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“I moved here when I was 24”, Slot says. “It was the ‘lefty seventies’, with at least one demonstration a week. We distributed communist-leaning newspapers and had the odd scuffle with the police. Rotterdam had – and still has – a reputation as a city where people are unpretentious and get on with the job. These days, we’re seeing ever more skyscrapers joining its skyline and the revitalisation of districts like Delfshaven and the Kop van Zuid. There’s always something going on.” With a smile: “Even though I don’t have the accent, I feel like a true Rotterdammer.”

Slot lives in Zevenkamp, a district with its fair share of urban decay. Slot: “Social problems like youth crime, litter and evictions have now reached the suburbs. Poverty and joblessness have clearly gone up. Support comes mainly from the charity sector. The Salvation Army, for instance, provides free meals and a sympathetic ear. I haven’t noticed much action from the municipal authorities, but I’m not really in a position to judge. Fighting poverty is a politically charged subject, leading to discussions about health care allowances, child allowances and so on. However, I think it’s precisely important that people are given more room to manoeuvre, so that they can enjoy culture and do nice things.”

Slot himself is active as a city ambassador, participates in theater performances for the elderly and works in the Neighborhood Food Garden Taka-Tukaland. “We’re trying to bring people together and help them lead healthier lives. The average Zevenkamp resident gets his veggies from the supermarket – if he eats them at all. They're barely even aware that these are grown rather than manufactured, except for the neighbors of Turkish and other foreign extraction, who are familiar with horticulture. We give workshops in primary schools about growing and picking your own ingredients and preparing healthy meals. Sadly, poverty often goes hand in hand with an unhealthy lifestyle. As you can see, we have plenty of initiatives but no long-term solution.”

Some of them embark on a life of crime when they’re only eleven or twelve years old, which breaks my heart. Discipline has broken down completely. Who’s raising these kids? Parents need to take responsibility. However, those that do often see their requests for support fall on deaf ears. The youth care system is in crisis.”

Collins maintains a positive outlook: “We should continue to look after each other – and above all ourselves. The municipal authorities should come up with the right policies. The Zuidplein is already much improved. It’s less busy, more beautiful and cleaner. I say: let’s tackle the surrounding districts next, and pay more attention to young people. I’m convinced that this will make Rotterdam a better place.”

Personal experiences as input for policy

Rotterdam Mijn Stad has yielded many insights, which will serve as a basis for further research. Researcher Seline Westerhof: “The interviews have highlighted people’s concerns about poverty and inequality. For the In gesprek over vooruitgang event, we brought people together to share the personal experiences recounted in the interviews, and we sat down with Rotterdammers to discuss the city’s problems and opportunities. We also spoke about their expectations regarding the municipal authorities and the role the university could play.

Was there anything the locals were able and willing to do themselves? Again, huge differences emerged. Some people are ready and waiting to implement their ideas, while others don’t know where to turn or feel ignored. Not for the first time, we found that ‘Rotterdammer’ is a multifaceted concept. Everyone has their own personal experiences. It’s precisely that diversity and multitude of experiences and ideas that makes them good input for policy.”