Invisible people live on the fringes of the city. Sometimes you see them, but then they quickly disappear from view. Are you sure you even saw them? Approximately 15,000 undocumented people live in Rotterdam. They are there, but officially they do not exist. The key guests of Next Story #6 are actively involved in the ROS Foundation, the Rotterdam support center for undocumented people. Katendrecht has long been home to the ROS foundation, which supports people without residence permits as well as volunteers and organizations that work with undocumented people in all kinds of ways. Once inside, you have literally crossed the threshold to another world. During this afternoon, you get an inside view.

Architect Jeroen lives in Katendrecht. He teaches Dutch to refugees at the ROS every week. In addition, he and some other people that are active at the ROS have initiated KIFF, the Katendrecht International Film Festival. Tineke works on the development of the Food Garden in the Merwedehaven area and works for the ROS one day a week. She is responsible for fundraising and attends the open house every Wednesday afternoon. This year, Jeroen and Tineke organized the third edition of the KIFF with the Verhalenhuis. What is special about this film festival is that refugees and Katendrecht residents program the films together.
This afternoon, we’ll talk about the future of the humane city. We’ll start with the stories of today – the stories of Jeroen and Tineke. Who are they? What are their reasons for committing to the public good? And how do Jeroen and Tineke see the future of the city, based on their experiences with the people they meet and the activities they undertake?

Lamya Dahly

This afternoon, Lamya Dahly is our guest cook and she will of course give a presentation as well. Lamya regularly cooks at the Verhalenhuis. She fled Syria years ago and lived in the temporary accommodation of the ROS for a long time. Her children were born in the Netherlands and attended primary school in Katendrecht. Lamya and her husband volunteer at the ROS to this day. How are she and her husband and children doing in Rotterdam? How do they see the future?

Curious about the stories of these residents of Rotterdam? We cordially invite you to join us for a special afternoon.

SATURDAY 4 JUNE
Time: 16:00 – 17.30
Location: Rechthuislaan 1, Rotterdam
Language: Dutch
Entrance: Free

More information: www.belvedererotterdam.nl

A the request of IABR–2016 the Verhalenhuis Belvédère developed The Next Story. In ten afternoon sessions during the Biennale, remarkable stories of inhabitants of Katendrecht will be shared with the audience. What is their Next Story? Based on their past and present situation, what future would they want, and how is their narrative related to Katendrecht? Together, these personal anecdotes will show how active individuals can influence the development of their neighborhood, and even their city.