Day 2 at URBACT SUmmer University in Rotterdam

With a population of circa 10,000 people Afrikaanderwijk comprises 85% of people with a migratory background, 37% who live below the poverty index, 56% unemployed and on social security and 84% of households renting or living in social housing.

But through bottom up initiatives to energise social entrepreneurship in fields of food and textiles it is taking control off its own future and creating a vibrant community.

Artists are working in particular in imaginative ways with the local community to create the market place for tomorrow. The taste of Afrikaanderwijk in particular is now a  powerful brand whilst the textiles sectors sells to customer such as Jean Paul Gaultier.