Text Caroline van der Schaaf, photography Ronald van den Heerik

Seven of the forty disadvantaged neighbourhoods on the list recently published by VROM are in Rotterdam. Not surprising, says philosopher Henk Oosterling. It is about time that the problems were addressed at the root. His project Rotterdam Vakmanstad (SkillCity), which is concerned with the role of culture, economy and education in the process of urban renewal, should turn the tide.


According to the minister’s list, Rotterdam has more problem neighbourhoods than any other city in the country. What do you think of that?
"That certainly is something to think about. It says something about the city. We are on top on a number of unfortunate lists, so there is something wrong. It’s good that this much attention is being devoted to the matter, because that means that a large-scale and integrated approach can be facilitated to solve the problem. The only question is: how are we going to solve it?"

Which lists are you talking about?
"Negative lists on which Rotterdam scores very high: for example when it comes to the number of unemployed, the number of poorly educated and pollution. That is of course not a good thing. But it has really gotten through to everyone, so now we can get down to work."

How could it have reached this point?
"There are a number of very simple explanations for that, but I think it’s more important that at this moment everyone sees the urgency of the situation and is willing to seek out unconventional solutions. Of course it is good that the State is willing to invest quite a bit of money. The main thing is to focus on the future."

Do you think we are still in time to do something about Rotterdam?
"Things have been addressed here and there, but an integrated approach is needed. There has now been a turnaround and I think that we should grab hold of this opportunity with both hands. If the money is spent wisely, a great deal can be done. We can start with a diagnosis to come up with problem analyses that will allow us to very adequately take an integrated and broad approach to the problems."

That hasn’t happened so far?
"No, and that’s the problem. Everyone focuses on his own little area, his own department, his own budget. Problems have not been tackled early enough or in a sufficiently integrated manner. For instance, we’re coming across problems in lower secondary vocational education (VMBO) that should have been taken care of in primary education already."

And that is where your idea comes into play?
"Indeed. With the SkillCity research model (see diagram) we try to link the three pillars of dealing with problem neighbourhoods – physical, economic and social – in an integrated way. We focus specifically on the socio-cultural and educational approach."

What exactly does SkillCity entail?
"Rotterdam has always been a city of workers and an enormous leap has been made over the past two decades to make it into the culture city of today. The group of youngsters and old people who missed the boat have now been left high and dry. From the basis of the Brede School (a network of various facilities for the youth), SkillCity tries to link cultural education and social skills in such a way that youth will be taken seriously for their skills and abilities. Neighbourhood activities and school internships should attune to this."

How does that work?
"It has to do with developing skills. You acquire skills while you’re at school, but there are also cultural skills, like skateboarding and rapping and ecological skills. We are broadening the word skill to cultural and economic areas. Cultural entrepreneurship for example is also part of the plan."

How will that take form concretely?
"We work together with artists, architects and other people who are developing projects in the neighbourhoods so that social services, cultural work and training are combined in a single project. We also focus on sport. I myself am all for it to include judo in the primary school offerings. It helps children discover their own bodies, learn to respect others, and deal with violence."

What other practical proposals are you making?
"Schools are a part of the neighbourhood. That means that they should also be open in the evenings and used for neighbourhood activities. This would help to get not only parents but also other groups involved in the school. In addition, it is extremely important that small and medium-sized businesses return to the neighbourhood. You can stimulate that by introducing policy that opens up much more room for entrepreneurs in the neighbourhood. But Rabobank can also give starting businesses more favourable credit on condition that they sign agreements to guarantee long-term internship posts for students of neighbourhood schools. In this way these young people are not only given better career prospects, but they are also respected in the neighbourhood for what they do and become much more socially connected. We want to find all sorts of cross-over connections that create added value."

Your proposals are mainly aimed at the youth. Why is that?
"We’re not excluding older people, but the skills we are talking about primarily play a role at secondary school. For that, however, certain qualities, a positive attitude and self-image are needed; things you can start developing at primary school. The crucial values here are self-respect and interest. That leads to respect for others and ambition. Young people must have the feeling that they are wanted, that they are taken seriously and that they can develop their own abilities. Their interest must be facilitated socially, culturally and educationally."

How far have you managed to get with your idea?
"We have presented the plan to the Mayor and Aldermen, to housing corporations and to various sub-municipalities. All of the most relevant departments in Rotterdam, at all levels, have been informed. We are now talking with Aldermen and housing corporations about implementation. We are looking at every possibility to start implementation from the neighbourhood itself. That means a great deal of talking: with neighbourhood groups, with schools, with youth organisations. The power and energy has to come from the grassroots. That is the only way it will work."