ACCESS Spring 2014

spring 2014 S E R V I N G T H E I N T E R N AT I O N A L C O M M U N I T Y

WWW

.ACCESS-NL.ORG

Securing our future Special features | cyber spies and nuclear allies |

Travel: secret spots of The Hague | pink power in the netherlands | Health security | children’s cyber security | Dutch spring cuisine |

Letter from the Executive Director

Dear ACCESS readers The ACCESS e-zine is not a current affairs magazine. Our aim and purpose remain covering topics which inform internationals about Dutch-related subjects in order to ease their settlement in the Netherlands. If not yet able to communicate with Dutch neighbours or acquaintances in Dutch – perhaps on a Dutch subject matter, engagement can be made.

At least, that is how we approach our topics.

Yet, with the impending Nuclear Security Summit about to take place around the corner from our office, we could not avoid delving

into a very current theme: security. It is a subject, which in one way or another, touches us all in this increasingly interconnected global world, and every day not only are ‘threats’ reported on, but so too are ‘solutions’. One of these ‘solutions’ is also taking place on our doorstep in The Hague. Karen Slingenberg introduces us to the innovative and fast growing activities of the Hague Security Delta, sure to make significant contributions to how we can protect ourselves better in the face of cybercrime.

As is our habit we then go with the theme of choice and explore a few other somewhat related subjects: such as children and their security on the internet; and, since this is all taking place in The Hague, we invited an intrepid explorer to share with us some of the City’s hidden treasures. The impact of feeling insecure is also explored in our Health item.

Not everything is security-related in this issue, so we are sure the other topics covered by our team of volunteer writers, including the items in the What’s On section, will provide some escape from thinking only of our own sense of security and well-being.

Deborah Valentine Executive Director ACCESS access.executivedirector@gmail.com

About AccEss is a volunteer not-for-profit organisation that serves the needs and interests of the international community in the netherlands. it is supported by Dutch, inter national and expatriate businesses and organisations through donations and sponsorship.

What we do

Established in 1986 ACCESS is a unique volunteer-based organisation. Representing an impressive cultural and linguistic variety, its dedicated volunteers work to: • provide guidance, advice, information to help individuals with settling, and/or living and working in the Netherlands • promote friendship, understanding and well-being of the members of the international community in the Netherlands • contribute to community development through skill training schemes and courses • serve as a bridge between local and international communities • assist the HR departments of international employers in preparing for and receiving international staff

Executive Board

• Chairman: Gary Hays,

Valshebnik Consulting • Vice Chairman: Kiri Kikis, Shell • Treasurer: to be appointed • Secret ary: Imanda Wapenaar, WFIA

Members

• Willemijn van Oppen-Stuyt, Educaide • Jessie Rodell • Koosje Ploegmakers, ABN AMRO • Godelijn Boonman, GMW Advocaten

4 | access | WinTEr

ACCESS Zeestraat 100 2518 AD The Hague The Hague International Centre City Hall Atrium, Spui 70

0900 2 ACCESS (0900 2 222 377) local rate 20c per minute helpdesk@access-nl.org www.access-nl.org Join ACCESS on

Spring 2014 Vol. 27 No. 1 • letter from the Executive Director • AccEss news • community news • What’s on

cover story

Cyber spies and nuclear allies

• cover story: cyber spies and nuclear allies • shopping: retail security • secret spots in The Hague • gay pride in the netherlands • salmon with Asparagus pesto • Five ways to keep your child safe online

Health & Wellbeing

What security means to us

pHoTo: MAriDAv

• What security means to us

• Meet our Trainers

Publisher Stichting ACCESS - Zeestraat 100, 2nd floor, 2518 AD The Hague Editorial content editor@access-nl.org, Advertising 070 345 1700, adv@access-nl.org, Editor Sally Squirrell Assistant Editor Mandie Rose Danielski Design & Layout Marek Moggré Contributors Barbara Rogoski, Carina Hyllested, Deborah Valentine, Emmy McCarthy, Erin Wille, Karen T. Slingenberg, Maarten Kop, Magdalini Zografou, Mandie Rose Danielski, Sally Squirrell.

Cover image by Alphaspirit Copyright©ACCESS 2014 All rights reserved. No part of the ACCESS e-zine may be used in any form without explicit permission in writing from the Publisher. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this publication was correct at the time of going to press. However, ACCESS and its writers cannot accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information included.

pHoTo: MiKElEDrAy

ACCESS e-zine

spring 2014

Food

Salmon with green asparagus pesto

pHoTo: MyliTTlEEXpATKiTcHEn.BlogspoT.coM

Contents |

ACCESS partners & Associates

Thank you for your support!

Platinum ****

Gold ***

Banking, taxation and personal finance ABN AMRO *** J.C.Suurmond & zn. *

Silver **

Bronze *

Associates A

Media Partners M

Housing and relocation

Your child

RSH Relocation and Immigration Services * Tulip Expats Services * PrivatePA-NL A

American School of The Hague *** British School in the Netherlands *** International School of The Hague ** American International School of Rotterdam * Big Ben Kids * British School of Amsterdam * German International School of The Hague * HSV The Hague School Association * True Colours childcare * Crèche Hermelijntje A Passionate Parenting A

The Community Xpat Media (Xpat Journal) *** ICP – International Community Platform ** Candles Flame Computer Training * The Hague Online * Alliance Française A CheckNL A Expat Events A Amsterdam Mamas M AngloINFO SouthHolland M DutchBuzz M Dutch News M The Hungry Mind M IamExpat M

Learning Dutch

Government support

Partner support

City of The Hague **** City of Delft * City of Leidschendam-Voorburg * City of Rijswijk *

Royal Tropical Institute * Unique Multilingual * Zestee Social Media School A Women’s Business Initiative International M

BSN Language Centre * Direct Dutch * Kickstart School * Legal matters GMW Advocaten ** Kortman Immigration Lawyers A Lifestyle Caesar - Fitness & Spa Resort *** ASPA A Paard van Troje A STET The English Theatre A

Healthcare Bronovo * International Health Centre The Hague A 6 | access | spring

There are many ways in which you can support the work ACCESS does: as a Partner, Associate and Advertiser. Click here to see our Helping ACCESS 2014 Media Pack for opportunities.

ACCESS

News Utrecht joins the family

Thanks to the ­dedicated efforts of a ­volunteer in Utrecht, Ms Katie Miller, ACCESS is happy to announce the start of their popular Childbirth preparation courses for expat ‘parents-to-be’ in Utrecht! Adding to the growing list of happy and prepared expectant parents in Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam, as of March 2014 expectant expats in Utrecht can now benefit from the expertise and guided insight of ACCESS’s most recent birth trainer, Ms Chitra Natarajan. Dates and registration information on our website. Welcome Utrecht parents-to-be, to the ACCESS family! Thank YOU Katie & Chitra for being part of our family. «

Welcome to The Hague Since 2010, ACCESS has been a partner of the expat desk ­services provided by The Hague International Centre (THIC).

It has been, and continues to be, a fulfilling partnership – for the volunteers as well as the clients we serve. Since 2013, we have been privileged to serve the internationals of Delft, LeidschendamVoorburg and more recently, Rijswijk. We are delighted to

share that in 2014 ACCESS will be responsible for organising and delivering the City of The Hague’s ‘Welcome to The Hague’ programme.

This free informative morning session is offered to all new arrivals as part of the centre’s hospitality programme and offers the expertise and insight of our own volunteers – who once were, themselves, new arrivals. « Register here.

ACCESS HR Support Desk ACCESS has been serving the international community since 1986.

Our ‘clients’ are, and have been, internationals, specifically, indi­ viduals in the process of settling in the Netherlands. The wealth of experience and knowledge we have built up, however, can also be harnessed for Human Resource departments and Relocation com­ panies wishing to add value to the services they are able to provide.

The new HR Corporate Service programme offers just such benefits.

To find out more, or inquire about detailed benefits, contact the Executive Director on edirector@access-nl.org. « access | spring | 7

Community News

200 years of Monarchy in the Netherlands The Kingdom of the Netherlands is 200 years old. Two hundred years of independence and democracy have brought the Kingdom many democratic achievements worth celebrating...

29 March 2014 – The Hague

The first democratic achievements ­– civil rights and freedoms and ­stable government –­ will be celebrated on 29 March, exactly 200 years after the adoption of the Constitution of 1814.

19-25 May 2014 – St. Maarten

Young people tend to look to the future more than the past. So, what do these democratic achievements mean to them? This question and many others will be addressed at the weeklong Kingdom Youth Parliament on St Maarten.

photo: Het Koninklijk Huis

30 August 2014 – Maastricht

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Exactly 200 years earlier, the Congress of Vienna, which would redraw the borders of Europe, began its deliberations. The Congress also united the Netherlands and the ­territory, which is now Belgium in a constitutional monarchy, the United Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Community News

Preuvenemint, an international culinary festival in Maastricht that same weekend.

