Ashwin Mathoera

Ashwin Mathoera was born in 1986 in The Hague, grew up in Spoorwijk, moved to Laakkwartier and now lives in Schilderwijk – a true resident of The Hague, with deep roots in Suriname and India. 'My parents were the first of our family to come from Suriname to the Netherlands in the 70s, looking for a better future. We were the first family in the family to settle here, and the rest of the family followed shortly after. At first, everyone lived in our house – a cozy, full house. Later, they moved to their own home'. In the 80s, my father submitted an application to the Municipality of The Hague for the sale of consumer ice cream – Schaaf IJs on the Haagse Markt.

Cooling and connection in the neighborhood

In 1990, my parents started seasonal work at the Haagse Markt. From April to October, they sold traditional shaved ice, and in the winter my father returned to Suriname. They started with a simple cart. Shaved ice as we knew it from Suriname: grated ice in a sandwich bag, with syrup and a straw. Later, it became cups. The idea was simple, but powerful. It was affordable, mobile, and brought cooling and connection to the neighborhood.

A real family business

'The Hague Market has been our home base ever since. It is the largest open-air market in Europe, a place where more than 200 nationalities come together. We were the first family of market entrepreneurs to start Schaaf IJs on the Hague Market and we are still very proud of that today. Together with my wife Astrid Mathoera-Narain I run Mathoera's IJs & Snacks, supported by friends and family. It has become a real family business and we are also the proud parents of our daughter Navya and son Mayur.'

I love the hustle and bustle of The Hague. The people, the stories, the energy. The market is a place where cultures meet, where conversations arise – sometimes even about world peace, just over a cup of coffee. And right there you see: peace does not start in meeting rooms, but in small, human encounters.

'Get to know each other. Listen to each other's stories. The world is one family.'

Ashwin Mathoera

Freedom

In the Netherlands I was given the freedom to study and choose my own path. I obtained my MBO, HBO and eventually my Master in Science, and have been working as an IT & Business professional for various government organizations for more than 13 years. But freedom is more than a diploma or career for me. Freedom means: being able to be who you are. Being able to give your opinion. Going and standing where you want. Being able to practice your faith. As a Surinamese Hindu I am proud that we have been able to build our own temples (mandirs) and schools here in the Netherlands. That is the strength of this society: freedom with responsibility.

Ambassador of the Hague market

Ashwin is also an ambassador for the Hague Market. He receives foreign guests, such as the current President of Suriname and most recently the Vice President of Suriname in the period 2016-2020. Ashwin says laughing: 'I also let them both shave ice with a wink if they could still do it a little bit'

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam

My message to the world is simple: get to know each other. Listen to each other's stories. Don't see differences as something that divides, but as something that enriches. In The Hague, city of Peace and Justice, we work together on solidarity and in my view there is the conviction that the world is one family.'
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Other BeHague projects

Other BeHague projects

Curious about the other projects? Then take a look at the overview page with all projects.

Road to Summit

A Hague activity program with the theme Peace and Justice. For everyone in The Hague.