MasterPeace Brings Youth and Creative Projects Together in The Hague Southwest

From Public Administration to Impactful Projects

Today, we meet Shilaf at Theatre and Filmhuis Dakota in The Hague. Shilaf is a 22-year-old young woman who has chosen to make a real impact with her work. This is why she puts her talent to work with the organisation MasterPeace. In our conversation, she talks about how she manages to reach out to young people as a role model, how this connects to the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), and about the inspiring projects where young people have a say and which provide connection and safety in The Hague. 

Shilaf studied Public Administration/Government Management in The Hague. She followed a dual study, combining working and learning. After her studies, she started working at government agencies in The Hague, but there she missed the impact she wanted to make. 'Through her network, she ended up at MasterPeace, where she is a project leader setting up projects for young people in The Hague South-West, including giving workshops to help them discover their talents. "I show them what I have already achieved, give them a voice and encourage them to make a difference in their immediate surroundings," Shilaf says. 

In The Hague Southwest, MasterPeace focuses on neighbourhoods such as Vrederust, Moerwijk, Morgenstond and Bouwlust. They actively go out to young people and involve them in projects such as murals and photography workshops. "We build trust by constantly being there and really listening to the young people," Shilaf explains. MasterPeace's strength lies in using arts and culture as soft power to engage young people and give them a voice. 

Youth in the Spotlight: Shilaf's First Project at MasterPeace

One of Shilaf's first assignments at MasterPeace was to coordinate a film project in The Hague. Young people from Onspandje De Dreef (in collaboration with Stichting MEION) wanted to make a film to show their living environment. Together with an artist from The Hague Street Art and without much practice, they made an impressive film in a short time that was screened in Theatre and Filmhuis Dakota. "It was great to see how the young people themselves took charge and told their story," Shilaf says proudly. 

Sustainable Development Goals in Action: MasterPeace Makes a Difference for Young People

MasterPeace works closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 4 focuses on quality education and MasterPeace provides young people with skills outside mainstream education to boost their self-confidence. SDG 8 promotes decent work and economic growth by providing young people with skills that will increase their chances in the labour market. SDG 10 is about reducing inequality, and MasterPeace gives young people a voice and a platform to share their stories. SDG 11 seeks sustainable cities and communities, which MasterPeace promotes through collaboration and connection. SDG 16 is about peace, justice and strong institutions; their film "No Peace No Peace" addresses socio-economic problems and promotes awareness and change. Finally, SDG 17 underlines the importance of partnership to achieve goals, and working with partners like the municipality of The Hague shows the impact of this collaboration. 

Shilaf looks forward to more great projects at MasterPeace in The Hague. "We have underestimated what young people can achieve," she says. "I want us to continue to give these young people a stage and for them to be taken seriously. We need to narrow the gap between young people and policymakers." With her enthusiasm and dedication, Shilaf shows how to make a big impact by inspiring and connecting young people with the world around them in The Hague.