16 September - The Hague

In 2014, Prinsjesdag will also be 200 years old. The opening of the new Dutch parliamentary year is a festive happening every year; the third Tuesday of September 2014 will be extra special.

Municipal elections:

have your say!

18 April 2015 – Zwolle

Expats have the right to vote at the municipal elections on 19 March, as long as they are registered in the Netherlands. Non-EU citizens must have lived in the Netherlands uninterrupted for at least five years.

The festivities will highlight the efforts of volunteers, the lifeblood of sports clubs, cultural associations and other civil society organisations.

Few people know that the right to form and join civil society organisations is only possible thanks to a 160-year-old provision of law.

Local Government sends a voting card to every eligible citizen’s home address. You have to bring this and a valid ID to the polling station on 19 March and you will have the opportunity to vote. If you think you are allowed to vote and haven’t received a voting card at your home address, please contact your local council.

26 September 2015 – Closing event in Amsterdam

Unity in diversity will be celebrated in Amsterdam during the last weekend of September 2015 and will also mark the end of the bicentenary celebrations. « For more information: www.200jaarkoninkrijk.nl

See the website of the The Electoral Council, a central electoral committee, an advisory body and an information centre in the field of franchise and elections. « Are you allowed to vote?

Who to vote for?

Find out on dutchnews.nl

access | spring | 9

Community News

movie: NSS2014

Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague 24-25 March

US President Barack Obama and 57 other world leaders and 5,000 delegates will visit The Hague for a two-day NSS meeting to discuss methods to prevent nuclear terrorism.

Security will be as tight as ever seen in the Netherlands and the main advice from the police to commuters who travel by car from Amsterdam to The Hague and Rotterdam is, ‘don’t do it’.

The Rabobank Hockey World Cup 2014 is bringing the world’s best hockey players to the Netherlands for an event not to be missed. The top 12 men and women’s teams in the world will gather here: that means 300 star hockey players in action. The tournament involves 76 top-level matches and a host of other music, cultural and sports events. «

The security measures mean large stretches of motorway will be totally or partially closed off from the afternoon of Sunday March 23 to the early morning of Wednesday March 26.

There will also be road ­closures and delays for commuters in Wassenaar, Leiden, Katwijk, Noordwijk and Haarlemermeer. The Dutch railway company NS is putting on extra trains to accommodate commuters. «

www.rabobankhockeyworldcup2014.com

www.nss2014.com

Let’s celebrate Hockey in The Hague 31 May 15 June 2014

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Community News

Last Minute Ticket Shop Feeling spontaneous in Amsterdam?

The Last Minute Ticket Shop sells tickets to events in Amsterdam for just 50% of the ­regular price! A new selection of tickets for concerts, theatre performances and other events at a huge assortment of Amsterdam venues is on offer every day of the week from 10:00! «

Take in Spring With March comes Spring, and with Spring the blooming bulb fields.

Located between Haarlem and Leiden, in Bovenkarspel, Andijk, Noordoost Polder and Oostelijk Flevoland, you can tour the fields walking, biking or by car. However you go, the shot will appear before your lens. Routes are available at local tourist information offices.

Spring in the Netherlands is Keukenhof - visit from 20 March - 18 May

Each year, Keukenhof chooses a special theme.

This year, the focus will be on the Netherlands itself with exhibitions on the history of the tulip, 17th-century tulip mania and modern tulip cultivation. Spectacular features will include the flower mosaic depicting Amsterdam’s canal buildings, planted using 60,000 tulip bulbs. «

www.lastminuteticketshop.nl

access | spring | 11

Teddy Kids is opening a new location in the new ECC building of the American School of the Hague! Starting January 2014 we will be opening a group for children ages 0 - 3 years old.

Are you creative, fun, engaging, responsible, have experience, are a native English speaker and have excellent command of the English Language and looking for a challenge?

*38 weeks a year *Closed during ASH school vacation

*Minimum 4 days a week *Work Times: 7:45-17:30

Send us your CV to ASH@teddykids.nl

VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.TEDDYKIDS.NL OR SEND AN EMAIL TO ASH@TEDDYKIDS.NL

We also have 3 more locations in Leiden!

Herenstraat 64 Zeemanlaan 22a and Rijnsburgerweg 35!

What’s on Spring 2014

Special events in March WANT TO post a community event in this magazine? contact access MAGAZINE at EDITOR@access-nl.org, SUBJECT: ‘what’s on’.

14-23 March TEFAF (The European Fine Art Fair) - Maastricht

22-23 March Theatre - The Hague

photo: tefafmedia

Treat yourself and your children to a magical experience with Hans Christian Andersen’s ­masterpiece, The Steadfast Tin Soldier. Clockwork toys, hand carved puppets, live music and atmospheric lighting combine to enliven this traditional ­children’s tale. Performances start at 10.00 or 14.00 www.theenglishtheatre.nl

The world’s leading art and antique fair attracts the best of the best in the field this year. 260 of the world’s most prestigious antiques and art dealers will be displaying and selling top masterpieces.

31 March – 1 April Easter at the Keukenhof Lisse

www.tefaf.com

The often controversial, always jaw-dropping exhibit of real human specimens is settling permanently in Amsterdam at the former American Express building (a short walk from Amsterdam Central Station). The theme of show is happiness and health. www.bodyworlds.nl

photo: bodyworlds

Permanent exhibit Body Worlds: The Happiness Project - Amsterdam

Your children can meet the real Easter Bunny on Easter Sunday and Monday at the famous tulip gardens. They will also enjoy the fun treasure hunt and watching the falcon demonstration.

Adults can meander through the Amsterdam Canal themed display as well.

www.keukenhof.nl access | spring | 13

What’s on spring 2014

special events in April WAnT To posT A coMMUniTy EvEnT in THis MAgAzinE? conTAcT AccEss MAgAzinE AT EDiTor@AccEss-nl.org, sUBjEcT: ‘WHAT’s on’.

Enter over 500 museums and other historical structures for free or at reduced cost this weekend. Last year the event attracted over a million visitors, but don’t let the crowds deter you. Most sites also organise workshops and entertaining activities for the occasion.

Check the website for participating locations. www.museumweekend.nl

13 April The Rotterdam Marathon

pHoTo: roTTErDAMMArATHon

5-6 April National Museum Weekend

Be amongst the 20,000 runners, or 900,000 spectators this year at the Netherlands largest one-day sporting event for the past 14 years.

Top runners from around the world along side recreational joggers will enjoy the course through the port city. Don’t miss out on the conjunctive weekend festivals. www.marathonrotterdam.org

18 April - 15 June World Press Photo Amsterdam

pHoTo: pAUl HAnsEn

In a word: stunning. The largest photo contest in the world attracts the best works of thousands of professional photographers. An independent, international jury selects the winners of the prestigious World Press Photo Award.

See the winners before the show travels around the world for millions to view. www.worldpressphoto.org 14 | access | spring

25 April Life I Live Festival The Hague What better way to gear up for King’s Day than to hit the music festival the night before?

The streets are alive all night with bands, DJs and early birds setting up shop for the annual flea market. www.lifeilive.nl

Special events in May WANT TO post a community event in this magazine? contact access MAGAZINE at EDITOR@access-nl.org, SUBJECT: ‘what’s on’.

3 May Flower Parade From Noordwijk to Haarlem, step out to see the spectacular floats made up of millions of flowers along the 40km route.

Allow your senses to be delighted by colour and music. www.bloemencorso-bollenstreek.nl

5 May Liberation Day Festival Wageningen Enjoy a nice spring day outside at the Liberation Day Festival in Wageningen, where, in 1945, the Germans surrendered and the war in Holland was finally over. It is a versatile celebration for people of all ages. Kids activities, bands, a parade, theater performances, and ­various workshops fill up the streets. Other popular events today are the Liberation Day Pop Festival in Haarlem and the free concerts in Museum Square in Amsterdam. www.bevrijdingsfestivals.nl

Don’t miss out on the hundreds of events at the world’s largest Eurasian cultural festival. Take part in cooking demonstrations by master chefs, photo and art exhibitions, martial arts and kite-making workshops, music, dance, movies, interviews, and puppet performances. Or just swing by to enjoy some of the amazing cuisine that is being served up all week.

photo: Sander van der Borch

29 May - 9 June Tong Tong Fair The Hague

27 May Delta Lloyd North Sea Regatta

photo: Tong Tong Fair

The harbour of Scheveningen hosts the largest Dutch sailing event on the North Sea. Boatlovers will enjoy all sorts of ­nautical events, races, shows and live performances throughout the day. www.tongtongfair.nl

www.nsr.nl access | spring | 15

Cover story

Cyber spies

and nuclear allies

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The media has made claims that we are living George Orwell’s 1984 today and that ‘Big Brother’ is our modern surveillance state. Is this an overly exaggerated statement or just reality? There are few topics in the news today that we have as little personal experience of, yet scare us so much, as terrorism.

by KAREN T. SLINGENBERG

The world has changed since 9 -11.

