What problem would you most like to solve immediately? 

‘I really want to contribute to more equality in the world. I believe in creating a fair society where there are opportunities for everyone. Within that theme, I focus primarily on how the colonial past continues to affect the present.’ 

What inspired you to delve into this theme? 

‘I have been involved with it for quite a long time, starting with my school thesis in secondary school. I began thinking more deeply about issues like the Zwarte Piet debate, but at the time, there was not much public awareness about institutional racism. Together with a classmate, I made a documentary about it, which revealed how sensitive the topic is.’ 

‘My mother was born in Suriname, but my father is a white Dutchman. This allows me to see both sides. In my work, I try to highlight certain issues that not everyone in The Netherlands experiences.’ 

What are the biggest challenges you have encountered, and how have you overcome them? 

‘Journalism is really a profession, but I have not formally studied it. That is quite challenging, but I am learning a lot every day. Being a freelance writer is not easy either, when you do not have much experience.’ 

‘I find it remarkable to have such a large platform at De Correspondent. Last year, I went to Suriname for a major project, which resulted in a series of articles and a podcast. It is still difficult to say what the impact has been, but I hear from people in the community that they are happy with the attention. It is really important to me that people feel heard. There are many groups in society that are not listened to, and I try to give some of them a platform.’ 

What do you see as the most important development within this theme that we should focus on? 

‘I think it is important to understand that the colonial history of the Netherlands extends beyond Suriname and the Antilles. The apologies for slavery by the King and then-Prime Minister Rutte were fairly limited, and there is still much to be said about Indonesia and other parts of the world that were colonised by the Netherlands. There are so many stories still to tell – and that is especially necessary in today’s society, where there is so much misunderstanding and racism.’ 

What tip or advice do you have for UvA students today? 

‘I think it is really important to choose something you genuinely enjoy and find interesting, and the rest will follow. Do what you love and make the right choices at the right moments. Seize your opportunities!’