The Hague, January 10, 2025 - On January 10, students, policy makers and community professionals came together in BLOCK 33 for the final meeting of the Thesis Workshop The Hague Southwest. This event is about engaging with each other about the research results of our students, so above all not just sending information.
Master students from Leiden University shared their research results and showed how their studies connect to practice. The event attracted a diverse group of visitors, including employees of the municipality of The Hague and local professionals. Students shared their insights in a small table discussion with a communication product as the occasion. For example, Rutger Schoenmakers discussed his research on youth participation in Moerwijk through a quartet game. Lunch was provided by Aïcha El Kadiri of the Anna's Gedoe foundation and it was delicious.
Amal Aakif, policy advisor for Knowledge and Student City at The Hague City Council, found the meeting inspiring:
Amal Aakif
The added value is the conversation with the students about their research findings. This provided great exchanges of views and also eye-openers. I recommend it to everyone to have a go. Also come to the final meeting of Thesis Workshop The Hague Southwest!”
Patricia Pijnappel-Kauw, senior policy advisor for Knowledge and Student City, emphasized the importance of the Thesis Workshop:
Patricia Pijnappel-Kauw
Nice and valuable to see how the research students conduct from the LDE thesis workshop connects to the social issues of The Hague Southwest, involving residents and local institutions well and with useful results.”
It was also a valuable experience for the students themselves. Chaya Berger recounted her presentation and conversations with the attendees:
Chaya Berger
The closing meeting gave me the opportunity to engage in conversation with residents and city staff. This makes the impact of my research shared, but also makes the topic come alive in the neighborhood. It is a great way to connect with each other and continue the conversation for an even better, nicer and more fun Moerwijk!”
This final meeting marked the conclusion of an intensive course, in which students studied practical issues in The Hague Southwest. The insights they gained will hopefully contribute to positive changes in the neighborhood and strengthen cooperation between education, policy and the local community.
The next cohort of the Thesis Workshop The Hague Southwest will start on February 1, 2025. New students will then have the opportunity to contribute to social issues with their research and make an immediate impact in the neighborhood.
Want to know more about the program? Check out our website: www.scriptiewerkplaats-dhzw.nl