands. If you are looking to treat yourself or find that special gift, you might want to check out Rituals or Siebel. At the recently opened Skins Cosmetics you can discover their carefully curated collection of refined, exclusive perfumes and beauty brands. Or get inspired by all the latest trends in living and interior design at Total4Living, Riviera Maison, Sissy Boy and Bröring. You might find that perfect outfit you have been looking for at Costes, Mango, Rick Moorman House of Men, Pauw, Modehuis Blok, Bronwasser Woman, Cotton Club, Rogge Amsterdam or many of the

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other fashion shops. Discover your new favourite shoes at Van den Assem, Zwartjes van 1883, Nelson or Ecco. Furthermore, the halls of Gelderlandplein showcase a continuous exhibition of art by Erwin Wurm, KAWS and Joel Morrison. But Gelderlandplein is not just for shopping. Enjoy a drink at Coffee Company on the centre court while the kids play their hearts out at Kiddieland, recently extended with a new area with Peppa Pig kiddie rides. In winter there is an ice rink for kids to skate. Just like within the mall, the outside structure of Gelderlandplein accommodates many restaurants and terraces, which liven up the aesthetics and the atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian (Gusto di Casto), French (Bistro G.P. by George), the best seafood (Mr. Crab), quick food (Febo and Tjin’s) or delicious artisanal bread (Le Pain Quotidien), you will find a hearty meal to recharge your battery and a place where you can catch up with your friends or just enjoy a drink, a real Dutch ‘borrel’ on one of the beautiful terraces. Asian cuisine lovers will enjoy the hip Vietnamese restaurant Saigon Càphê, Japanese diner Izakaya Tanuki or Japanese and Korean food market Shilla, which also offers lunch options. For Asian tapas try Ruby’s Oriental Restaurant. Delicious!

If you need more time to explore the mall, you could elongate your experience by staying at Hotel Element Amsterdam. The hotel is the perfect place to maintain your balance, thanks to a state of the art fitness centre and open spaces that can be used to work, socialise or relax. The rooms have a fully equipped kitchen and a Heavenly®bed, which will ensure you are fully rested. Gelderlandplein wants you to have a great experience, so the centre is open seven days a week, and you can park up to 2.5 hours for free. Gelderlandplein even offers a free bus service to and from the shopping centre to Amsterdam Zuid and also in the area Buitenveldert and Vivaldi. But with the possibility for endless shopping, breakfast, lunch, drinks or dinner, you’ll never want to leave! Van Leijenberghlaan 43 1082 GC Amsterdam Gelderlandplein is open 7 days a week: Monday 12.00-18.00 Tuesday-Saturday 09.30-18.00 Sunday 12.00-17.00 Please note that some shops and restaurants have slightly different opening hours, so if you’re looking for times for a specific store, please contact them directly.

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COLUMN

How to cope with fear of the future For example, try practising the worst-case scenario exercise. Write down a list of your fears and what would happen if they came true, and keep going until you’ve exhausted the list of worst possible outcomes. In so doing, we can process our emotional reactions and separate them from reality. This can give us a sense of control over the situation. Finally, try to remember that, as Beckett poignantly put it in his 1953 novel The Unnamable: “You must go on. I can’t go on. I’ll go on.” I was in Los Angeles when I learned that Russia had invaded Ukraine. pecifically, was sitting in my friend’s car, all hot and bothered and panicking because my corona-check app wasn’t working, and we had made lunch reservations. Reading the notification, was hit with that coldness only self-alienation can bring – how silly am I to even think that not getting into a restaurant could matter. Since coming back to the Netherlands, the resonating emotion seems to be a kind of pervasive guilt. I feel guilty that I am not doing enough to help, I feel even guiltier that I am still worrying about banalities in my personal life, and I feel guilty that I think my emotions matter at all. I also feel guilty about how relieved I am that the pandemic seems old news. It is as though we are all willing ourselves into a kind of social amnesia, which feels wrong, so I feel guilty. I Google climate change and read about how scientists warn it is quite literally a now or never situation. I then panic and feel more guilty. I mean, I still eat meat. I become so full of guilt that I cannot do anything in response to it. I panic and fret, and then I put my laptop away. But I think the problem is not that I

feel scared; we live in frightening times. It’s that I do not know how to manage these fears. But why would a kind of toxic guilt be my brain’s coping strategy for fear of the future? And are there alternative methods we could use to manage these fears? Toxic guilt can function as a defence mechanism In Civilisation and its Discontents (1930), Freud argued that while certain forms of guilt can be helpful, there is another kind of ‘unconscious guilt’ expressed in various self-torment patterns. For Freud, this kind of guilt is rooted in one of our earliest fears – the loss of love. For example, imagine a child who is punished for behaving aggressively. The punishment sparks fear that the child will lose their parent’s love, which also means they will be unprotected, threatening their survival. The fear they now feel is immense. So, the brain adapts by introjecting both the fear and punishment and turning it into ‘guilt’. In other words, we develop a conscience that prevents us from acting in socially unacceptable ways and therefore safeguarding our parent’s love. This type of guilt often turns into the hyperresponsibility type that mentioned earlier. find it typical amongst my generation, and I believe it is to do with the fact that we face threats to our lives – climate change, war, a pandemic – that feel as unbearable as the loss of love did when we were five. So, my anxious brain does what it learnt to do: it turns that fear into guilt so that I can attain an illusionary sense of control over it. But the problem is that in so doing, I have found my conclusion; I am self-obsessed and part of the problem. This is an uncomfortable thought and one that I don’t

want to dwell on, so it renders me actionless and stuck in a perpetual state of panic. Okay, but how can we manage these fears? One of the most helpful ways to feel the fear – rather than turn it into chronic guilt – is to allow yourself ‘windows of intensity’ throughout your day. it for five, ten or thirty minutes and think about how frightening and strange the world is. Try to take deep breaths and feel as much of it as you can. Then, once that window is over, try to go about your life as best you can. urther, try to find ways to regain a sense of control. For example, in the case of climate change, I should eat less meat. That is a clear-cut way I can channel my anxiety into a call to action. In the case of war, donate money, provide clothing, offer shelter, or whatever it is that you can do. But, if all of that still feels too close to the fear, try first to regain control in simpler ways. Written by Molly Fitz