The US has taken a big step with their so-called war on terror but is now withdrawing from it after becoming war weary. However, Obama takes the threat of terrorism as seriously as his predecessor and he has his own personal take on it. Both cyber and nuclear terrorism are the main threats of our modern age, so what are we doing to combat them?

Securing the modern world has become hype and cyber security is a hot issue.

Due to the rapid development of our digital infrastructure, life has become convenient and extremely efficient.

On the other hand, this prosperity has made us vulnerable to cyber terrorism, which is technology-based terrorism, meaning that culprits with the aid of advanced Internet tools and techniques disrupt computer networks, programmes and operations. It also includes online frauds. Edward Snowden’s NSA leaks

bring home to us the undesired results that the war on terrorism has brought about. In particular, the spying practices of the American intelligence agency NSA. The NSA claims to have averted many terrorist attacks by hacking into our phones and computers, but at the cost of our privacy and the political reputation of some of our western leaders.

The Netherlands is already doing their bit to help combat cyber terrorism by means of The Hague Security Delta (HSD), a growing industry-governmentresearch network in the security sector.

As part of the HSD’s cyber security innovation plans, TNO, an independent Dutch research organisation opened the doors of its new cyber security lab last year. The lab is host to projects helping to develop innovative solutions to cyber security problems.

Their aim is to learn lessons from real incidents, focusing on the human ­process as well as the technological. » access | spring | 17

Together we care

Bronovo hospitality

www.bronovo.nl

Bronovo offers general hospital services for the residents of The Hague and surrounding areas. Providing personal care is a priority, because at Bronovo our patients are at the heart of everything we do. The hospital has an alliance with the Leiden University Medical Centre. Our team of medical specialists offer a wide range of services, covering almost every specialisation. At Bronovo, over 1,500 employees and 120 specialists work closely together in a multidisciplinary team to provide what we like to think of as health care with added hospitality. That’s why our motto is: ‘Together we care’.

Bronovo hospital Bronovolaan 5, 2597 AX Den Haag Bronovo satellite outpatient CliniC President Kennedylaan 15, 2517 JK Den Haag

eXpat serviCe DesK on workdays from 8.00 – 16.30 hours: e mail: expat@bronovo.nl

Wassenaar health Centre Rijksstraatweg 324, 2242 AB Wassenaar

Anneke van Kooten +31 (0)70 312 40 16

Internationally Focussed A vibrant international outlook on education, combining structure with creativity, within a curriculum with strong Internationally British foundations.

www.britishschool.nl

Internationally British

Cover story | Cyber spies and nuclear allies

Not only is there a cyber security lab but also later this year the Cyber Security Academy Foundation (CSA) will be launched in The Hague. The CSA is the direct result of an increase in demand for cyber specialists. A scientific master’s programme in Cyber Security can be followed whereby tech-

nical professionals will be educated in and updated on all cyber security developments. The training will be launched officially in September 2014.

Nuclear security

Another kind of security threat that plagues our modern age is that of nuclear terrorism. President Obama,

while still a senator in Illinois, was ­co-chairman in foreign relations and visited the PREM nuclear facility in Siberia, having studied nuclear material and its forms of storage. The lack of security could reportedly make the acquisition of nuclear materials very easy for any would-be terrorist. Since then, Obama has referred in all his ­foreign policy speeches to what he considers to be the Number 1 danger in the world: the threat of nuclear terrorism.

The result was a global initiative in the form of the Nuclear Security Summit, the first of which took place in Washington. This was an important first step for the world to identify nuclear terrorism as a serious problem.

It was time to take action. The conclusion of the summit was varied resulting in well-meaning initiatives but also a lot of disagreement. Two years later, the second NSS took place in Seoul resulting in more well meaning inten- » access | spring | 19

Cover story | cyber spies and nuclear allies

The Nuclear Security Summit

For more information

• www.vananaarbeter.nl • www.thehaguesecuritydelta.com • www.nss2014.com/en • www.whitehouse.gov/video/The-President-in-Prague • www.opcw.org • www.denhaag.nl tions. However, there is good news, some conventions have been put in place. The Nuclear Security Initiative came up with an index documenting the nuclear materials that are being professionally stored and protected.

In 2012 in Seoul, 32 countries had highly enriched uranium Did and plutonium. ow... n k u yo t Now, two years is a fas Security stry, 450 later, the new indu growing inesses are in index indicates bus h security rlands of whic he that only 25 out the Net The Hague n of the 32 coun300 i region. tries have more than 1kg of nuclear material in their possession. Which in effect means that seven countries have reduced their nuclear material to less than one kilogram. Japan also took a giant step to reduce their nuclear stores and destroyed 300 kg of enriched uranium.

in The Hague

On 24 and 25 March 2014, The Hague will be hosting the third Nuclear Security Summit (NSS). 53 heads of state will be attending the summit in the World Forum. It is fitting that the third NSS is taking place in The Hague, a city known worldwide as the City of Peace and Justice, thanks to the presence of a large number of international organisations working in this field.

The Peace Palace serves as the city’s symbol for hope for a better world and the International Zone is where many International and European organisations make their home, such as Europol and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW).

The presence of so many heads of state will have great political impact and it is unfortunately a sign of the times that such tight security will be necessary.

Whilst locals may be accustomed to occasional tight security for trials at the International Criminal Court, the strict security protocol will indeed cause havoc across the Randstad during the two-day conference. The director-general of Rijkswaterstaat Jan Hendrik Dronkers has said, “Our advice is not to go to this part of the » access | spring | 21

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An Alternative Dutch Assimilation Course

By Gregory Scott Shapiro Illustrated by Floor de Goede With a foreword by William van Orange

By Diane Lemieux and Anne Parker

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If you’re looking for an official guide to Dutch culture, this is not it. If you’re looking for one man’s completely subjective and utterly biased impression of Dutch culture, this is for you.

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Cover story | Cyber spies and nuclear allies

“ to be realistic and switch from well-intended actions to building a real, global architecture such as strict control in the form of an International Agency. We need global standards.”

Randstad on Monday 24 March and Tuesday 25 March, if you don’t absolutely have to. If possible, try to work from home or some other location.”

The aims of the NSS 2014 are: to reduce the amount of dangerous nuclear material in the world; to improve the security of all nuclear material and radioactive sources and to improve International cooperation.

According to Willem Post, Senior Fellow at the Clingendael Institute for International Relations in The Hague, the basic challenge for the NSS is: “to be realistic and switch from wellintended actions to building a real, global architecture such as strict control in the form of an International Agency. We need global standards.”

will be is not yet known. While optimists hope for the continuation of the reduction of nuclear materials throughout the world, pessimists may wonder if any of the steps being taken are sufficient or happening swiftly enough.

As we sit in fear of being hacked, and spied on in our living rooms by our governments, we realise that terrorism is still out there. It is something imperceptible and elusive. The terrorists might be plotting as we speak, trying to sabotage our cyber world. Or are they going after our stores of enriched plutonium to make that deadly bomb?

It hasn’t happened yet, but that doesn’t mean it won’t. It seems we are living in a modern-day paradox of a constant need for increased security from cyber, nuclear or chemical threat, but in the process, we are all becoming part of a complex Orwellian ‘big-brother’ machine and the question we should ask ourselves is, at what cost? «

About the author It is said that the NSS is a chance for The Hague to make the world a safer place. What the outcome of the NSS

Karen T. Slingenberg writes about literature, culture, food, children, family, travel and daily life. www.thelongandshortofit.eu access | spring | 23

Education | Partner feature

Learning beyond the academic Academic achievement is an essential part of school life and at the International School of The Hague (ISH), we are proud of the progress and attainment our children achieve.

By Kevin Rae

However, knowledge on its own, although important, is not enough.

At ISH, we follow the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) with our Personal Goals and drive towards International Mindedness underpinning all our learning. Our children represent more than 80 nationalities speaking over 60 languages with the development of Mother Tongue being a key feature of the learning.

Our staff also represents many nationalities; they are employed for their international outlook. Our diverse international community means we are well placed to provide opportunities for our children to develop the values, skills and knowledge they need to become global ­citizens. Our own definition of International Mindedness was refined and adapted in January 2013. “At The ISH we are proud of who we are and value sharing and celebrating together. We understand that

24 | access | spring

our actions and decisions can impact beyond ourselves. We reflect and act to find solutions, individually and collaboratively, with the support of our Personal Goals”.

