The Roots That Connect Us
For the sixth edition of Bou di Watapana, we turn our attention to the heart of the Dutch Caribbean: community and the people who nurture it. Across the islands and in the diaspora, communities are the backbone of resilience, connection and progress. From grassroots initiatives and cultural collectives to social enterprises and neighbourhood networks, countless individuals dedicate their energy to creating spaces of belonging and empowerment. But what does it mean to build community in times of migration, inequality and shifting identities? And how can we recognise, support, and amplify the work of those who take on this vital role? To explore these questions, we bring together community builders, organisers and cultural leaders who will share their stories, practices and visions for stronger, more connected futures. Join us for an evening of dialogue, inspiration and exchange as we celebrate the power of collective care and community building within the Dutch Caribbean and beyond.
This event can only be attended physically at our studio. The recordings will be made available later on and can be viewed via dezwijger.nl/terugkijken or via our YouTube channel. Met in dit programma Viviana Lopez Paz Collaboration Designer, Kompas for Students John Sandiford Entrepreneur, Designer & Philanthropist Jurenne Hooi Gezondheidswetenschapper, sociaal bestuurder, auteur Ludwella Singer-songwriterMore about the speakers
John A.M. Sandiford is a Sint Maarten born Entrepreneur, a Caribbean native with a European upbringing. He is the founder of Antonio Media B.V. and the co-founder of RebuildSXM.
Aside from being a devoted husband, father, entrepreneur, designer & philanthropist, John continues his life’s mission of being impactful & doing epic sh..!
Viviana Lopez Paz is a facilitator and collaboration designer dedicated to helping people and organizations work better together. As Co-Founder of Kompas for Students, she co-leads programs and sessions that prepare and support young people from the Dutch Caribbean as they move to the Netherlands for their studies—helping them find direction, community, and confidence far from home.
Through her company MLTPL Choice, she designs and leads sessions that help teams clarify strategy, strengthen collaboration, and move from talk to action. And if you ever want to have a chat, skip the coffee—Viviana’s always up for a batido instead.
Dr. Jurenne D. Hooi is gezondheidswetenschapper, sociaal bestuurder en auteur met een sterke betrokkenheid bij gemeenschappen die te maken hebben met uitsluiting en structurele ongelijkheid. Ze promoveerde aan de Universiteit van Maastricht op het gebied van hart- en vaatziekten en vervulde ruim twaalf jaar een bestuurlijke rol bij een organisatie die zich richtte op o.a. schuldhulpverlening en armoedebestrijding in Amsterdam-Zuidoost en Diemen.
Vanuit haar Caribische achtergrond en haar ervaring in het sociaal domein zet Jurenne zich in voor het versterken van gemeenschappen door organisaties inclusiever en toegankelijker te maken. Ze is actief als onafhankelijk adviseur, docent bij onder andere het Clingendael Instituut, en ervaren commissaris. Haar werk kenmerkt zich ook door een focus op participatie, rechtvaardigheid en het doorbreken/bespreekbaar maken van systeemfouten.
