ROTTERDAM, 4 September 2025 – A new initiative in Rotterdam invites neighbours to meet through play. Mooie Boules has opened its indoor jeu de boules venue free of charge during daytime hours to local residents who are often socially isolated.

_{Image: Official launch of the Mooie Buurt Foundation with a symbolic first throw of the ball. From left to right: Leanne Waanders (Univé Buurtfonds), Fatima Maria Teixeira (volunteer), Rogier van Genugten (Mooie Boules), Michiel van den Berg (KLUP), Alexander Scholtes (Alderman, Municipality of Amsterdam).}

Mooie Boules opens jeu de boules venue for community use

Mooie Boules, known in Rotterdam for its indoor jeu de boules venue (speellokaal) on Vijverhofstraat 45, has launched a new foundation named Mooie Buurt (“beautiful neighbourhood”). The initiative makes the location freely accessible during daytime hours for groups such as older residents, newcomers, young people with limited networks and those living in poverty.

By making its facilities, games and drinks available at no cost, the foundation aims to provide a neutral space where local initiatives can take place. Activities may range from shuffleboard tournaments for youth and newcomers to game afternoons for older residents and their neighbours.

Focus on connection through play

Founder Rogier van Genugten explained that the move responds to growing polarisation in society. According to him, loneliness, poverty and the blaming of refugees remain pressing issues. He stated that Mooie Buurt aims to address these challenges by offering accessible opportunities for enjoyment and social contact, which he described as basic needs.

Pilot programme results

Last year, Mooie Boules tested the idea through a pilot programme. In total, 50 community events were facilitated, leading to around 5,500 new social encounters. Nearly half of the participants reported feeling more connected to their neighbourhood afterwards. The foundation now intends to expand the initiative across nine locations in seven Dutch cities.

Combining social and commercial goals

The initiative combines Mooie Boules’ commercial success with social goals. Income from regular visitors and business clients helps sustain the foundation, while also creating opportunities for volunteers and donations. According to Van Genugten, the approach seeks to make cities more socially connected not through debate, but through games and shared experiences.

Location and directions

The Mooie Boules venue is located at Vijverhofstraat 45 in Rotterdam, in the Oude Noorden district near Rotterdam Noord station. The area is easily accessible by public transport, bicycle and car, with several cafés and creative spaces nearby.

ROTTERDAM, 22 August 2025 – A new heritage initiative aims to uncover overlooked stories of women in Rotterdam. Cultural institutions invite residents to help fill historical gaps.

Rotterdam institutions seek stories of women's heritage

Rotterdam’s cultural sector is turning its focus to women’s contributions to the city’s history. In September, during what has been dubbed the “Rotterdam Year of the Woman” (Jaar van de Vrouw), a group of local heritage organisations will collectively explore the legacy of women in the city’s past and present.

The initiative is a collaboration between five major institutions: Stadsarchief Rotterdam, Bibliotheek Rotterdam, Atlas van Stolk, Museum Rotterdam and the Maritiem Museum. These organisations aim to bring greater visibility to the stories, memories, and impact of women across generations.

MEETUP event to highlight women's heritage

The centrepiece of the month’s programming is the public event MEETUP: het ERFGOED van de Vrouw, which will be held on Saturday, 13 September at De Doelen. The gathering will feature personal stories from Rotterdam residents, as well as music and discussions about women’s roles in shaping the city.

This event seeks to serve as both a celebration and a conversation around Rotterdam’s female heritage (vrouwenerfgoed), raising awareness of how everyday women—from grandmothers to community organisers—have helped shape life in the city.

Addressing the gender imbalance in archives

Many archives and exhibitions have historically centred men’s experiences, leaving the lives and work of women underrepresented. The participating institutions hope to redress this imbalance by inviting contributions from the public.

Rotterdam residents are encouraged to share stories, photos, documents or objects connected to women who have made a difference in the city—whether in healthcare, education, activism, the arts, or domestic life.

Call for contributions, open until 1 September

Contributions may be submitted online via the official website until 1 September 2025: www.vrouwenvanrotterdam.nl/erfgoed. Each participating institution has outlined the types of submissions they are seeking, and if appropriate, contributions may be permanently added to their collections.

