The neighborhood fathers and mothers of the Schilderswijk

Whether it is helping a neighbor, organizing an activity for children, or supporting the elderly; in The Hague we are there for each other. In the section Hagenaars voor elkaar (The Hague residents for each other), we share stories about The Hague residents who are committed to others and to the city. A city in which we look out for each other. A city we can be proud of!

In this The Hague residents for each other we speak with neighbourhood father Mammar and former neighbourhood mother Rabia, both active residents of the Schilderswijk who make a difference in their own way. They tell us what it is like to be a neighbourhood father and neighbourhood mother in the Schilderswijk and how they bring the neighbourhood closer together.

Mammar was born in Morocco and came to the Netherlands at the age of fourteen. He and his family have been living in his beloved neighbourhood, the Schilderswijk, for many years now. In response to the youth problems in the neighbourhood, Mammar, together with four neighbours, decided that something had to be done in the neighbourhood and came up with ideas on how they could roll up their sleeves themselves. This is how the 'neighbourhood fathers' came into being, an initiative that has already proven to be a success in Amsterdam. 'We thought: let's see what we can do in our own neighbourhood. Not always pointing the finger and thinking that others should solve it for us. No, together we contribute to our neighbourhood, because every little bit helps.'

A listening ear and a helping hand

The neighbourhood fathers walk their rounds through the neighbourhood two evenings a week. Their task is mainly to report defects in the outdoor space, including lampposts that do not work or overflowing underground containers. 'We report this to the municipality and they then do something about it.' In addition, the neighbourhood fathers also fulfil an important social function in the neighbourhood. For example, they enter into discussions with the residents. 'We all know each other in the neighbourhood. That makes it a bit easier to approach people. We then listen to what is bothering them, what they miss in the neighbourhood or what they need help with.' The neighbourhood fathers are really there for the neighbourhood and its residents. 'We also sometimes come across young people who have left school. Then we try to mediate as best we can so that they can eventually go back to school.'

Neighborhood mothers: the silent forces in the neighborhood

In addition to neighbourhood fathers, there are also neighbourhood mothers; women from the neighbourhood who are active in their own way. These neighbourhood mothers play an important role behind the scenes. When necessary, they help by mediating in family situations or by offering support where it is most needed. Rabia is a former neighbourhood mother and works for the neighbourhood every day. 'There are problems in the neighbourhood and we know that we cannot solve them all. But all positive contributions are a bonus.'

Short lines

The neighbourhood fathers have short lines of communication with the municipality and the police, but are there for the residents first and foremost. In addition, the neighbourhood fathers work closely with other initiatives in the neighbourhood. Each for himself, but still together. 'We have short lines of communication with the municipality and the neighbourhood police officers, but also with other organisations in the neighbourhood. If you come across something that we ourselves cannot do much about, we can, for example, inform and involve a youth worker. In this way, everyone gets the help they need.'

'We are the ears and eyes of the neighbourhood. But we also try to mediate. In the neighbourhood, tempers sometimes flare, for example during the World Cup or New Year's Eve. Then the neighbourhood says: 'we're going to make ourselves heard!', says Mammar laughing. 'At times like these, we try to talk as much as possible to calm tempers. 'We can't change the situation anyway. Then I always tell people: man, don't let yourself get carried away. It happened and that's annoying, but keep calm'.

Building bridges

The neighbourhood fathers also try to reduce the distance between the police and the residents of the neighbourhood. Mammar herself only thinks it is positive that there is a police presence and feels safe because of it. 'I always try to convey that to the people in the neighbourhood, that they are being watched over. But we also enter into discussions with the police themselves, which helps them to understand the neighbourhood and its residents better. This has ensured that there is much less friction.' These discussions have borne fruit and the neighbourhood fathers notice that there is a better relationship between the police and the residents in the neighbourhood. 'You see that they interact with each other in a much more positive way. Then the police ride through the neighbourhood on bicycles and then they stop to have a chat with the residents', says Mammar with a smile. 'We could not have imagined that a few years ago!'

Especially in the beginning it was sometimes difficult. At first they were seen as traitors to the neighbourhood, a kind of conduit to the police and the municipality. But now that image has improved considerably and the neighbourhood increasingly sees that the neighbourhood fathers are there for them first and foremost. Many young people from the neighbourhood are getting older, have children of their own and are beginning to realise what an important role the neighbourhood fathers fulfil in the neighbourhood. 'The annoying young people from back then, who threw stones at us and punctured our car tyres, are now also dedicating themselves to the neighbourhood. We are getting a bit older too, aren't we? It is our intention to leave something behind and pass it on. We are really very proud that those same boys will take over from us.' Although Mammar does hope that he and the group they have now formed can continue for a long time.

From the heart

Mammar is very modest about what the neighbourhood fathers actually mean for the neighbourhood. For him, it is logical that you contribute to your own neighbourhood. But according to him, it is something that you can only do from your heart. 'You have to be involved. With the neighbourhood and with the residents. If you are not involved, if you do not do it from your heart and you do not love the neighbourhood, then it becomes difficult to do this.' Rabia nods in agreement. 'That is also the advantage, that we do it voluntarily. That is why it really comes from the heart.'

Bunch of colored tulips

The neighbourhood fathers are certainly proud of the neighbourhood. 'I always say that I was born here', says Mammar with a smile. 'I could have left here a long time ago, but I never wanted to. I like it here and there are a lot of people you know. And yes, if everyone runs away from the problems, what do you leave behind and who is going to pick it up?'. The neighbourhood is very multicultural, but according to Mammar and Rabia that is exactly what makes it beautiful. 'When you go to the flower shop, what do you want to buy? Tulips in one colour or a bunch of coloured tulips, all sorts of things? That is this neighbourhood', adds Rabia with a smile.

The Schilderswijk has also received negative media attention, Mammar and Rabia are aware of that. 'Every neighbourhood has its problems, nowhere is it completely perfect. It is also important to realise where you live. But the great thing about the Schilderswijk is that we are close to each other. In no time at all, you can basically get 100 people on their feet here!'

'This neighborhood is a forest of colored tulips, of everything and anything.'

Rage

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