Modern Dutch Heroes: Ireen Wüst young. She looked at me bewildered and said directly, ‘Of course!’ She found it more unusual that I didn’t skate! (I did not grow up in a place in the US where skating was popular.) With its at geography, shallow canals and lakes, and winters that are well below zero for the typically five days needed, it s no surprise that speed skating on the ice is so popular here. Reaching far beyond a fun winter activity, the Dutch have become masters of competitive speed skating and since the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo have dominated all disciplines within the sport. There have been dozens of Dutch Olympic champions, some of whom have stood proudly with gold medals around their necks as the national anthem (the Wilhelmus) played. But only a few athletes have truly risen to the standing of a Modern Dutch Hero, among them the unbelievable speed skater Ireen Wüst. The Winter Olympics in Beijing ended on 20 February this year and, as with every Olympic, there were records broken, superstars born and those special moments that can only be called ‘Olympic moments’, and all of it with the backdrop of the corona virus (albeit the tail end of the lockdown-worthy Omicron variant). And as with many games – summer or winter – there are the favourites from each sport and each country. For the Netherlands in the winter Olympics, the favourite sport is indisputably speed skating. Anyone who has spent any time in the Netherlands knows that skating is almost like biking: everyone does it to the point that its almost a part of the actual D . remember that during the first really cold winter I was here (January-February 2021) I asked my very Dutch landlady if she and her family went skating when her children were

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A native of North Brabant – one of the southerly provinces, including Eindhoven, Breda and Den Bosch – Ireen Wüst began skating, like most Dutch people, at a very early age. At age 18 she made her national debut at the Dutch Single Distance Championships and at age 19 made her Olympic debut at the Winter Games in Turin, where she won the first of many lympic gold medals. he was the youngest Dutch Olympic champion ever and was also named Dutch Sports Personality of the Year – an honour she would again receive in 2014. Since then, Ireen Wüst has become the most successful Dutch speed skater in history and the only Olympic athlete from any country in any sport at either the Summer or Winter to win gold medals in five consecutive ames. he has done what no other athlete – even Michael Phelps! – has been able to do, making her one of the greatest athletes of all times.

Upon returning home to the Netherlands, after her last Winter Games in Beijing, Ireen, along with the entire national Dutch skating team, were honored in the Ridderzaal, part of the 13thcentury government complex Binnenhof, by Mark utte. or her outstanding performances at five Olympics and her national and international speed skating wins, records and medals, Ireen Wüst was honored with one of the highest national honours in the Netherlands: Commander in the Order of Orange-Nassau – the highest civilian honour ever given to a Dutch athlete. The Winter Games in Beijing had many other superstars, including another highly decorated speed skater: Sven Kramer, who has won as much as Ireen in national, European, world and Olympic competitions. This season was the last for the two mega athletes and both were given a farewell sendoff in the speed skating capital of the Netherlands, Heerenveen, with the King and Crown Princess in attendance. Both skating champions were shown a synopsis of their career achievements as a long banner with a list of competitions they had won was slowly scrolled to the rafters of the world-class skating arena. Each skater’s achievements were so great that only the European, international and lympic competitions where they won first place were listed. While Sven Kramer and others (Irene Schouten, Suzanne Schulting, Kjeld Nuis and many others) are speed skating heroes, Ireen Wüst stands alone as the only athlete to win gold medals in five consecutive lympics, and that catapults her into being a true Modern Dutch Hero.

Written by Marla Thomson

06-04-2022 11:57

MOTHER NATURE

ANTARCTICA

ALTAMIRA 2042

Angélique Kidjo, Yemi Alade, Zeynab Abib, Blue Lab Beats, Jeangu Macrooy

Mary Finsterer, Sydney Chamber Opera, Asko|Schönberg

Gabriela Carneiro da Cunha

Music that connects people from all over the world to each other and with the earth. 3 – 4 June, Carré

Contemporary opera about the mysterious southern continent. 5 – 6 June, Muziekgebouw

CIRCULUS/CORO

DER BESUCH DER ALTEN DAME

Robin de Raaff, Matthias Pintscher, Ralph van Raat, Radio Filharmonisch Orkest, Groot Omroepkoor A piano concert like clockwork. World premiere 10 June, Gashouder – Westergas

A tragicomic play about the line between justice and revenge. 10 – 12 June, ITA

CONTREENQUÊTES

THE MURDER OF HALIT YOZGAT

Nicolas Stemann, Théâtre Vidy-Lausanne

Ben Frost, Staatsoper Hannover, Schauspiel Hannover

A theatrical exploration of The Stranger by Albert Camus. 14 – 15 June, ITA

Chilling opera about the reconstruction of a murder case. 15 – 16 June, Muziekgebouw

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Nicolas Stemann, Friedrich Dürrenmatt, Schauspielhaus Zürich

The tragic tale of a dammed up river in a mesmerising installation. 7 – 8 June, Frascati

THE CHERRY ORCHARD (LA CERISAIE) Tiago Rodrigues, Isabelle Huppert, Adama Diop Chekhov’s tragicomic classic brought back to its core. 10 – 12 June, ITA

YEMANDJA Angélique Kidjo, Cheryl Lynn Bruce, Naïma Hebrail Kidjo, Kerry James Marshall Breathtaking musical theatre about love, betrayal and the injustices of slavery. 16 – 18 June, ITA