Our children are proud of their own national heritage and culture, and are given the opportunity to ­celebrate this on numerous occasions, which encourages children to appreciate and be deeply respectful of the heritage and culture of others.

At an early age, our children learn that they are responsible for their own actions and as they mature they develop an understanding that their actions and decisions have an impact beyond themselves.

They learn that solving problems together, whilst not always agreeing with, but respecting other’s points of view is a key life skill.

The Personal Goals that we develop are; Inquiring Communicators Principled Adaptable Creative, Resilient Cooperative, Respectful

• • • • • •

“ We understand that our actions and decisions can impact beyond ourselves”.

These Personal Goals are linked to our Golden Rules: Be Honest Listen to others Take care of property Work hard Be kind and helpful Be careful and safe Look after our planet

• • • • • • •

Kevin Rae Primary Principal

Opportunities to develop these q­ ualities and values are planned into lessons and their achievement is celebrated with our children in the classroom and at assemblies. The goals and rules are also reinforced at home through the symbol of SquISH the Spider.

Our children are preparing to take their place in a globalised world where an understanding of the values of the many and not the few is critical, where a collaborative and cooperative approach to solving problems is essential. We must, therefore, ensure that learning goes beyond factual knowledge as they strive to create peace and justice in a secure and safe world. «

Contact: The International School of The Hague Wijndaelerduin 1 2554 BX Den Haag Secondary School +31 (0)70 328 14 50 Primary School +31 (0)70 338 45 67 ish.admissions@ ishthehague.nl www.ishthehague.nl

access | spring | 25

Shopping

retail security security is not just about securing your valuables, it is also important to secure your health and happiness. We were delighted to find innovations in cycling safety and continued traditions in baby care. secure to your heart’s content!

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Make your new baby feel secure and as if s/he was back in the womb with a soft blanket. Swaddle safely with a frog style. Learn more www.prenatal.nl

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€29.

Cycling air bag collar Cycle helmets are so yesterday; the latest cycle accessory Hövding from Sweden is both cool and safe and will inflate in an accident. Protect your head and still look good! www.hovding.com

€ 39 9

pHoTos: HÖvDing

Avg anti virus security Defeat those cyber spies by installing antivirus security on your laptop or home computer.

AVG has a 2014 version to block viruses, spyware, malware and phishing scams. www.avg.com

26 | access | spring

pHoTos: Avg

Handbag hook heaven

laptop security lock

Save your handbag from getting dirty or stolen from the floor of the cafe or bar. Hook it neatly on the table.

There’s always going to be a cheeky someone who covets your laptop. Deter them from taking it with them by using this handy lock.

www.shop. so-hooked.com

www.kensington.com

€5

pHoTo: so HooKED

€76.99

pHoTo: KEnsingTon

€69.99

Secure your meat safety with igrill Ensure your meat is cooked properly with this large easy-to-read digital meat thermometer and avoid E. Coli and salmonella food poisoning. www.apple.com

95

€ 9 4. pHoTo: 3M

3M Privacy Filter Stop prying eyes peeking at your computer with this privacy filter.

You will still need an anti-virus programme though. www.bol.com

pHoTo: ApplE

access | spring | 27

Health & Wellbeing

What security means to us Emotional security is just as relevant to our wellbeing as the locks on our doors, if not more so. Expats may experience difficulty maintaining a strong sense of emotional security. The new environment, the lack of familiarity, the process of adaptation, and predictable life stressors – these can all threaten our security and s­ tability, when we need them most.

By Mandie Rose Danielski

Brand new life, same old needs

Vanessa Prins, professional psycho­ logist and ACCESS Trainer, says, “Expats are confronted with job changes, settling into a new country, which can affect to a certain extent their feeling of security.

This is why providing information to expats and helping them to settle in is so important.”

28 | access | spring

She refers to the American psychologist Abraham Maslow (1908 – 1970).

In his ‘pyramid of needs’, Maslow ­outlined the basic needs of human beings as a way of understanding our behaviour and potential. There he lists security as our most basic, after physiological needs such as air and water.

We are much more likely to prosper in our new and strange environments with

Did you k Dutch s now... cien Peper s tist Dr. Erik ay up strai s standing ght energy increases levels confide and nce. a strong sense of security. Then we can view changes as opportunities and we can accomplish more. But similar to our experiences with homesickness, it can be difficult to maintain perspective and self-assurance. (See the article on Homesickness in ACCESS Winter 2013 e-zine)

the country is relatively free of crime.

According to the OECD’s Better Life Index, “The homicide rate (per 100,000 inhabitants) in the Netherlands is 1.1, lower than the OECD average of 2.2.” »

The Dutch advantage

ACCESS Trainers

As much as relocation and expatriation can disrupt our sense of comfort and security, the Netherlands is – quite literally – a safe bet. Consider these facts about our environment here. For one,

Vanessa Prins is a Psychologist, Coach and Jungian Analyst.

She is a member of the International Association for Analytical Psychology (IAAP), and an ACCESS Trainer. Vanessa coaches in English, French and Dutch. Meet Vanessa Prins and other ACCESS Trainers at access-nl.org/about-access/how-we-do-it/meet-thetrainers.aspx access | spring | 29

Health & Wellbeing | What security means to us

such as floods.

Finally, the country is considerably welcoming to foreigners; more than 175 countries are represented in Amsterdam’s ­population alone, and appro­ ximately 145 in The Hague, making them hubs where you will find peers of similar backgrounds and languages, and a sense of community.

“Emotional security is just as relevant to our wellbeing as the locks on our doors” Secondly, there are fewer and fewer road accidents every year, the numbers having dropped 80% over the last 40 years. Thirdly, thanks to the expertly engineered dikes and the like, we have little to worry about natural disasters 30 | access | spring

True, there are no guarantees, but our mental well­ being is connected to external stressors. Here, the society, infrastructure and natural environment combined provide us with a healthy starting point for peace of mind. We can use this foundation as a springboard to unwavering emotional security.

(Okay, perhaps allow for some wavering emotional security because, after all, we are only human.)

Fun for the whole family

Concerned for your safety for

An improved sense of security has ­certainly been the experience for Louise Heller, an English teacher from England and mother of two.

She finds the Netherlands “superduper safe”, especially in comparison to her previous habitat, Mexico.

Louise says, “I used to have to check on my daughters constantly, texting ‘Where are you? When are you coming home?’ ” making sure I always knew where they were. And I had to drive them even around the block just to see a friend. Of course I still worry about them if they’re out when it’s dark, but I have much less anxiety here.”

more than 25 years

Due to the Netherlands’ high level of security, Vanessa says, “People are more relaxed. Parents let their children play on the streets and cycle alone to school. It’s important for the children’s feeling of autonomy.”

Whatever your personal reasons for insecurity, the ACCESS Counselling Service Network (CSN) is equipped to help you build and regain your confidence so that you can prosper.

Parents’ satisfaction with raising their children here can provide regular reassurance that we have, in fact, made a positive decision for our families.

That, combined with children’s feelings of autonomy, yields a healthy cycle of security for individuals and society as a whole.

Whether you are here with a family, or as a couple, or on your own, in times of doubt and insecurity, remember that there is a strong support network around you. The formation of ACCESS, in fact, was in direct response to the community’s call for help. In 1986, a Community Needs Assessment revealed that (English-speaking) foreigners were experiencing adjustment issues, feelings of isolation, lack of interpersonal support, decreased sense of ­self-worth (especially spouses without work), and finally a fear of terrorism because of the tense political era.

Share your thoughts and tips about emotional security on our ACCESS Facebook page. «

About the author Mandie Rose Danielski is the editor of Ready, Steady, Go Dutch, the latest and greatest book of advice to prepare you for life in the Netherlands, written by expats like you. Published by DutchNews.nl and ACCESS. Available via readysteadygodutch.com access | spring | 31

Education | Partner feature

United Nations procedures - Hands on learning for students Each year, The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) conference is held at the World Forum Convention Center near Scheveningen.

Model United Nations (MUN) involves students from around the world and American School of TheHague is proud to be one of the founding members of THIMUM,

sending student representatives to debate, represent a selected country or work on the organisation as administrators.

The delegates (High School students) simulate activities of the United Nations and attend conferences as delegates of a pre-assigned nation.

The students lobby other countries and work on resolutions, which are then debated upon. United Nations procedures of format and formality are followed at every step of the process.