Even if submissions are not included in a physical collection, they may still be featured digitally through the same platform.

Event location and directions

De Doelen, the event venue, is centrally located near Rotterdam Centraal station. The area is well-served by public transport, including metro, tram and bus lines. Visitors arriving by train can reach the venue within a few minutes on foot from the station’s main entrance.

ROTTERDAM, 27 August 2025 – Children in Rotterdam can pick up a colouring page at Terre des Hommes shops and win a bicycle bell by handing it in before 30 September. The campaign aims to raise awareness and support for children in India who need bicycles to access education.

Colouring page activity at Terre des Hommes shops in Rotterdam

Terre des Hommes shops across Zuid-Holland, including the location in Rotterdam, are offering children the chance to participate in a colouring activity. Colouring pages are available in-store, and any completed drawings submitted by 30 September 2025 will be entered into a draw for a bicycle bell.

The initiative is linked to the broader campaign titled Geef een fiets, verander een leven ("Give a bicycle, change a life"). The campaign supports children in India who live in remote areas without nearby schools. Without transport, many are unable to attend classes and are at risk of ending up working in mica mines instead.

Mica mining and child labour

Mica, a mineral used in products ranging from car paint to smartphones and cosmetics, is often mined in difficult-to-reach areas. These locations are commonly surrounded by jungle, where families live and work under hazardous conditions. Due to the isolation of these mining areas, children have little to no access to education.

To address this issue, Terre des Hommes has launched a project that provides children with bicycles. With this form of transportation, over 800 children have already been able to attend school, significantly improving their prospects. The initiative is part of a wider effort to combat child labour by also supporting parents in securing better wages.

More than a colouring page

The colouring activity in Rotterdam and other Zuid-Holland cities is intended not only as a fun event for children but also as a way to bring attention to the realities faced by children elsewhere. Terre des Hommes continues to operate various projects globally, including within the Netherlands, to combat child exploitation and support emergency relief efforts.

Further information about the campaign can be found at ikgeefeenfiets.nl.

Location of the Terre des Hommes Rotterdam

ROTTERDAM, 8 August 2025 – The Sea Ranger Service has been selected as the charitable focus for the 48th edition of World Port Days, taking place from 5 to 7 September in Rotterdam. Visitors will be able to explore the work of the organisation both on shore and on board its sailing work vessel.

Sea Ranger Service named charity partner for World Port Days 2025

The organisers of World Port Days have announced that the Sea Ranger Service will be the featured charity for this year’s event. The decision aligns with the event’s practice of highlighting a different foundation (ANBI) annually, offering the chosen organisation increased public exposure during the three-day maritime festival.

Founded in 2016, the Sea Ranger Service trains young people for maritime careers through paid seasonal work at sea. Activities include ocean conservation, seabed monitoring, shipwreck surveys, seagrass restoration, hydrographic research and other marine missions. The organisation collaborates with universities and research partners to develop new methods for marine preservation.

Earlier this year, the Sea Ranger Service’s sailing work vessel, SRS Janet Taylor, was christened in Rotterdam by Queen Máxima, in the presence of Port of Rotterdam representatives and Mayor Carola Schouten.

Public access to the Sea Rangers during the event

During World Port Days 2025, visitors will have the opportunity to tour the SRS Janet Taylor, moored at the Paul Nijghkade. Guided tours will offer insight into the organisation’s conservation efforts and day-to-day operations at sea. Information will also be provided on how to join the Sea Ranger Service team.

Sabine Bruijnincx, director of World Port Days, noted that the Sea Ranger Service’s work with youth, ocean protection and sustainable innovation reflects the themes of the festival. Wietse van der Werf, founder and CEO of the Sea Ranger Service, said the event is an opportunity to demonstrate the role young people play in safeguarding marine environments.

The Sea Ranger Service will also be present at the MATCH Career Event on Friday 5 September. Entry to both the Paul Nijghkade and the career event is free during World Port Days.

Location details

The SRS Janet Taylor will be docked at Paul Nijghkade in Rotterdam. This location, situated in the Feijenoord district, is easily accessible by public transport and within walking distance of the Erasmus Bridge.