Second Wave “My City Real World”

Second wave “My City Real World” is a cooperation between a group of Dutch youngsters from the Schil-derswijk and the Dutch community police, working on mutual understanding, investing in empowerment of the youngsters and the neighbourhood and social inclusion. A group of about 6 police officers and 20 youngsters took part in trainings, open dialogues, workshops and debates. What happens in society and themes like radicalisation are woven into the programme. Both the police officers as well as the youngsters shared their emotions, anger and the misunderstandings, and eventually came closer to each other. The youngsters got to know the person behind the uniform, and the police officers got to know the boys behind the nuisance. This project shows that change starts at small scale. Gouda experienced troubles between police and youth in the recent past. Second Wave “My City Real World” launched a project in 2010 for youth and policemen to find solutions together. This resulted in positive effects on the relation between youth and the police. Therefore, the City, police and My City Real World will now launch a second round of the project. Ten youth and ten police officers will talk with each other through interactive exercises to increase communication, mutual trust and understanding for the coming year.

Contact details:

International Debate Education Association
Mariahoek 16-17
3511LG Utrecht
The Netherlands

Tel: +31 30 633 12 94
Email: info@idebate.nl