31-03-22 14:20 06-04-2022 15:41

MAY 2022 | 21

INTERVIEW

Interview with an expat What do you like about Dutch people? What don’t you like? love that with a Dutch person, what you see is what you get. There is no sugarcoating, no beating around the bush. You say what you mean and you mean what you say. m a very straight forward person myself, which has gotten me in a lot of trouble back home because people don t know how to react, and here ust feel at home. No one will take offence, I can say what I mean. I hate the phrase ‘doe normaal’ with all my heart. strive to do anything but normaal. am very alternative in my lifestyle and my choices. I can’t ‘doe normaal’. More to the point, I don’t want to. feel like Dutch people use this phrase to keep people in check, like hey, you re being weird, act normal . ut ve always been weird and proud of it, so it ust doesn t make sense to me. Do you have a favourite restaurant in your city? absolutely adore Takumi amen in arkthal. t sells the best ramen, and makes me feel like m home. They sell these gyo as with mala sauce, which is a wonderful chili sauce. f they bottled and sold it, would have a shelf dedicated to it in my house. Where do you prefer to relax in your city? ince moved here during the pandemic, mostly ust chill in my house. ut absolutely love parks and the park culture of the etherlands. f the weather were better, d chill at parks more often. I love Kralingse Bos. My partner took me there for the first time and it has my heart.

Name: Soph (they/them) Where do you come from and where do you live in the Netherlands? I’m from Nepal, and I’ve lived in Leiden, Oegstgeest and Rotterdam so far. Every place I’ve lived in has had its own avour, but uite en oy otterdam. I live in the north of Rotterdam, so I’m not right in the middle of the chaos of a metropolitan city, but it s only a minute bus ride to get to it, so find it the perfect happy medium. What’s your job/business? work for a fintech company named screening operations analyst.

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What as o r first time in the etherlands? came here in 20 for uni, and fell in love with the place. o my first time ended up being the last. What is the nicest thing about the Netherlands? The nicest thing about the etherlands is that no one cares what you are doing with your life. Where come from, everyone from the neighbours to your milkman has an opinion on your life, so it s nice to get away from the ‘what will people say’ mentality. What’s the worst thing about the Netherlands? orry for being cliche, but the weather. cannot stand it. n epal we have beautiful winters, where the mornings and evenings are foggy but the afternoon is warm and sunny, and you can go up to your terrace and lie in the sun or eat oranges while getting that vitamin D. The first thing my told me in our appointment was to get vitamin D pills because will need them. They were uite right. Do you have Dutch friends? do indeed. ost of them are my boyfriend s high school friends, but that s what happens when you have only been in the country for half a year before a pandemic hits. They are all super wonderful and welcoming, which has made the pandemic easier too.

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What’s your favourite Dutch store? Action!!! When I walked into an Action for the first time, it was like was back in Thailand in a Daiso store. Daiso is one of those stores in Thailand where you walk in, and you find you need so many things in your life that you didn t know existed 0 minutes earlier. feel the same way about ction. ction is love. What do you like to do on the weekends? usually save weekends for date days nights. ometimes me and my boyfriend will make big breakfasts, like eggs benedict, or a full nglish breakfast. ometimes we will ust drive around the city and appreciate it from afar (something we started doing in the pandemic to go out safely . ometimes we will ust stay in, get some good food delivered and watch the thousands of shows we are watching together. It’s a time for relaxation and recuperation. Who is your favourite Dutch person? y favorite Dutch person is ikkie de ager. n my gap year after high school, I got really into makeup, and watched ikkie Tutorials every week (along with KathleenLights). When she came out as trans, it gave me life. When saw her at urovision, was so proud. t s always so heartwarming to see someone from your community doing so well in life, because you know that so many people have sacrificed for us to get here, and the fact that we are now thriving is something very tangible.

wrap my head around haringen. That s maybe the one thing would never try. m not a seafood person in general, so that’s too far for me (emphasis on for me). Do you celebrate Dutch holidays? What is your favourite? m uite excited to see a proper oningsdag, hopefully this year. s a veteran lol eiden resident, H to shout eids nt et. t makes me happy. ve had a lot of fun on the days surrounding ctober, and no matter where in the country am, ll probably keep going back to Leiden for it. Where do you like to go out? y only going out happened in eiden, which is really a student city, so don t know much. always loved going to De roeg for beers, and the international students night every Wednesday at instein s was always a bop. ut if you want to dance, NEXT is where it’s at. What famous Dutch place should you really go and see? I have a whole list of places I personally want to go and have not been able to. nne rank s House, an ogh useum, i ksmuseum, eukenhof, etc. ne place that maybe people don t know much about is oses ridge. Best-kept secret in your city? f you take bus 0 from otterdam entraal to Delft entraal, you will go through the cutest Dutch village forest hybrid. t s not a long stretch by any means, but it s very pretty. would like to bike through that route this summer to fully en oy it. Looking back, what do you wish you knew before you moved to the Netherlands? How windy this place is. The wind is serious. y first day in the etherlands, was in oordwi k. I have never seen metal poles sway that hard before. The etherlands would not be this cold if it weren’t this windy, and I was not prepared for this at all. What are 1-2 things you recommend to new expats here in the Netherlands? et yourself a proper acket. t matters a whole lot more than you think it will. earn bike eti uette as uickly as possible, and chain your bike for the the gods. t will go missing Interview by Marla Thomson

