Own We Foundation celebrates 10th anniversary and launches beautiful Neighbors & Cultures project
In 2014 Stichting Eigen Wij, first known as Stichting Groene Wij, started at 112 Voorweg, the beautiful white farmhouse still known to many formerZoetermeerders as the "construction playground. The 10th anniversary was celebrated festively and simultaneously on Sunday, September 15, with the launch of a beautiful, new project: the Neighbors & Cultures Day.
This included about 100 guests who have an important place in the heart of the foundation. These guests also represented the (cultural) diversity that is so well known at Eigen Wij and were welcome this day at a long table where the world came together, the Eigen Wij world, but also literally the world; various nationalities were represented: Afghanistan, Turkey, Indonesia, Italy, Ireland, Vietnam, Iran, America, Columbia, Poland, the Netherlands, Syria, etc.
For this celebration, it was a dream of Anita van der Voort, founder and president of the foundation, to have a communal meal with a huge long "world table" on the grounds and all the cozy accessories. During dinner, everyone was able to interact and connect with each other. In between, a musical interlude gave the opportunity to change seats so that people could reconnect with others. The delicious (vega) bbq and the mocktail stall where one could mix one's own non-alcoholic cocktail also made it easy to change places.
But before dinner could begin, in addition to a word of deep thanks, retrospection and pride, Anita had the wonderful announcement about the start of the new project. Thanks to funding from Fonds 1818, among others, "Neighbors & Culture Days" are organized every other month on Saturday or Sunday. A new flag was unveiled for this purpose. These days will be filled with a different culture starring each time around which various activities will be organized. The content of the afternoon will consist of a presentation about the country (with photos, video and stories), a mini language learning course and finally a meal together from the relevant kitchen. Perhaps dance classes or, for example, tea rituals will also emerge, but that will be filled in in due course.
At the unique location of Eigen Wij, residents of Zoetermeer can then get to know new cultures, neighbors and new residents in an approachable and casual way, and get to know each other better and make surprising connections. Until next October, 6 days will be scheduled, which will be announced on the Eigen Wij website, on instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn, among others. No need to sign up and spontaneous dropping by is also possible; when the new, purple Neighbors & Cultures Day flag hangs, everyone is welcome!
The first Sunday is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 17. Times and more information will follow, which will be posted on social media and also on the website www.eigenwij.nl. The events are free and open to all.
Source: Own We