One of the characteristics of a civilized nation is its BELIEF IN COOPERATIVE LIVING and its ability to integrate ETHNIC minorities, which subsequently strengthen and stabilize the society as a whole and whole is always more than a sum of it. I have been only a few weeks in the Netherlands, but I have seen lots of interesting events taking place in Den Haag towards the integration of ethnic communities into the mainstream host Dutch society. Language is the basic necessity for social interactions and there are several quality Dutch language courses being run in language schools and libraries. They are all free of charge.
The libraries, which act as a custodian of cultural heritage fostering social inclusion, organise various interesting cultural events in the Netherlands. One such event was organised in Laakkwartier Library by its librarian Ms Sylvia Drescher of Poland and a member of the library Mr. Mohammad Al Amin of Iraq. The event was named “Poetry Week.” The Principal of the Library welcomed the guests who were from different cultural backgrounds. Mr. Amin efficiently conducted the program.
A number of poets namely Fawwaz Hourani of Palestine, Gloria Sofia of Portugal, Qasem Ahmabashi of Yemen, Hanin Amin Netherlands and WiamAlsewadi of Iraq shared their cultural thoughts and experiences poetically that included both adults and teenagers. I was also invited to speak, where I spoke on Dr. Allama Iqbal’s concept of “KHUDI” (selfhood or individuality to become a perfect person). Sattar al Saadi and Rik Van Boeckel played music, while a Dutch young man Jordi Van Haltrop-Selman Spencer read out the translation of the poems of Arab speakers. The guests were served with tea, coffee and cookies. It was really an enjoyable event and certainly not the last one!