What would you recommend a visitor to do and see in your city in the Netherlands? f you come to otterdam, get yourself to arkthal and en oy the smorgasbord of delicious cuisines. The ederlands otomuseum really gives you an idea of how otterdam became the city it is now. would take a water taxi if possible, and do a tour of otterdam that way. fter all, it is a port city. imilarly, Hoek van Holland is beautiful, depending on the time of year you go. What is your favourite Dutch food? And what Dutch food do you dislike? love snack bars, and can eat a do en exicanos if I need to. Mexicanos are everything! I cannot

Rotterdam

07-04-2022 08:41

22 | MAY 2022

ART & CULTURE

Air bridges between rooftops and an exciting vision on the future of cities worldwide rooftop use and a vision of a possible future for cities utilising their roofscape to the fullest. This programme addresses many of the great challenges facing cities in the near future, from shielding inhabitants from the effects of climate change to creating safe and vibrant public spaces in ever-crowding urban areas. Rotterdam Rooftop Walk will take place during the annual Rotterdam Architecture Month, when the innovation and quality of architecture in the city is celebrated with festivals, exhibitions and more. The design builds on a tradition of large audience events at great heights in the city, such as ‘The Stairs’ in 2016. This design from MVRDV was realised as a temporary intervention during ‘Rotterdam celebrates the city!’, the manifestation commemorating 75 years of rebuilding since the WW2 bombing. www.rotterdamsedakendagen.nl

A month of spectacular sights in Rotterdam: experiencing how rooftops can contribute to a better future for cities, from 26 May to 24 June 2022 Events on rooftops are no new feat for Rotterdam, but 2022 will see more people than ever visit the city’s ‘roofscape’. Besides the annual festival of the same name, Rotterdam Rooftop Days will present the Rotterdam Rooftop Walk – a route that covers different rooftops within the city centre and connects iconic buildings on the Coolsingel. The design is a collaboration with MVRDV Architects. Visitors can cross a specially designed air bridge across the city’s best-known street for a full month the first visitors will take to the roof on Ascension Day), but the experience features much more than unique sights alone.

While walking across and between rooftops, visitors can experience how innovative rooftop use will contribute to a brighter future for cities and city-dwellers worldwide. Rotterdam features over 18 km2 of roofscape, mostly unused. While the walk takes visitors to great heights, admission prices will be low: adults pay a small amount and children will visit for free. Together with the municipality of Rotterdam and many more partners, the organisation will present this large event next to their existing rooftop festival. Companies and NGOs will show their latest rooftop innovations in green roofs, energy transition, water retention, rooftops as public space and more. Together with contributions from the arts and sciences, these will form a manifestation of innovative

Keukenhof, the most beautiful spring garden in the world! Keukenhof will open its gates to the public again this week. The park was not allowed to open for two years due to the corona measures. Finally, visitors can really experience the oral splendour again. “We are so happy that we can welcome visitors again,” says director Bart Siemerink. “We were not allowed to open for two years, even though the park looked beautiful. Over the past year, millions of people have enjoyed videos of our blooming park. ut admiring the owers live is something no video can compete with as you will miss the smells and the atmosphere in the park. The first hyacinths and tulips are already in bloom, so visitors can enjoy a colourful park from day one. n the ollenstreek owerbulb region you can also see the first fields in bloom. Theme 2022: Flower Classics Flowers are important to people: they have been part of our lives for centuries. As classic symbols we see owers in art, architecture and design. n

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Keukenhof we bring these classics together, with the tulip as its shining centrepiece! One of the expressions of the theme is the cooperation with the Mauritshuis on the occasion of their 200th anniversary. That is why today there was a owery meeting between Jacoba van Beieren, who has been the hostess of the eukenhof ower exhibition for many years, and the girl with a pearl earring, one of Vermeer’s masterpieces from the Mauritshuis.

Keukenhof is open from 24 March to 15 May www.keukenhof.nl

In addition to the millions of tulips, daffodils and hyacinths in the park, the ower shows inside the pavilions have become larger and more beautiful again. More than 00 ower growers deliver their most beautiful owers and plants to Keukenhof, so that visitors can see many new varieties.

06-04-2022 20:22

ART & CULTURE

MAY 2022 | 23

Exhibition “Korda, Cuba, Che Glamour” in Museum Cobra documentation, basilar to the understanding of the revolutionary spirit and character of those involved.

Less known is the fact that Korda was initially a fashion and advertising photographer founder in of one of the first studios dedicated to the media in Cuba. From the beginning, Korda always had a very distinctive approach to photography working exclusively with natural light and being precise about framing and composition, envisioning his photos to be authentic stories about female beauty. Korda used this same approach when photographing the revolution. He knew how to take advantage of the sex appeal and beauty of revolutionary people in the Caribbean Island

Guerrillero Heroico, 1960©Korda Estate

On Thursday, 17 March an exhibition called Korda: Cuba, Che Glamour was opened by the Ambassador of Cuba, Mrs. Anet Pino Rivero. Present were the Mayor of Amstelveen, Mr. Tjapko Poppens, the Director of the Cobra Museum, Mr. Stefan van Raay, the curator Mrs. Cristina Vives and many guests. The exhibition is a major retrospective exhibition that celebrates the masterful work of the renowned Cuban photographer Alberto Diaz Gutiérrez, known as Korda (Cuba 1928 - France, 2001). Korda is the author of Che Guevara’s most iconic portrait, dubbed Heroic Guerrilla, dated March 5, 1960, considered to be the most reproduced still in the history of photography, as well as one of the most representative images of the 20th century. Korda was also one the photographers of the Cuban Revolution (1959) and documented a graphic diary with the epic iconography that marked the first years of this period. His work composes an important historical

Curator Christina Vives, says: Korda: Cuba, Che, Glamour showcases an extremely versatile artist, most simply the illustrator of a particular moment in the political history, no matter how interesting or newsworthy this period was. His works extend from commercial advertising to politics, from depicting celebrities to portraying the guerrillas, from the sensuality of female nudes to the scientific observation of uba s seas. And he did all of this without diminishing either genres or subjects, moving naturally and authentically between glamour, beauty and revolution”.