The theme of this year’s conference was Sustainability. More than 3,500 students from around the world, as far away as Australia, the United States and Beijing, participated in the week-long, gruelling conference. Student work commences at the beginning of the school year as they learn about the program, gaining experience through visiting and participating in smaller conferences, culminating in a competitive

32 | access | spring

selection process where the participants for this high-level conference are chosen. The MUN delegation has an executive committee of upperclassmen, called the Core Group, who are experienced MUN members that guide the other delegates and organise meetings – they work tirelessly as they manage the process and guide new participants.

This year, at the 46 Annual THIMUN Conference, American School of The Hague represented the Republic of South Korea with 23 student delegates participating and 72 students representing the School in the Administration.

American School of the Hague Senior, Ms. Gharib was bestowed the honour as the Secretary General for the entire THIMUN Conference.

Her opening speech on day one reflected on the importance of MUN for students and she commented eloquently on the conference theme: Africa: Transformations and Challenges Ahead. Ms. Gharib’s message, “We [students] can be great, and have the power to make change in the world. And if we do not start now, then who will? And if we do not start now, when will th

“ We [students] can be great, and have the power to make change in the world. And if we do not start now, then who will? And if we do not start now, when will change start?”

change start?” Her closing remarks were equally as powerful: she invited the delegates and THIMUN participants to spend this special week on a path of change, to help Africa realise and rise to its bright future.

Lifetime skills are leaned at this demanding conference: organisation, public speaking, problem ­solving, researching, debating, ­collaboration, empathy, respect and most of all, diplomacy. Students lasting memories: participating in a conference that brings together the young minds of the world in one common goal – to implement change. As one student from American School of The Hague said: “This definitely is a beginning for me, not and end…. I have achieved my goal of not being scared of speaking up and voicing my opinion.” «

Contact: American School of The Hague Rijksstraatweg 200 2241 BX Wassenaar The Netherlands 070 512 10 60 www.ash.nl admissions@ash.nl

access | spring | 33

Travel

secret spots of The Hague The Hague greeters explore The Hague’s secret spots and inform us of the hidden stories. join th em here on a digital walking tour.

2. Pander Square Brouwergracht 33 (Binnendoor)

From furniture to aircraft factory to a live-work space, Pander Square offers an alternative way of living. The square can be visited but please be respectful.

More info (Dutch only)

Tours are in a small group with a maximum of six people, and allow you to see the city through the eyes of a local. Request a tour here.

By THE HAgUE grEETErs pHoTos MAArTEn Kop

2

sTArT 1

www.denhaaggreeters.nl

Slow the pace down in this 1886 Jewish built neighbourhood of the Schilderswijk.

200 brick houses are tightly packed in; you can almost imagine you have stepped back in time.

More info (Dutch only)

34 | access | spring

1. Van Ostade Hof Courtyard Hannemanstraat

3. Van Kleef Mus and Distillery lange Beestenm

After all that learning, reinvigorate y The 1842 jenever and liqueur distiller kind in The Hague. Combine a museu garden dinner and tasting.

Take a quiet, respectful peek in one of The Hague’s most beautiful ‘hofjes’ from 10:00 to 5:00 p.m..

These courtyard dwellings were founded in 1841 to help women over a certain age with limited means.

Catholics had to meet in secret together after the Reformation.

Discover the Baroque church behind the white door on Saturday at 2:30 p.m.. Note that the tour starts from Molenstraat 44.

More info (Dutch only)

4. Jacobus en Augustinus Hidden Catholic Church juffrouw ida straat 7,

More info (Dutch only)

4

Grote Kerk café de Boterwaag

3

More info

seum Sp ui

yourself at Van Kleef. ry is the last of its um visit with a private More info

6

5

FinisH

Buitenhof

With a slogan of “If something is of Den Haag, then it is the Posthoorn”, this is a place steeped in history. Revel in the memory of past celebrities and rub shoulders with the current artists and poets.

arkt 109

6. Rusthof Courtyard parkstraat 41-61

5. Bodega de Posthoorn lange voorhout 39A

access | spring | 35

Law | Partner feature

The fortress of privacy as further protected bulwark What ever happened to privacy?

New technologies gather, store and share information as never before.

And we, ourselves, happily take part in gathering, storing and sharing information.

By Arthur de Groot

Through indifference or the desire for attention, even though we must all know just how important privacy is to modern life and at the same time just how endangered privacy has become. It is a compelling reminder that to defend privacy is to defend democracy and the good life.

Liberty and the freedom of thought depend on privacy. To protect these fundamental rights, the EU called for a comprehensive data protection scheme in the EU and the revision of the Framework Decision with the proposal COM (2012) 11 final.

The EU states that building trust in the online environment is key to economic development. It also

36 | access | spring

notes in the proposed General Data Protection Regulation that technology has transformed both the economy and social life as rapid technological developments have brought new challenges for the protection of personal data.

The scale of data sharing and collecting has increased dramatically.

Technology allows both private companies and public authorities to make use of personal data on an unprecedented scale in order to pursue their activities.

A legal basis for (further) protection can be found in Article 8 of the EU Charter and Article 16 TFEU as introduced by the Lisbon Treaty and in Article 8 of the ECHR. As underlined by the EU Court of Justice in a Judgment of 9 November 2010 (Volker und Markus Schecke and Eifert [2010] ECR I-0000), the right to the protection of personal data is not an absolute right, but must be considered in relation to

Arthur de Groot

its function in society. Data protection is closely linked to respect for private and family life protected by Article 7 of the Charter.

Other potentially affected fundamental rights enshrined in the Charter are the following: Freedom of expression (Article 11 of the Charter); freedom to conduct a business (Article 16); The right to property and in particular the protection of intellectual property (Article 17(2)); The prohibition of any discrimination amongst others on grounds such as race, ethnic

• • •

• • •

origin,genetic features, religion or belief, political opinion or any other opinion, disability or sexual orientation (Article 21); the rights of the child (Article 24); the right to a high level of human health care (Article 35); the right of access to documents (Article 42); the right to an effective remedy and a fair trial (Article 47).

Contact: GMW Advocaten led@gmw.nl 070 361 5048 www.legalexpatdesk.nl www.gmw.nl/en Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook

The proposed EU legal framework shields the temptation to constantly expand gathering storing and sharing information. And rightly so, as privacy like freedom, is not a means to an end but rather an end in itself. « access | spring | 37

photo: Barbara Rogoski

Gay pride in the Netherlands The Netherlands is one of the best places in the world to live if you are gay, with unlimited opportunities to participate in many social, cultural, spiritual and community events.

By Barbara Rogoski

38 | access | spring

When one relocates to a new country, it is difficult enough to find your way with the many challenges you face with language, cultural norms and practical details of everyday life abroad. When you are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender (LGBT) and want to make contact with the local community, it can

Community

COC Nederland – the place to be

be even harder and sometimes lonely. This article is an overview of the key organisations and events that are available to you in the LGBT community in the Netherlands.

A history of progressive thinking

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) rights in the Netherlands have been some of the most progressive and open-minded in Europe and worldwide. Same-sex sexual activity was legalised in 1811 and same-sex couples were granted domestic partnership benefits in 1998.

COC Nederland is the national organisation that supports LGBT men and women in a variety of ways. COC originally stood for Cultuur en Ontspanningscentrum (Centre for Culture and Leisure), which was intended as a ‘cover’ name for its real purpose. Founded in 1946, it is the oldest LGBT organisation in the world. They are committed to equality, emancipation and social acceptance of LGBT in the Netherlands and abroad and has special consultative status with The United Nations.

The COC is active in many areas, with a focus on young and school, 50plus, (political) interests, security, culture and religion and international advocacy. COC Netherlands is a federation of regional member associations, so there is always a COC in your area.

The COC Haaglanden is a lively centre of activity for LGBT people in The Hague and has a great little café and bar called the Basta Cafe. The headquarters and offices are upstairs and counsellors are available to support you on a variety of issues. Each Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, there is a home cooked dinner served for €7.00. » access | spring | 39

Community | gay pride in the netherlands

A new and dynamic ladies group called DARE has formed at the COC Haaglanden. There is a dinner party once a month called Friday Night Ladies Table at the Basta CafĂŠ starting with cocktails at 6:00 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m.. This is a relaxed and comfortable way to meet some new interesting women who

dare to reach out. Once a quarter, there is also a DARE ladies party with all female bartenders, music and fun.

Amsterdam gay pride

The Amsterdam Gay Pride is a citywide festival that takes place annually to celebrate and support LGBT rights and freedom. The whole city is decorated in pink and rainbows and full of positive energy. This year, it is from 26 July till 3 August 2014 with all major events taking place from 1-3 August.

