The Rokkeveen Neighborhood Dialogue Brings Residents Closer Together
A special community dialogue was recently held at inZet Rokkeveen, organized at the initiative of neighborhood coordinator Serpil Guzelmanur from the City of Zoetermeer. The event focused on bringing people together, conversation, and sharing a meal. The evening was part of the “Listening to Zoetermeer” project, organized by the Interfaith Council of Zoetermeer (ILOZ) and Piëzo.
Rokkeveen is home to a diverse population with a wide range of cultural backgrounds. This neighborhood dialogue provided ample opportunities for residents to get to know one another better. Residents engaged in conversations about their experiences living in Rokkeveen and whether they feel welcome in the neighborhood.
In a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, trained dialogue facilitators guided the discussions. There was plenty of room for personal stories and experiences from the neighborhood. For example, one resident shared that he is active in his apartment building and organizes activities there together with other residents. Another resident shared how, when she first moved into the street and was still busy renovating her home, she was immediately welcomed by a neighbor who brought her some soup. There were also residents who said they were satisfied with the sense of community in their street: everyone greets one another, and that’s just right for them.
A group of residents from the same apartment complex had come to the neighborhood dialogue together and shared how they support one another and invite each other over for meals. Another woman mentioned that she had found it harder to socialize in her neighborhood since her husband passed away. There was also someone who said she missed interacting with people from different cultural backgrounds. She herself loves to cook and would love to do so with people from other cultures.
Sharing a meal played an important role during the evening. Several residents brought homemade dishes from their own cultures. This allowed everyone not only to learn about each other’s stories, but also to experience different flavors, traditions, and customs.
The open discussions and shared meals helped foster a sense of connection among residents. The participants’ engagement and interest in each other’s experiences were clearly evident. Many participants said they found the gathering valuable and hope that similar neighborhood dialogues will be organized more often in Rokkeveen. Approximately 45 people took part in the neighborhood dialogue.
The neighborhood dialogue with a meal was organized by the Interfaith Council of Zoetermeer (ILOZ), Piëzo, inZet, and the City of Zoetermeer.