The Ambassador mentioned that Korda became internationally known as the author of the portrait of Che Guevara, entitled “Guerrillero Heroico” very famous picture but he also has to be recognized for his wide job: photos of the very beginning of the Cuban revolution and the revolutionary leaders, portraits of women and images of the Cuban seas. Korda mixed in a fantastic way the glamour, beauty and revolution. The Ambassador thanked Mr. Stefan van Raay, Mrs. Diana Diaz (Korda’s daughter) and Cristina Vives. She invited the audience to enjoy the wide artistic work of the Cuban photographer “Korda” that the Cobra Museum kindly give the opportunity to appreciate. The exposition is to be seen from 25.03-2022 – 26.06.2022 in the Cobra Museum, Sandbergplein 1, 1181 ZX Amstelveen Written by Nanda Jagusiak-Monteiro .

Mr. Stefan van Raay, Director of the Cobra Museum gave a presentation, mentioning that it is the first retrospective of orda s work in the Netherlands. It has taken Diana Diaz, the daughter of Korda, and the curator Diana Vives more than 20 years to reconstruct part of the Korda Legacy. From 1968 on, when all private companies were nationalized including Korda’s studio, Korda focused on underwater photography off the Cuban coasts. Mr. van Raay thanked Diana Diaz, Cristina Vives and Terra Esplendida for making this exhibition possible and also thanked all the sponsors. Then a Spanish poem “El Pozo” was read by Cesar Salazar accompanied by live music. After her words of welcome to the audience, the Ambassador of Cuba, Ms. Anet Pino Rivero, mentioned in her opening speech that it is a great pleasure that in 2022, the artistic beauty of Kora is shown in the Cobra Museum as this year also the 120 Anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Cuba and Netherlands is celebrated,

from left to right : Mr. Hugo Siblesz, chairman of the Cobra Museum, Mr. Tjapko Poppens, Mayor of Amstelveen, Mrs. Anet Pino Rivero, Ambassador of Cuba and Mr. Stefan van Raay, Director of the Cobra Museum.

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two celebrations, this excellent exhibition and the anniversary of the bilateral relations.

Norka. Havana, 1960 Alberto Korda Estate

Fidel Castro visits the Radio Queens of New York. First trip to the United States after the triumph of the Revolution. 22 April 1959 Alberto Korda Estate

06-04-2022 12:01

Museum Vlaardingen presents:

BATTLE FOR FREEDOM 1000 YEARS DUTCH HISTORY IN PLAYMOBIL More than a thousand years ago, on 29 July 1018, the Battle of Vlaardingen took place, a battle between Count Dirk III of West Frisia and Henry II, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Surprisingly, Dirk III’s smaller army defeats the emperor’s army. The Battle of Vlaardingen is seen as the beginning of the creation of the county of Holland, the basis of the current Kingdom of the Netherlands.

THE STORY OF THE NETHERLANDS CLEARLY VISUALIZED With more than 4000 Playmobil dolls, horses, ships and castles, the history of the Netherlands comes to life in Museum Vlaardingen. From the Battle of Vlaardingen to the Battle of Waterloo and from the murder of Count Floris V to the murder of William of Orange: twelve important historical events reveal the long history of the Netherlands ‘on a small scale’.

APRIL 9 - OCTOBER 30, 2022 www.museumvlaardingen.nl

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30-3-2022 13:25:39

06-04-2022 11:36

MAY 2022 | 25

ART & CULTURE

Anton de Kom – author, activist, pioneer for the exhibition apa De om , we show that De Kom’s struggle is still topical.”

There are places in the room where visitors can listen to De om s story based on his own uotes. There are original manuscripts by De Kom and there are touchscreens and listening stations where visitors can view and listen to De om s story. isitors can talk to each other based on his dilemmas and issues. How much changed between his time and ours? Are there any similarities between the protests in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the struggle of De Kom? Installation Papa de Kom specially for this exhibition, urinamese artist Ken Doorson, in collaboration with students from the ola Hatterman art academy in aramaribo made approximately 2 0 sculpted terracotta heads for a life si e installation. These heads together bear the holographic portrait of Anton de Kom. Anton de Kom

The ideals of Anton de Kom: freedom, equal treatment and a dignified existence for everyone are still relevant From March 26, 2022, the exhibition Anton de Kom - author, activist, pioneer can be seen in the Dutch Open Air Museum. Born in Suriname, Anton de Kom (1898 – 1945) is an anti-colonial thinker, writer, poet, human rights activist and resistance fighter. His book Wi laven van Suriname’ from 1934 is an indictment against racism, exploitation and colonial rule. De om is the first writer to discuss the history of Suriname from an anti-colonial perspective. He fights for a dignified existence and stands up for his oppressed compatriots. During the econd World War he oins the resistance in the fight against the a is. or a long time nton de Kom and his work remained unknown in the etherlands. Director Teus Eenkhoorn: “In co-creation with the Surinamese artist Ken Doorson, the Dutch Open Air Museum presents Anton de Kom and his ideas to a wide audience. Based on themes; the connector, the teacher, the accuser, the warrior, the trailbla er and a work of art specially made

or the heads, Doorson used red baked clay that he made from earth from the ara district in Suriname, De Kom’s beloved homeland. The indigenous people use this earth a.o. for making pitchers. There is no better way to cultivate the inferiority complex of a race than through this teaching of history in which only the sons of another nation are named and praised. nton de om, We laves of uriname, The teacher n around 0, at school in aramaribo, nton de om is taught solely from Dutch history books, in which he learns about the heroic deeds of iet Hein and De uiter . Where are the urinamese freedom fighters Twenty five years later, in his book We laves of uriname, he teaches Surinamese and Dutch people about Surinamese history. What impact does history have on your identity? Under the tree, however, the parade of misery passes my little table. Pariahs with deep, hollow cheeks. Hungry people. People too weak to resist disease. Open books in which you can read the painful story of oppression and deprivation. nton de om, We laves of uriname,

