The first Resident University took place on 6-9 October 2004. It was a great succes! Over 300 residents from 6 different European countries attended the conference that was organised in The Hague, The Netherlands. The initiative involved inviting residents and professionals from the various European countries to be given the opportunity to exchange knowledge between themselves about good practice projects they are involved in. It was proposed that professionals would be invited to attend on the second day which gave residents the opportunity to discuss their ideas and concerns amongst themselves and then with the professionals.
Lectures and excursions
There were presentations, speeches, interviews, workshops and lectures from numerous residents, officials, guest speakers and other organisations. The programme offered residents allocated time in which they could talk amongst themselves. This included the market square which gave residents the opportunity to publicise their projects. Everyone was welcome to go around the market and ask questions about the projects. Over the two days there were afternoon excursions to numerous Dutch cities these included: Leiden, Rotterdam, Schiedam, Dordrecht and Vlaardingen
On day two residents and professionals were invited to attend a question and answer workshop. It offered residents the opportunity to ask professionals questions about different subjects
- Networking citizens
- Co-operation with professionals
- Tactics used getting what you want
- Resident-led neighbourhood management
- Neighbourhood as a parentSome reactions from residents:
‘This is a new and brave approach to seeking and promoting change and learning how others have successfully either apposed or helped in proposals affecting their future. We were impressed by residents’ courage and determination to influence change for the better. What good memories do we have? Dutch hospitality, trams, milk and buttermilk and The Hague is definitely worth a visit!’ Beryl Khemchand
‘The Resident University is the first of its kind in terms of bringing residents together from across Europe. We have seen the different approaches and tactics the residents use in dealing with local authorities and absentee landlords’. Belayneh Abebe
‘It was very encouraging to see that I am not the only one who is fighting for the neighbourhood. I was inspired by meeting so many interesting people and ideas’. Cissy van der Zijden
First Resident University was great success! We write this a few days after our first Resident University. We were very pleased to see all the smiling faces and the new friendships growing up between the European residents. The R4R-team received many warm phonecalls and faxes these last days and we would like to thank everybody for being so nice for us. We all did this together and couldn’t have made it without your participation and support.
We think back with lots of pleasure of our first evening at the restaurant Popocatepetl. Suddenly we realised that the whole of Europe was present. We did a little inquiry and think that both the Danish and the German table were presenting themselves the most prominent. We certainly enjoyed your company!
The next day Matt introduced some representatives of the different countries. How fun was it to hear ‘welcome’ in all the different languages.
We were very pleased that we practised our mutual saying hello to the professionals. Did you all see how smooth the ‘show’ was running on Friday?
A big compliment for Cissy, the musicians Uli and Mischa and ofcourse: to you all!
We think that everybody enjoyed the excursions very much. That’s why we would like to thank all the residents in Dordrecht, Leiden, Rotterdam, Vlaardingen, Schiedam en above all Den Haag to make this possible for us. If you joined the Rustenburg-Oostbroek excursion you could even see some of the residents dressed like fishermen. The fresh haring they presented was very nice, but a bit too ‘adventurous’ for some of the foreigners. This is a real Dutch delicacy, so next time you should really try it!
We are making an evaluation form that we will send to all the resident groups that joined the Resident University. Please make comments and suggestions as much as you like. Furthermore, Arnold Reijndorp, urban sociologist, is writing an essay about all the experiences we had during the Resident University. As soon as this is finished, we will send this to you.
On top of all we are looking for opportunities to organise a second Resident University somewhere in Europe (London?, Copenhagen?, Antwerp? Dortmund?). We are investigating all possibilities and will let you know as soon as possible.
For the moment you can enjoy our photogallery and think back about our wonderful experience. If you have questions or comments, don’t hesitate to contact us.
