Ben is proud of Escamp

In the heart of Moerwijk, in the heart of the Escamp district, Ben Lachhab works at the Participation Kitchen. A place where cooking together, connecting, and developing go hand in hand. "I practically live at work," Ben says with a smile. "I see my work as my hobby: I'm here seven days a week."

What makes him very proud are the vegetable gardens that the Participation Kitchen has established together with Staedion Zuidwest and local residents. "The great thing is that it's not just about vegetables," Ben explains. "It's become a place where people connect. Where neighbors get to know each other better and build something together."

According to Ben, the power of this collaboration is clearly tangible. "You can see that the residents' sense of ownership has increased significantly. They feel like it's their garden, their space. And that's exactly what you want: to give the neighborhood ownership."

Together we are proud of The Hague
At Nieuw70, we're collecting great initiatives like Ben's. Initiatives from people who are making The Hague a little more beautiful. From residents who come up with something cool for their neighborhood and entrepreneurs who see opportunities; they make the neighborhood grow.