The uniter of people is a key year for nton de om. The colonial administration bans him from giving talks. This prompts him to set up an advisory service under the mango tree at his parents’ house. Thousands of workers tell him how they are being exploited by plantation owners. His listening ear brings people hope. Anton de Kom discovers his life’s purpose uniting people in the fight against in ustice. Together you are stronger. In bing di joe katibo Joe broko mie baka nanga tiete In kon tranga nanga mi matie Na wien mie o winie nomo, nomo. I was your slave You flogged my back Now I stand strong with my friends I will triumph and defeat you. Anton de Kom, Our Blood is Red, unpublished novel, circa 1935 The dissident eventy years after the official abolition of slavery in , nton de om still encounters a large group of people in Suriname who are being crushed by the colonial system. They are being exploited by large Western companies that are using Suriname like a conquered land. When nton de om challenges this, the Dutch government treats him as a danger to the state and imprisons him. Without any form of trial, he is exiled from Suriname and put on the boat to the etherlands. We may be black, yellow, brown or white, but we have one common task and that is the fight against fascism. We are a league against fascism, not a gang of thugs. Anton de Kom in a talk, 6 August 1933 The activist Anton de Kom is a tireless champion of freedom and opponent of all forms of in ustice. He gives talks and writes books and poems in which he denounces colonialism, racism and ine uality. He finds support in the communist party, the only political party in the etherlands arguing in favour of independence for the colonies. During the econd World War, nton de om oins the resistance against the a is. t costs him his life. I will fight with you against the imperialism that is the enemy of white and brown workers. […] Fight together with your brothers on the other side of the ocean for a better world, one in which there will be justice, freedom and work for all. Anton de Kom on his forced return to the etherlands, 2 ay The pioneer Even after his death in 1945 Anton de Kom remains a source of inspiration. His work paves the way towards a fairer world. any people of different generations continue his fight against exploitation and ine uality. lack ives atter is one example. Suriname, my homeland. One day I hope to see you again, when all your misery has been washed away. nton de om, closing lines of We laves of Suriname, 1934

For more information: www.openluchtmuseum.nl

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07-04-2022 08:56

Africa Cultural Promotion Center

Africa Cultural Promotion Center (ACPC) in the Hague is the one-stop centre of excellence in African cultural identity education and promotion. Our mission is to provide tailor-made, culturally-oriented products and services for people of African descent, in a safe space where all can blossom into confident people ready to make great contributions to their communities. We support families and children of African descent to settle into their new home in the Netherlands. As a parent in a new country, you are not alone: we are here to support you. Our talks, workshops and group discussions cover a range of topics related to raising children between different cultures. Our social networking events enable you to meet other parents and professionals to share experiences and have a good time. Catering for the unique needs of Third Culture Kids (TCKs) We recognise the challenges of children growing up among different cultures and support them overcome these challenges, so they can enjoy the benefits of being multicultural in a global world. Our culture-themed holiday camps have received 5-star ratings from parents and children. The children enjoy learning about their

African heritage in a playful way through games, songs, food and African stories. They play with children of similar backgrounds, share experiences and discover the Netherlands through our specially selected field trips. The Professional Accreditation Program (PAP) helps our clients integrate into the Dutch labour market. Coming to the Netherlands with a foreign diploma can be a challenge and may sometimes require reskilling. We do this through the EVC trajectory, where candidates can get certified to work in their desired professions based on experience they have shown. Special focus and support for African businesses Starting and operating business in the Netherlands can be a challenge not only because of the rules and language barrier, but also because of the cultural barrier. There are many people of African origin in the Netherlands offering valuable products and services, but the majority are not formally registered and may be hard to find. By creating a hub that welcomes and connects businesses and service providers from within the African community, we create a space to foster knowledge exchange, collaboration,

Our core values Culture • Education • Family • Community education and networking. Our monthly African business connect meetings are a place for support, learning and growth. The NL African Business magazine and the African Christmas and summer markets in The Hague are a result of this. Upcoming events African authors book launch and book market, The Hague, 23 April 2022 African summer market, The Hague, 11 June 2022 Kids Talent show, 18 June 2022 Men’s Well-being and Mental Health, 19 June 2022 International Swahili day, 9 July 2022 African Christmas market, 3 December 2022 We are passionate about African culture. We believe that living away from home shouldn’t result in leaving our culture behind. If this resonates with you, and you would like to be a part of our journey, get in touch today. Email: theacpcnl@gmail.com Website: www.theacpc.nl Telephone: 06-52447347

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Tel: +31 (0)70 39 10 337 E-Mail: alberttencate@planet.nl Site: www.alberttencate.com

06-04-2022 16:56

MAY 2022 | 27

NICE SPOTS

Fruitpark Hotel & Spa: 4-star superior hotel in Ochten Dazzlingly beautiful hotel rooms in a homely style in the middle of blossoming fruit trees. A unique countryside hotel in the Betuwe, with more than 30 rooms. In contrast to the subtle simplicity of nature, 4-star Fruitpark Hotel & Spa in Ochten is very luxurious and designed to pamper its guests. Explore the surroundings The hotel is located in a picturesque landscape. Follow the various beautiful bike routes or explore the landscape on foot. Stroll along the rivers or make the crossing to the Land van Maas en Waal. The many dikes take you past various small hamlets and fairytale locations. Don’t forget to visit one of the many museums or zoos in the vicinity.

