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Looking for an experienced freelance journalist, content marketing writer or copywriter? Do you need good articles, content marketing stories, blogs or advertorials for your magazine or other publication? Or would you like newsletters, press releases, white papers, case studies or other content to be written for your business or organisation? I can do this for you. I write in English and Dutch and also take photos. Or do you need a researcher or fixer in The Hague or elsewhere in The Netherlands? I have experience working for international media en NGOs, such as Al Jazeera, NTR (a Dutch public-service broadcaster), Education Above All (Qatar) and The New York Times. Why work with me? Because I.... - deliver content that has a good structure and is well written. - have over ten years of experience. - am trained as a journalist (post-Master at Erasmus University Rotterdam). - make sure to target the right audience. - always explore the topic thoroughly. - come up with refreshing topics and angles. - ask the right questions during interviews and can make the interviewees feel at ease. - write in both Dutch and English. - take photos too. - love my work and deliver quality. - am easy to work with, I follow briefings closely, but also contribute ideas, I'm flexible, reliable and, of course, never miss a deadline. Inquiries? Please contact me by email: ******.
Portfolio
Tunisia's educated youth go on hunger strike to demand jobs
In Tunis, a group of 17 highly educated individuals, including Omar El Touati, went on a hunger strike starting 16 March to protest against unemployment and the government's inaction. Despite their qualifications, they have been unable to find jobs for several years. The unemployment issue, especially among the youth, has worsened since the Jasmine Revolution of 2011. The strikers, many of whom are former activists blacklisted from public sector jobs, have not received government attention, except for a few opposition MPs. The Minister of Vocational Training and Employment, Zied Ladhari, expressed understanding but declined to make exceptions for them. The UGTT supports the strikers, who have faced health issues due to the strike. The government's offers of starting businesses or unrelated jobs were rejected by the strikers as unrealistic. Omar El Touati escalated his protest by also refusing water, demanding dignity through employment or death.
Tunisian families seek answers on missing migrants
The article discusses the mysterious disappearance of at least 520 Tunisians who crossed to Italy after the 2011 Tunisian revolution. Om Elkhir Wertani's husband, Nabil Guizawi, is among the missing. Despite sightings of some migrants in Italy, their fates remain unknown. Organisations like Boats4People and the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights estimate that around 40,000 Tunisians attempted the crossing in 2011, with about 1,500 drowned or missing. The group Land for All, along with the Tunisian government, is pushing for investigations. The European Parliament has inquired, but the European Commission has not provided conclusive answers. The Tunisian government has established a commission to work with the Italian interior ministry to investigate, but the outcomes are uncertain. The article also touches on the ongoing issue of Tunisians risking dangerous sea crossings to Italy due to economic hardships at home.
Dutch fear election hacking, fake news
The article by Thessa Lageman discusses concerns by the Dutch government regarding potential Russian interference in the upcoming Dutch elections through hacking and fake news. Rob Bertholee, head of the AIVD, revealed attempts to hack Dutch government email accounts. The Ministry of General Affairs, including the Prime Minister's office, was a target. To counter threats, the Dutch will count ballots by hand, using election software only for calculations. Russian hacking groups APT28 and APT29, also known as Fancy Bear and Cozy Bear, are believed to be behind the attacks, with similar patterns observed in the US and other European countries. The article also touches on the significance of the Netherlands in the context of EU-Russia relations and the potential impact of leaked information. Cybersecurity experts from Northwave and Fox-IT provide insights into the methods used by Russian hackers and the challenges in tracing their activities. Despite Russian denials, experts believe the hacking is part of a broader strategy to destabilize the EU.
Travel articles about Dutch destinations for Garuda Indonesia's inflight magazine Colours.
Residents of the Schilderswijk are fed up with the media’s coverage of their district.
