EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Rotterdam: Workshop stimulates self-reliance

Rotterdam: Workshop stimulates self-reliance

Introduction

The idea behind the workshop 'De Werkplaats' is simple and possibly effective for that reason: create somewhere where Moroccans can feel at home. Where they can do the things they like. Bouchra and Karima work there together with eight volunteers. Bouchra, one of them, explains: 'There are activities here that the Moroccans have suggested themselves. Some women, for example, come here to emboider and knot carpets.'

Problem

To stimulate self-reliance and to integrate the Moroccan community.

Description

At the beginning of March the workshop 'De Werkplaats', in the Heer Vranckestraat, opened its doors. It is aimed at Moroccans of 40 years and over who want to work using their own talents. But there are also many more plans, which include learning Dutch. Not from a book, but in practice. 'When the workshop was opened it was completely full. It could be even busier here. Many women are curious and want to take part, but there isn't enough space here and child care is a problem', says Bouchra. However, this is being tackled, by the voluntary workers themselves. The idea behind the project is that nothing will change if the Moroccans do not do it for themselves.

Approach

The spearheads within the Rotterdam programme document are:

Integrated approach of youth problems (family, education, leisure time, work).
Investments in culture and economy; the Cultural world district.
Complete improvement of the quality of the outdoors area in the territory.
Economisal-recreative (re-)development of the Rotte and its surroundings.
Participation of inhabitants and entrepreneurs with the driving Thea terras.

Results

A minimum of 50 active men and women who organise activities in the context of the workshop and use their leisure time in a constructive way

EU involvement

URBAN II is an initiative of the European Commission. The aim is to support innovative projects in the field of urban regeneration in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The URBAN II projects will set an example for national urban policy. In the Netherlands, areas in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Heerlen have been allocated for the period 2000-2006. In Rotterdam URBAN II attention is directed at three neighbourhoods in 'Noord aan de Rotte', with a total of almost 30,000 inhabitants.

Financing

European subsidy: € 222.864
Total cost: € 445.728

Contact info

The local programme management, tel. +31 10 4667667

Project start date

01/01/2000

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Keywords

Skills improvement