The Gay Pride Canal Parade is world famous with colourful boats, floats, music, partying latex and obvious pride. The Did parade takes place on ow... n u o y r e th the 2 on the Prinsen,the Ne rst 1 0 0 2 n ďŹ I e h gracht canal and starts ecame t lands b the world to at 2:00 p.m.. More than in country same-sex 100,000 people gather legalise ge. a i r r a m along the parade route and it is, therefore, one of the largest publicly held annual events in the Netherlands.

Workplace pride

In the workplace, equal rights for diversity for LGBT are represented by Workplace Pride; a nonproďŹ t foundation based in 40 | access | spring

Amsterdam that strives for greater acceptance of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people in the workplace and in society.

Two major conferences are held each year in Amsterdam: Workplace Pride and L-Women at Work that highlight diversity and excellence in the workplace. There is a monthly Workplace Pride borrel (happy hour drink) in The Hague at the Café de Landman and in Amsterdam at Dvars, Reguliersdwarsstraat 44.

Pink spirituality

There are several Roze (Pink) Christian churches that offer LGBT people a safe and welcoming place to pray, sing and be with like-minded Christians in peace.

On the second Sunday of each month, the Internationale Roze Kerk/Intl LGBT Church has their service. It is a new and growing community based at the COC Haaglanden office in The Hague.

I am the pastor of the church which offers a unique combination of traditional and modern Christian prayers and songs and Dutch and English language for the international community in The Hague and surroundings; the only English language LGBT church in the Netherlands.

if you are looking for a gay church where you are ‘celebrated and not just tolerated’, come check out both of these services.

Evangelische Roze Viering in Amsterdam, on the fourth Sunday of each month, is very popular and is a warm and happy traditional Christian service in Dutch with more than 100 people present at each service.

So if you are looking for a gay church where you are ‘celebrated and not just tolerated’, come check out both of these services.

There are many ways to get involved in LGBT activities around the Netherlands.

Most are in Dutch but some are in English. Start with the COC in your area to find out what is going on. «

About the author Rev. Barbara Rogoski is an American gay rights/human rights activist and entrepreneur living in the Netherlands for more than 20 years. She is the pastor of the Internationale Roze Kerk, spiritual counsellor for the COC Haaglanden, DARE Ladies Table founder and DARE events floor manager. barbara@barbararogoski.com / www.internationalerozekerk.nl access | spring | 41

Volunteering Are you considering the possibility of volunteering your time and expertise but thought that it wasn’t an option because you don’t speak any Dutch?

By Laila Borrie

Enter PEP (Participation Emancipa­ tion Professionals) with their online database full of great volunteering opportunities that matches Englishspeaking residents with an organisation looking for their services.

The dynamics of something are best understood by being a part

42 | access | spring

of it, so I decided to spend the day as a volunteer at Gender Concerns International. In the close knit team of outstanding professionals from various parts of the globe, who are committed to the promotion of a Gender equal society, I felt right at home.

Arriving at the office

Things were clearly very busy when I met Nienke Jansen – the manager and coordinator, who was warm and welcoming. As we sipped on our coffee, she spoke about the organisation and their goals.

Municipality of The Hague | Partner feature

“I really wanted to contribute to establishing a gender equal society,” she said.

My project for the day

I met briefly with the founder and director Ms. Sabra Bano, a charismatic and very passionate advocate for her cause. She pointed out that while volunteering could be a source of help, it required a level of commitment and expertise that would foster a mutually beneficial relationship.

As my background is in graphic design, Ms. Bano thought I could work on the Libya project. A billboard campaign is being designed to encourage women to vote and take a more active role politically and make their voices heard.

A challenge

The brief was difficult to fulfill because women in Libya must be depicted in no way other than ­symbolically. This really brought home to me what an important role Gender Concerns International is playing in bringing our world more into balance. It also made me reflect on the liberties and rights we take for granted in the western world.

“ I can combine my professional expertise with passion for the emancipation movement and process.”

The Indonesian cake

Contact:

At teatime there was delicious Indonesian cake, as it was the birthday of Joy Beaten- the Financial Interim Manager. After 30-plus years of enjoying a very successful career, Joy said he felt he needed to give something back to society.

Loes Weijers Project Associate, Municipality of The Hague 06 30 08 53 71 loes.weijers@­ denhaag.nl

Being around such motivated people was inspiring and I had a lot to think about as I left the GCI office.

Volunteering can be so rewarding and the start of a mutually beneficial relationship. If you feel inspired to contribute your skills, expertise and make a difference, please visit the PEP page for many volunteer opportunities.

Gender Concerns International is a developmental organisation that works to promote women as agents for change and development. «

PEP 070 302 44 44 info@pepdenhaag.nl Riviervismarkt 5 The Hague

www.genderconcerns.org access | spring | 43

Food

Salmon with

green asparagus pesto spring is the most exciting time for foodies and everyone who loves fresh vegetables. it’s the time of year when nature comes alive, bringing the rebirth of green peas, courgettes, artichokes, and asparagus.

By MAgDAlini zogrAFoU

The Dutch may refer to the white asparagus as white gold, but I am partial to the green spears. They’re more nutty and earthy with a deeper flavour that pairs perfectly with oily fish.

Did .

Salmon, mackerel or now.. k u o n y i h even the humble herus is hig sium g a r a p s s A a t o p ring, available at late and ins A, E, o f , e r b m ďŹ a t i every fish stall vides v y and pro as well as man around the country, C and K xidants. o i t an can benefit from a dose of greenness.

For the asparagus pesto

Fill a large pot with water and bring to the boil. Add some salt and then the asparagus. Boil for 8-9 minutes until they are very tender but not falling apart.

Keep 2-3 Tbsp of the cooking liquid and drain the asparagus in a colander.

Run them under cold running water to stop them from cooking further and let them cool completely.

Cut them into 5 cm pieces and add them to a food processor. Add the pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, 1 Tbsp of the asparagus cooking liquid and a little black pepper.

Process well until you have a homogeneous mixture and give it a taste.

Add salt if needed, and if you find the pesto too thick for your liking, add a little more of the cooking liquid.

For the salmon

This green asparagus pesto, draped over a piece of firm-fleshed salmon, will bring Spring right to your dinner table.

4 4 | access | spring

Bring the salmon to room temperature 10-15 minutes before cooking. Pat the salmon fillets dry with kitchen paper and sprinkle with salt on both sides.

I n g re d i e n t

2 ser vings

For the aspar agus pesto • 350 g fresh g reen asparagus, tr immed • 2½ Tbsp pin e nuts • 2 garlic clov es, peeled and finely ch opped • 4 Tbsp grate d Parmesan ch eese • Juice of ½ le mon • 2½ Tbsp extr a-virgin olive oil • Ground blac k pepper • Salt

pHoTo: MyliTTlEEXpATKiTcHEn.BlogspoT.coM

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and when it starts to shimmer, add the salmon. Pan-fry for 4-5 minutes on one side until golden brown, and then turn the fillets over and pan-fry for a further 3-4 minutes or until cooked to your liking. Take the fillets out of the pan and onto a plate covered with kitchen paper to absorb the extra oil.

s

For the salm on • 2 salmon fill ets, skinless and boneless • 4 Tbsp olive oil • Salt

Place them on two individual plates and serve immediately with the pesto on the side or on top of the fish.

Keep any leftover pesto in the fridge, covered, for 1-2 days. «

About the chef Magdalini Zografou, a Greek girl cooking in her little expat kitchen in the Netherlands. mylittleexpatkitchen.blogspot.com access | spring | 45

Education | Partner feature

Peace & Justice Nothing represents the city of The Hague, as the ‘International City of Peace and Justice’ better than The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN).

The annual conference, now held at the World Forum in the centre of The Hague, brings together over 3,500 students from schools around the world – including all BSN Year 12 – to participate in debate and representation. THIMUN gives young people a voice and the opportunity to engage with real issues of global importance, which are outside their usual frame of reference.

photo: BSN

THIMUN began as a local Model United Nations (MUN) conference in The Hague in 1968 and The British School in The Netherlands has ties reaching back to its formation – more than 45 years ago.

Today, the BSN students are still very much involved with this valuable and positive experience, and look forward to their participation.

46 | access | spring

THIMUN’s mission is clear – to ­promote interaction and dialogue between young people from a variety of backgrounds, formulating peaceful solutions to the world’s problems

and preparing today’s youth for tomorrow’s leadership positions.

Over the years, countless BSN students have taken part in THIMUN alongside their peers from other countries and many of these can ­certainly be said to have continued into positions of leadership.

The 1983 Spanish delegation included the young Prins Willem-Alexander, now King of the Netherlands. Former BSN student, Charles Pridgeon, was one of the students from the BSN’s delegation that year and remembers it well; “I remember Willem-Alexander at the MUN - we chatted a bit as he was also a member of the Haagsche Golf Club where I played regularly at the time. I felt very honoured to represent the school at the MUN for three years – the first year on a political committee for Singapore, the ­second year for France and in my final year, Head of Delegation and on the Human Rights Committee for Apartheid-era South Africa. Now that was a challenge!”

