EGK Centre

The EGK Centre recently participated a brainstorm and networking session focused on exploring ways to create a local energy cooperative and move forward with the energy transition agenda led by 02025 Amsterdam. The meeting brought together community leaders, sustainability advocates, and local residents to discuss practical steps toward cleaner, community-owned energy solutions. Participants shared ideas on how to engage neighborhoods in the transition away from fossil fuels, improve energy efficiency in homes, and ensure that the benefits of renewable energy are accessible to everyone — including lower-income households. Facilitated by the 02025 in collaboration with partners from Amsterdam Zuidoost, the session emphasized the importance of community participation, shared ownership, and education in achieving the city’s climate goals. Together, participants explored how grassroots initiatives can play a vital role in making Amsterdam’s energy transition not only sustainable but also inclusive and equitable.

The Igbo Union Youth Day featured a special presentation and workshop focused on cultural miscommunication between youths and their parents. The event aimed to encourage dialogue and understanding within the community by addressing how differences in culture, upbringing, and expectations can create distance between generations. Through open discussions and interactive activities, both young people and parents were invited to share their experiences and perspectives, learning how to communicate more effectively across cultural and generational lines. The workshop also served as a call to action — encouraging youth and parents alike to actively engage in each other’s worlds, build empathy, and strengthen family and community bonds.

On Sunday, November 10, 2024, as part of the National Climate Week, I organized a live radio talk show on Salto Radio Recogin. The program was produced in collaboration with WOON Amsterdam, where I work, Radio Recogin and St. EGK in my role as Climate Mayor of Amsterdam Zuidoost. Purpose The goal of the broadcast was to inform residents of Amsterdam Zuidoost, especially the West African community, about the city’s ongoing energy transition and the Amsterdam Warmte Program. This group is often harder to reach through conventional communication channels, so radio was chosen as an accessible and engaging medium. About the Warmte Program The City of Amsterdam aims to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions and phase out the use of natural gas. Together with residents, housing corporations, and other partners, the municipality is exploring sustainable alternatives for heating homes, providing hot water, and cooking.The Warmte Program is an updated version of the city’s Warmte Transition Vision and is revised every five years. Questions from Listeners The program was interactive, with listeners calling in to share their thoughts and concerns.Key questions included: These discussions highlighted the need for clear, inclusive communication and practical support to help all communities participate in the energy transition. Outcome The live broadcast successfully reached a diverse audience in Zuidoost and encouraged community dialogue on climate action and sustainable energy. It demonstrated the importance of local, culturally sensitive communication when engaging residents in the transition toward a greener Amsterdam

NYDG Weekly Working Session The NU Youth Dialogue Group is a youth-led initiative dedicated to promoting inclusion and social change through dialogue. We focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by bi-cultural youth growing up in a Western context — fostering mutual understanding and creating practical pathways toward equality and belonging. The NU Youth Dialogue Group (NYDG) holds regular working sessions every Sunday at the EGK Centre. During these gatherings, members come together to deliberate, brainstorm, and develop ongoing and upcoming projects related to youth empowerment, inclusion, and social dialogue. The group consists of six dedicated young people, aged 19 to 23, who bring diverse perspectives and experiences to the table. Each session provides a safe and creative space for them to exchange ideas, plan activities, and strengthen their leadership and teamwork skills. Through these weekly meetings, the NYDG continues to build a strong foundation for youth-driven change — inspiring collaboration, critical thinking, and community engagement.

We are proud to share the recent visit of Ms. Judith Uitermark, Minister of the Interior, and Ms. Marieke van Schijndel, Director of Vfonds, to the EGK Centre. This visit highlighted our ongoing collaboration on the NU Youth Dialogue Group (NYDG) project, which focuses on the theme of “Citizenship.” The project explores what citizenship means for young people of African migrant background in the Netherlands. Drawing from their personal stories, the NYDG is producing a short film that captures their experiences and perspectives. The film aims to raise awareness about how this new generation defines belonging, identity, and participation in Dutch society. We look forward to the positive impact this initiative will bring. Mission The NU Youth Dialogue Group is a youth-led initiative dedicated to promoting inclusion and social change through dialogue. We focus on addressing the unique challenges faced by bi-cultural youth growing up in a Western context — fostering mutual understanding and creating practical pathways toward equality and belonging. Goal Our goal is to build bridges between generations and cultures by creating a safe and open space for conversation. We work to strengthen communication between young people and their communities, challenge stigmas, and promote equal opportunities in education and society. Through events, workshops, and partnerships with schools and social organizations, we strive to raise awareness and inspire action — contributing to a more inclusive society where every young person feels seen, valued, and heard.

Film Premiere: “Samen Anders” (Together Different) After a year of collaboration between Stichting EGK/NYDG and several community partners, the short film “Samen Anders” (“Together Different”) explores the meaning of citizenship in today’s diverse society. What does citizenship truly mean? The answer is not the same for everyone. Each person experiences it differently — shaped by culture, upbringing, and personal history. Whether you grew up in Amsterdam Zuidoost or somewhere else, our sense of belonging is influenced by the stories we share and the ones we have yet to hear. But what happens when we stop listening to each other’s experiences? When we overlook the perspectives of people with different backgrounds or dual identities, walls of misunderstanding can grow — even among those who are closer than they realize. With “Samen Anders”, we aim to break down those walls. Through authentic conversations and shared reflections, the film invites viewers to listen, see, and understand one another — to rediscover what it means to stand together as citizens, neighbors, and human beings This sence of shoting of the film Burgererschaap, title “SAMEN ANDERS”. It is a film that explore what Burgerschaap means fort he first Generation African youth born in Amsterdam Zuidoost, from the peraspective of their daily expierences. It was done in collaboration and sponsorship of BZK, Vfonds. Masterplan Zuidoost and Gemeente Amsterdam.