Perfect combination The ational ruit ark is an official wedding location and offers a beautiful location for a photoshoot. From the hotel, walk straight into the fruit park and take fairytale wedding photos. The function room with private terrace is the perfect location for a reception, buffet or barbecue. Feel at home in the Betuwe; the team of National Fruit Park, Hotel & Spa is happy to welcome you! www.fruitparkhotel.nl

Wellness & Spa Fruitpark Hotel & Spa has a small heated swimming pool, steam cabin, infrared cabin and sauna, or enjoy a relaxing beauty treatment or massage. Take a walk in the park around the hotel, which also hosts a barefoot walk. National Fruit Park Fruitpark Hotel & Spa are located within the National Fruit Park: a lavish decor of fruit trees, with hundreds of varieties you can taste. There is so much to experience: play a game of mini golf, cuddle up in the animal meadow, meet the inhabitants of the frog pond, have fun in the playground and climb the watchtower. Seats have been installed throughout the park. Restaurant Maybe the best thing to do is enjoy the sunny terrace. Not just because of the great location, but also to try the tasty dishes, lunches and high teas served here. Naturally, they contain the very best regional products. The Betuwe at its tastiest!

Serene and tasteful in Sittard Merici Hotel is an elegant four-star hotel, located in a former 19th-century monastery. Merici is located in the bustling city center of Sittard, just behind the Markt and surrounded by the Secret Gardens of Sittard. The hotel, with 89 rooms, offers fascinating views both outside and inside, due to the contrast between the historic building in the fully restored monastery quarter and the modern interior. It combines contemporary luxury with a clearly tangible history. Merici offers various luxurious rooms and spacious suites that are fully equipped. Stroll through the surrounding gardens, go shopping in the city and take a seat in restaurant George’s, hidden in a small alley with two ‘secret’ gardens in the former Jesuit Street, or in Bistro Volte in the Ursuline Garden. www.mericihotel.nl

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06-04-2022 15:39

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07-12-2021 06-04-2022 22:20 16:38

21 22:20

MAY 2022 | 29

TIPS expo |

movie |

Red Rocket | John Edmonds A Sidelong Glance | Foam Sean Baker John Edmonds (1989, US) is the winner of the Foam Paul Huf Award 2021. Part of this prize is the solo exhibition A Sidelong Glance. In his work, Edmonds examines issues of identity and power from an African-American perspective in an apparently simple yet essentially culturally complex way. The African art objects Edmonds uses in the work have many facets. They function as symbols of traditional African cultural heritage or bearers of meanings of diaspora and memory. No matter what their exact reference is, they function as a means to explore subjects such as displacement and expropriation in contemporary society. Not only does Edmonds broaden the tradition of studio portraiture, but he also thoughtfully claims his place in rewriting the past and anchors it in our current world, where authenticity and identity are uid. Foam Paul Huf Award The Foam Paul Huf Award is presented annually to a talented photographer under the age of 35. Foam has been organising this prize since 2007. The winner is appointed by an independent, international jury, with Edmonds being the fifteenth winner. Until 19 June www.foam.org

exual morality has always been present in ean aker s filmography in his breakout, 20 s Tangerine , he filmed the lives of transgender sex workers on his smartphone 20 s The lorida ro ect was as much about the adventures of six-year-old Moonee as it was about her sex worker mother. But with 2021’s ‘Red Rocket’, the award-winning writer-director makes sexual morality his main focus, in a comedy-drama following the life of a retired porn star (Simon Rex) moving back to his hometown and beginning a relationship with a teenage girl (Suzanna Son). But what truly makes ‘Red Rocket’ shine – and what’s garnered it high praise from the public and the critics, and even a Palm d’Or nomination – goes beyond sex. As usual, Baker is masterful at giving the lower classes a chance at glowing on the silver screen. y filming an merica many don t want to confront – the United States of run-down trailer parks, cigarettesmoking, hillbilly-talking, and, yes, even Trump-supporting – he gives his characters, many of which are played by inexperienced actors, a chance at humanity. At the crux of this complicated mess of humanity is Mikey, portrayed awlessly by imon ex surprisingly, of cary ovie fame . ex manages to transform the despicable Mikey into a somewhat irresistible fool – the kind you don’t root for but still look out for. Similarly full of charm is Suzanna on s performance, a first time actor who aker and his wife discovered in a movie screening and aker manages to film the two together without ever endorsing or condemning their awfully wrong relationship. ‘Red Rocket’ is an honest and moving portrayal of the nasty but real American underbelly, causing the viewer to laugh, cry and think about people we often do not consider as our kin, no matter how far away from us they may be. It’s a story that is as simple as it is complex, like the best of them. ed ocket is written, filmed and edited with the humour and heart necessary to make it easy to like and hard to forget. Beatriz Negreiros the particular characteristics of each of the cats mentioned above. For example, their geographical locations, body colour and defining features of their body parts to name a few.

Face Ask Mask II, 2018 by John Edmonds

children’s book |

However, being a person who give high regards to animal conservation and the environment as a whole, the authors are particularly interested in informing kids about the importance of cats and their protection in the wild. The poems contain a conservation message pleading to kids to see these animals as friends in a metaphorical sense rather than looking at them as an instrument of fear. The purpose of all the poems is to inform kids about the better nature of cats and to help them get accustomed to these animals in ways only a kid can. ISBN: 978-1-913680-36-7

The Extraordinary World of Cats | Chandrakant Bhonsle The xtraordinary World of ats is an ode to the magnificent lives en oyed by wild cats in our fast disappearing forest. The book makes an attempt to introduce some of the fascinating big cats of the animal kingdom to children around the world. Where do these cats live Why are they so special What are their defining characteristics What sets them apart from each other? Why are they under threat? Why the be save saved from extinction The Extraordinary World of Cats makes an appeal to all kids to love these marvellous felines and cherish their existence while they can. The Extraordinary World of Cats, is a collection of one-page poems introducing some of the popular wild cats to children in the age group of 5-10 years. The wild cats included in the poems are Lion, Tiger, Jaguar, Cheetah, Leopard, Lynx, Snow Leopard and Puma. The poems have been designed in a way to give basic knowledge to children about

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07-04-2022 09:07

FEEL THE FRESH A I R!