Co-Chair of the THIMUN Foundation, Frances Laughlin shared her views: “This is my seventeenth THIMUN, and I am still astonished by the

“ a nd I am still astonished by the capabilities of the students who take part, in whatever capacity. They blossom into ambassadors, negotiators, organisers, taking on adult roles with great confidence.”

capabilities of the students who take part, in whatever capacity. They blossom into ambassadors, negotiators, organisers, taking on adult roles with great ­confidence. For students, it is part of the growing-up process – the boys and girls who arrive in the building on Monday morning leave as different people, with their heads full of new ideas and experiences, and their phones full of the addresses of new friends from around the world.

I am filled with awe.”

Contact: The British School in The Netherlands 070 315 4077 or visit www.britishschool.nl

Today’s Model United Nations (MUN) has grown and changed in many ways, but still remains an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about current events, topics in international relations, diplomacy and the United Nations agenda. « access | spring | 47

Will you come play with us?

Central Office

Willemstraat

226 Hoge Prins 2584 HX Den Haag tel. 070-3062771

info@hermelijntje.nl

www.hermelijntje.nl

(Flexible)

v

daycare and after school care!

Follow us on Twitter!

@CreHermelijntje

Family

Five ways to keep your child safe online It often feels as though a large portion of our lives is lived online. The use of Facebook, Skype, Pinterest and other social media cannot be under-stated, especially for expats who use it as the main way to stay in touch with our loved ones.

by Emmy McCarthy

It’s not enough for us to follow our friends and family back home. We also want them to follow our children; to watch them grow and connect to them. These online channels also become a daily part of our children’s lives. Emailing photos or skyping with grandparents is part of the expat routine, increasing our kids’ exposure to the online world.

Still, online safety isn’t something that we should be careless about.

To help make sure that your personal lives stay private and protect your children’s online safety, we’ve compiled five tips that can be helpful for both expat parents and local parents alike:

Ensure that the security ­settings on your Facebook and other social networking profiles are set to ‘friends only’ and that you receive notifications anytime someone ‘shares’ your photos. This way, you can post family pictures on your social media profiles and monitor what happens to them.

1

When uploading pictures or videos onto Picasa, YouTube and similar websites, click the ‘limited to those with the link’ option and then email the links directly to your family and friends. This way, your files do not appear in public searches (they are invisible) and your loved ones can continue to watch your children grow online, without being on display for the whole world to see.

2

Turn the ‘location services’ off in your smart phone!

Location services marks ­pictures taken through a smart phone with the exact location of the photo.

3

access | spring | 49

Family | Five ways to keep your child safe online This becomes available to anyone who sees your pictures. Parents often publish more information about their children than they realise, such as home or daycare addresses. Turning off the ‘location services’ disables this feature and helps protect your family’s online safety.

Parents often publish more information about their children than they realise For older kids, the Netherlands Police Force has a website (in Dutch) called Vraag het de Politie, or Ask the Police. This website is aimed at children between the ages of 12 – 18 and is a platform for information about a wide variety of safety issues, including online concerns such as sexting, cyber bullying and online predators.

Additionally, they host live chats on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for additional information and direct answers to tough questions. Check out www.vraaghetdepolitie.nl for more information. Similarly, www.meldknop.nl also addresses online and offline safety concerns of teenagers and young adults.

4

50 | access | spring

Consider having your kids use a children’s web browser when in front of the computer. A children’s web browser differs from an internet filter (which most browsers offer), in that it is much more strict about which websites ­children can visit. Regular online browsers, such as Chrome or Mozilla use ‘black lists’, which are lists of ­specific websites that blocked.

5

Unfortunately, many websites slip through the filter. In contrast, children’s browsers use a ‘white list’, which is a list of websites that are appropriate for children. Websites that do not appear on that list are automatically blocked. One example of a children’s browser is Kidzui at: www.kidzui.com.

Keeping your child safe online can be daunting, especially as our lives get

more complicated. However, following these simple tips can help you take the first steps towards your family’s online safety. «

More information Amsterdam Mamas is a non-profit organisation that provides information and support to the international parenting community in the Netherlands. For more information, visit: www.amsterdam-mamas.nl. access | spring | 51

Theatre at the German International School The Hague (DISDH) From our youngest toddlers up to our graduating students, theatre has always played an important role at the DISDH. However with the arrival of a new teacher with outstanding theatre experience at the school, the secondary school drama programme has reached new heights.

Under his guidance, the complete creative process has been placed in the hands of the students. Together, they write the scripts, direct, integrate musical accompaniment, design sets and fashion costumes.

Students with a multitude of interests come together combining their talents and expanding their knowl52 | access | spring

edge and experience in theatre far beyond the realm of acting.

The great success and positive feedback after each new play encourages them to take on greater challenges within the world of theatre.

The interest in the Theatre Club has been growing steadily with more

Education | Partner feature

and more students getting involved, building on their individual skills and aptitude. Talented DISDH singers and musicians incorporate music adding a special touch and ensuring the right mood for each scene and students with technical know-how pull all the strings together on production night.

Theatre at the German International School The Hague is a group effort expanding across grades, interests and individual expertise. “ I especially like the interaction with other students with whom I generally have little to do with.”

A highlight for members of the Drama Club is an annual trip to Germany where the students par­ ticipate in a professional theatre seminar developing new techniques and methods. They learn how to enact fights, fall down and kiss on stage. They take part in improvisational exercises and learn to use their voices to evoke even greater expression. They work on particular scenes and gain a better understanding of their stage characters.

The seminar brings the students together and further motivates

“ It’s great that at the DISDH, you get to work on all aspects of theatre – writing texts, acting, directing and designing sets.” them to work as a team and trust each other both on and off the stage. “ The Drama Club at the DISDH is an inspiring experience for me.”

The idea for a new play sets the c­reative wheels in motion.

Characters as varied as Jack Sparrow and Hermione have suddenly come together on the DISDH stage in a new script conceived by students.

Members of the Drama Club have also looked at the topic of death and adapted the novels, ‘Thirteen Reasons Why’ and ‘When I Fall’ into successful plays. This academic year, the Drama Club is taking on more classical theatre with adaptations of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ and Schiller’s ‘The Robbers’.

The DISDH community looks forward to each new production and the surprises which await them on stage. «

Contact: Deutsche Internationale Schule Den Haag Van Bleiswijkstraat 125 2582 LB The Hague The Netherlands 070 354 95 94 www.disdh.nl info@disdh.nl

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ACCESS Trainers

ACCESS Trainers are an integral part of the ACCESS Community. They provide training opportunities on topics of relevance to the international community ACCESS serves, in English or other languages. Trainers who work with ACCESS are vetted for their relevancy to the international community.

Meet our Trainers The courses offered through ACCESS are aimed at providing opportunities for personal growth; supporting the development of ‘community’; learning something new; preparing for a new direction; cultural adaptation; as well as pregnancy and childbirth.

ACCESS courses cover a variety of topics and they provide you with the opportunity to meet new people, while learning new skills. The most popular of our courses are those related to preparing for a family, in which you meet others in the same situation (having a family far from home) and gain insight to how things may be a little different to where you are from.

Do you have a course, which provides value to the international community?

Contact ced@access-nl.org or click here for more information.

Diversity discussions Christine Fischer Multicultural coach & ACCESS Community Education manager The Hague

www.fischersfiresidechats.com

Christine holds an M.A. & a M.Ed. in multicultural counselling psychology from TC, Columbia University, NYC. She created FischersFiresidechat discussions, workshops, and seminars to foster warm, informal, yet informed environments for learning cultural competence. Her programmes cultivate awareness of one’s own cultural worldview, attitudes towards cultural differences, and offer a variety of cross-cultural skills. access | spring | 55

ACCESS Trainers | Meet our Trainers

r e g i s te r f o r c o u r s e s o n l i n e at www . a c c e s s - n l . o r g , o r c o n ta c t t r a i n e r d i r e c t l y .

Digital photography Megan Alter Professional photographer & photography teacher Amsterdam

Learn to take better photos. Megan believes in learning by doing; her classes not only teach theory, but how to put that theory into practice. Sign up for a class now and take control of your camera so you can express yourself more fully and preserve beautiful memories with your images.

www.meganalter.com/classes

Career coaching Caroline van den Bogaard International career coach Amsterdam & via Skype

www.cctransitions.com

Caroline inspires and motivates international professionals to look for ways to continue their career in a new country, and to make the transition easier through career coaching.

She knows the challenges and opportunities that professionals face when transitioning to another country, having lived and worked abroad herself. She is a certified career coach and has a Master’s degree in occupational psychology.

