Here everyone is equal

In several neighbourhoods, Amaryllis, Embrace Netherlands and neighbourhood associations are joining forces to set up music groups. Under the name Slagkracht, local residents make music together, with the main aim of meeting each other and strengthening neighbourhood cohesion. In Bilgaard, volunteer Bianca leads one of these groups, which consists mainly of young people.

"Many of these young people would otherwise be sitting at home behind their screens or hanging around on the streets, with all the risks that entails," Bianca explains. "At Slagkracht, it's not just about making music, but mainly about the social aspect. We get to know each other, have a chat, and if someone needs help, we are there for each other."

There is also close contact with Amaryllis youth workers in Bilgaard, Jacky and Bouchra. "If extra support is needed, we refer young people to them," Bianca explains.

Slagkracht's music groups differ from other music initiatives. "In traditional groups, it's often about tight discipline and playing perfectly on the beat. With us, it's okay to go wrong sometimes," says Bianca. "That also requires flexibility and patience from the person accompanying the group."

Participant Diesel enthusiastically says: "If it wasn't for this, I'd probably be sitting on the couch right now, doing nothing or gaming. Here I meet people from all over the city, with whom I also meet up outside the group. We really have become a kind of family."

Mees, an employee at Embrace Netherlands, helps set up the music groups. "The great thing about this project is that it makes young people feel better. They build a social network, gain self-confidence and the neighbourhood takes on a more positive image."

The group in Bilgaard is now running so well that several performances are already on the agenda. "We will soon perform in De Harmonie and probably also during the Keti Koti celebration in the Prinsentuin," Bianca proudly tells us. "We also participate in local initiatives such as Bruisend Bilgaard and the Neighbourhood Camping."

The group is aimed at young people aged 15 and above, and participants come from different neighbourhoods. "In two other neighbourhoods, Slagkracht groups have now also started, especially for adults," adds Mees.

The Slagkracht project was conceived by Embrace Netherlands. They support setting up the groups, lend instruments and supervise the start-up phase. In cooperation with youth workers from Amaryllis and neighbourhood associations, locations, participants and volunteers are found.

"Once a group is running well, we withdraw," Mees explains. "The youth workers then usually stay in close contact with the volunteers to make sure everything keeps going well."