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STANZA BOOKSHOP We are an international bookshop established in The Hague offering English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese and Russian books for adults, young adults and children. Additionally, we have a selection of International Law books in English, Spanish and French. We host literary events such as storytelling, writing & poetry workshops, and services for book launch.

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Opening times Mon: closed. Tuesday-Saturday from 10.30 until 17.00. During November and December we open twice per month on Sundays (please check the dates and opening hours through our social media) Noordeinde 98, 2514 GM, The Hague. T. 0031 (0) 702144117, www.stanzabookshop.com, Instagram: Stanza_Bookshop, Facebook/Twitter: @StanzaBookshop

06-04-2022 20:59

MAY 2022 | 31

SPORT

Off the beaten path: the rise of gravel cycling in the Netherlands

Mention the word gravel and few if any people would immediately think of a fun activity. Rocks are only truly sexy for geologists and collectors and gravel is just little rocks - so what’s the fun in that? Well, it turns out that there’s a lot of fun in those little rocks and more and more cyclists and turning their bikes off the tarmac and on to the road less travelled. In addition to road, MTB, cross and even beach, gravel cycling is now a thing in this country and its popularity is growing year on year. “Gravel” has a broad definition—generally, any terrain between the steep, rocky inclines of mountain biking, and the smooth asphalt of road biking. In practice, it translates to gorgeous scenery, pleasantly challenging conditions, and no cars. Combined with advances in bike technology, gravel’s decades-long explosion of popularity makes sense. Gravel riding takes place in competitive formats but also in recreational rides as well. We’re focused here on the recreation side of this evermore popular derivative of cycling. The sport has its roots in the U.S. where road riders who were intimidated and rightfully so, by sharing the road with vehicle traffic, found their way to the back roads and gravel paths. It was not long before enough kindred spirits pitched their tents in the same place and more and more organized events started to take place. Nowadays, thousands of riders flock to gravel events for their chill, friendly vibe and grassroots feel. It turns out there are a lot of gravel in the Netherlands and enough of it forming pathways through nature offering new and exciting vistas for the off-road cyclist. The gravel genre seems to be a natural for this country and considering the congestion that can form on some of the more trodden paths on a fair weather weekend, it offers a welcome escape. Theoretically, you could ride gravel on a road bike but why would you? If you plunked down some decent currency on your bike, you are probably wanting to keep it on the road where it’s already getting enough wear and tear. Moreover, if your ride is pretty flash, chances are

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whatever you started out with is still in the shed and you could at least get started on gravel by swapping out the tires for something a little fatter. You could also come from the other direction and slim the tires of a mountain bike somewhat, but you’ll miss the aerodynamics of drop handlebars which might be annoying if your ride includes some long segments on hardened or semihardened roads or paths. If you find out the crushing gravel is your thing and there’s a good chance you might…it could be time to look into a proper gravel bike. Actually, the term gravel bike really did not appear in any stockist’s catalogue until the mid-teens and while nobody is getting new bikes anytime fast in these post-pandemic supply chain shortages, there are at least a lot of mouth-watering pretty pictures to be ogled. Gravel bikes are essentially a road bike pedigree with a mountain bike attitude and most of the attributes will be a geared towards more vibration and the dust that inevitably goes along with off-road riding.

the streets and cycle paths not to mention a fair amount of mountain bikers tearing up the offerings throughout the country. Coupled with the sharp rise in recreational cyclists added to the already formidable tally during the pandemic years and the need for more recreational space will ultimately see gravel become an increasingly popular outlet for this cycling mad nation. An additional plus is the grip offered by gravel means that, provided you dress appropriately, gravelling can be done pretty much year round. So grab the old steel horse out of the shed and with a few mods, you could be plying the road less travelled and quite possibly find yourself thinking that rocks are rather sexy when you get right down to it. Written by John Mahnen

Riding gravel will take a bit of searching but is by definition easier than finding a place to let loose on a mountain bike. GPS sites like Komoot or Strava offer plenty of user-generated routes and rides. If you get hooked enough to start following the popular social media gravel hashtags such as #gravelcrusher, you’ll find more routes than you’ll know what to do with. A google search on the subject will also turn up a number of options for organized recreational and race events. A good place to start is the Gravelty Series which offers a calendar of recreational rides spread throughout the year. The rides reflect the riders so expect to see more laid back apparel and a craft beer and burger post ride. The seasonal ‘Rudolf Ride’ even features your choice of “ugly Christmas sweater” cycling shirts. Racing on gravel is still in its infancy in this country but far enough along that the national cycling federation, the KNWU, has claimed the domain and ran its first ever Dutch Gravel Championship in Ede. Gravel cycling seems to be here to stay. This country already had an unbelievable amount of road warriors out

06-04-2022 17:14

SHOP & ENJOY OUTFITS, GIFTS, DELICIOUS FOOD IN MORE THAN 90 SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS

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05-04-2022 11:55

The Holland Times May 2022

Articles inside

Sport: The rise of gravel cycling in the Netherlands

Energy crisis causing problems for companies

Column

Ukrainians are welcome in the tight Dutch labour market

Teenagers need permission to feel Majority of Dutch people are now agnostic or atheist

Nice spots

Shopping at Gelderlandplein

MAY 2022

What you need to know about childcare