POWERtalk Marlene Burns Coaching in effective communication skills The Hague

www.powertalkeurope.eu

Marlene is an accredited trainer for Powertalk International’s Short Course, which she presents with fellow trainer Angela Tait. Both are experienced speakers at both local and inter­ national levels. Are you a nervous beginner or just feel the need to improve? This course offers in-depth training at all levels for effective speaking.

Career and life coaching Marie Dewulf International career and life coach

The Netherlands & via Skype

www.coach2moveon.com

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Marie is an expatriate, a Life and Career Coach and trainer/ facilitator whose focus is on cross-cultural adaptation, communication skills, and career development/transition. She works with you to discover what your hidden talents are and how these can be identified and released to unlock YOUR potential. It’s about discovering what you can do with a guide by your side.

r e g i s te r f o r c o u r s e s o n l i n e at www . a c c e s s - n l . o r g , o r c o n ta c t t r a i n e r d i r e c t l y .

Art history Wendy Fossen Freelance Art historian & Art history teacher The Hague

www.casadellarte.nl

Wendy is owner of Casa dell’Arte and works as a freelance art historian. She has been giving art history courses in both Dutch and English for over 7 years now. She also works as a museum guide at the Gemeentemuseum, and as a tour guide in Italy. Wendy holds degrees from the Universities of Leiden and Amsterdam and from the University of Kent in Canterbury, England.

Childbirth preparation Truus Gale Experienced midwife and prenatal coach Amsterdam

www.childbirthclassgale.com

Truus has over 25 years experience in Dutch midwifery and related areas. She holds a Dutch equivalent of a BA in Educational Sciences from Amsterdam University and graduated from Amsterdam Midwifery College in 1988. Truus has been an ACCESS trainer since 2005, specialised in prenatal individual or group information sessions for expat couples expecting a baby in the Netherlands.

Workshops in coaching and counselling Jacqueline van Gent Psychologist and trainer in Transactional Analysis The Hague

www.ta-denhaag.nl

Jacqueline provides internationally accredited workshops for people wanting to enrich their coaching or counselling skills with very effective, ready-to-use tools. Workshops consist of a little bit of theory and lots of practice, and in a learning climate that helps people of all ages, feeling at ease and willing to engage in developing both personally and professionally.

IT and Self defence William Rumley-van Gurp Professional personal development trainer The Hague & Rotterdam

www.cftrainingtoday.com

William is a qualified and experienced trainer, able to offer tailor-made courses in a range of IT and Self defense areas.

He has 26 years experience in Self defence and Karate. He has also been teaching people to use Microsoft applications since 1997 when working as an IT Trainer for an international organisation based in The Hague.

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ACCESS Trainers | Meet our Trainers

r E g i s T E r F o r c o U r s E s o n l i n E AT W W W. A c c E s s - n l . o r g , o r c o n TA c T T r A i n E r D i r E c T ly.

Arabic and calligraphy lessons Khaled Khaled Arabic language lecturer Amsterdam, The Hague and Utrecht

english.arabisch.nu

Khaled has lived in the Netherlands since 1969. He studied Linguistics of Middle Eastern Languages for 8 years at the University of Amsterdam, specialising in the Arabic language and culture. Khaled offers intensive lessons in the Arabic language and Egyptian Colloquial Arabic, and can also provide calligraphy lessons.

Breastfeeding Myrte van Lonkhuijsen Experienced lactation consultant, IaBCLC

The Breastfeeding centre in Amsterdam offers specialised individual help with breastfeeding, courses and a breastfeeding shop. Myrte and the centre can assist you in solving problems, and in fitting breastfeeding into your everyday life.

Amsterdam

www.borstvoedingscentrum.nl

Breastfeeding and maternity care consultations Helen Marshall Qualified lactation consultant IBCLC The greater Hague area

helen.marshall1@gmail.com

Helen is a qualified Lactation Consultant IBCLC who helps new mothers who are experiencing challenges in breastfeeding and in maternity care. She qualified as a Paediatric Nurse in Scotland and now supports and educates new mothers in and around The Hague. Helen gives courses and consultations in English and in Dutch to provide support for breastfeeding and mothers-to-be.

career development and job hunting Teresa Moynihan Career coaching & Job hunting support The greater Hague area

www.moynihan-hr-consulting.com

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Teresa Moynihan is a HR Professional and a Certified and Licensed Career Counsellor with a Postgraduate qualification in Career and Talent Management from Kingston University in London, UK. Teresa’s extensive experience in HR and Recruitment enables her to incorporate this knowledge into coaching situations involving career issues.

r E g i s T E r F o r c o U r s E s o n l i n E AT W W W. A c c E s s - n l . o r g , o r c o n TA c T T r A i n E r D i r E c T ly.

childbirth preparation Nester Moyo Senior midwifery advisor The Hague

www.access-nl.org

Nester is a Zimbabwean Midwife Educator who has lived in the Netherlands since 2001, and has worked with ACCESS conducting child birth preparation classes since 2002. Nester is well versed in the education and practice of midwifery in the Netherlands, as she has been a visiting lecturer to some of the midwifery universities in the Netherlands.

childbirth preparation Chitra Natarajan Childbirth Educator Utrecht

www.akriti.nl

Chitra is a certified HypnoBirthing Practitioner & Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator. She enjoys her role as someone who can support, help and guide a family during Pregnancy, Childbirth, Breastfeeding and Postpartum. Chitra is currently in the process of completing Hypno Fertility Educator certificate through HypnoBirthing Institute.

pre - and postnatal courses Joke van Roosendaal-Kuyper Breathing and relaxation therapist/Yoga instructor The Hague

www.access-nl.org

Joke has been working in the yoga field for 25 years (Pregnancy yoga for 18 years). Through different kinds of schooling (Breathing and Relaxation) she has developed a practical preparation for labour and offers tools to cope with fear and pain. Being fully informed and prepared makes for a less stressful delivery.

individual and group coaching Vanessa Prins-Goodman International coach and trainer The Netherlands

www.goodmancoaching.nl

Vanessa holds an M.A. in Psychology from the University of Brussels, and a diploma in Jungian Analysis. She is a coach and trainer, specialising in transitions, growth, communication and work-life balance. In her work she integrates theoretical aspects with experiential and creative techniques.

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ACCESS Trainers

r e g i s te r f o r c o u r s e s o n l i n e at www . a c c e s s - n l . o r g , o r c o n ta c t t r a i n e r d i r e c t l y .

Helping you feel at home in the Netherlands Caitríona Rush Cross-cultural consultant The Netherlands

www.athomeabroad.nl

Caitríona has spent 18 years living and working in 8 countries around the globe. She provides workshops, trainings and one-on-one sessions to both individuals and businesses. Her goal: to help internationals be happy living in the Netherlands, and to facilitate companies in achieving increased effectiveness and success when doing business with other cultures.

Creativity for Character Shawna Snow Trainer/Facilitator Amsterdam

workshops.reckoning.nl

Shawna is one of three professionals in The Reckoning workshops which aim is to bring out the best in us and in the children in our lives using art. She has over 20 years experience in teaching and leading youth as well as a Master in Global Urban Leadership. In 2008, she founded Stichting Reckoning, which has used this approach with many marginalised communities and now offers these tools to the general public.

Childbirth preparation Lee Tolman Fysiotherapistacupuncturist The Hague

www.partnersinwellness.nl

Lee has undertaken extensive post-grad courses specialising in childbirth preparation, prenatal and postpartum complaints, menopause and infertility. Lee is currently practicing physiotherapy and acupuncture in a private practice in ­Voorburg and shares facilitation of the ACCESS childbirth preparation courses. She has been a Dutch resident for the past 20 years and a childbirth educator for ACCESS for 15 years.

Childbirth preparation Ria Wiertz Antenatal teacher Rotterdam

www.borstvoedingspijkenisse.nl

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Ria is a qualified antenatal teacher with over 15 years experience. Ria trained with the Stichting ter Verbreiding van de Psycho Prophylaxes Method, a Dutch Lamaze variant. She is a lactation consultant, personal coach and is qualified to teach Baby Massage. Ria is in the process of obtaining the official Lamaze Trainer Certificate so she can train others to give this wonderful course.

EXPAT? ASK KASIA FOR A DUTCH BANK ACCOUNT WITH SERVICES AND SUPPORT IN ENGLISH. Our International Client Desk welcomes you.

“Hi, my name is Kasia. I’m an expert in expats. So I know what you’re going through. New environment. New job.

New banking products. My multilingual colleagues at our International Client Desk and I are specialised in advising and serving you! At abnamro.nl/expat you’ll find more information and the Mobile Banking app in English.

You’re always welcome!”