The article discusses the Schilderswijk neighborhood in The Hague, Netherlands, which has been stigmatized by media coverage highlighting negative events such as riots, demonstrations, and allegations of a 'Sharia triangle.' Residents, led by Jewish-Dutch artist and therapist Itai Cohn, have started the Schilderswijk Residents Tours to offer a more nuanced view of their diverse and vibrant community. The tours, which include local politicians, artists, and international visitors, aim to change perceptions by showcasing the neighborhood's improvements, cultural richness, and community initiatives. Despite the challenges of poverty, crime, and unemployment, the article highlights the efforts of residents like social worker Yassine Abarkane and Steunpunt Sabr director Karima Sahla to improve the district and support its youth.
It's A Plant! Vegetarian Restaurant Lures In Meat-Lovers — And It's Working
The article discusses the success of The Vegetarian Butcher, a Dutch company specializing in plant-based meat substitutes. The company's new restaurant, De Vleesch Lobby, is attracting not only vegetarians and vegans but also meat-lovers with its convincing meat-like dishes. The founders, including Jaap Korteweg, aim to reduce meat consumption by offering tasty alternatives. The Vegetarian Butcher has an international presence and is looking to expand further, with a new factory capable of producing 30 million meat substitutes a year. The Dutch government and companies like Unilever have invested in the development of these products. The article also touches on the health aspects of meat substitutes and their growing popularity, even among traditional meat-eating consumers and fast-food chains like McDonald's.
Dutch banks linked to deforestation in Indonesia through palm oil investments
Dutch banks ABN AMRO, ING, and Rabobank are criticized in a report by Milieudefensie for not informing customers that their investment funds include shares in environmentally damaging palm oil companies in Indonesia. The report, supported by Friends of the Earth Netherlands, details the negative impact of palm oil plantations on communities and the environment, citing deforestation, pollution, and human rights violations. Despite some funds being labeled as sustainable, they contain shares in companies like First Resources, which is linked to these issues. The report calls for banks to sever financial ties with the palm oil sector, and a legislative proposal for more sustainable investment policies is under discussion in the EU. The article includes responses from the banks and highlights the public's negative sentiment towards palm oil investments.
Apollo Hotel Amsterdam's Dazzling Design Transformation
The Apollo Hotel Amsterdam, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, has undergone a significant renovation, transforming it into a stylish and unique destination. Located in the Oud-Zuid district, the hotel's history dates back to the 1928 Olympic Games. General Manager Imre Heijboer and Belgian designer Will Erens from Too Many Agencies collaborated to revamp the hotel's interior, moving away from conventional designs to create a contemporary and exciting space. Erens applied his 'less is poor' philosophy, incorporating colorful, historic, and luxurious elements. The hotel now features a mix of vintage and modern decor, with 33 design rooms and 16 suites, each with a unique theme. PR & Concept Manager Nikita Marsman notes the hotel's Instagram appeal and popularity for photo shoots. Erens' successful redesign aims to make guests so enamored with the hotel that they never want to leave.
It's A Plant! Vegetarian Restaurant Lures In Meat-Lovers — And It's Working
De Vleesch Lobby, a vegetarian restaurant in The Hague, is successfully attracting meat-lovers with its plant-based meat and fish substitutes. Founded by Jaap Korteweg, The Vegetarian Butcher has expanded its products to 15 countries and collaborates with brands like Unilever. The Dutch government and companies like Unilever have invested in technology to create realistic meat substitutes. The restaurant's clientele is primarily meat-lovers, and the company aims to reduce global animal product consumption. The Vegetarian Butcher also plans to expand in the United States, with interest from food companies and The Good Food Institute.
It's A Plant! Vegetarian Restaurant Lures In Meat-Lovers — And It's Working
De Vleesch Lobby, a vegetarian restaurant in The Hague, is successfully attracting meat-lovers with its plant-based meat and fish substitutes. Co-founder Jaap Korteweg's mission is to show that skipping meat does not mean missing out on taste. The Vegetarian Butcher, the company behind the restaurant, has a global presence and is continuously developing new products, such as a vegan smoked sausage. The Dutch government and companies like Unilever have supported the development of meat-like vegetarian products. The Vegetarian Butcher also collaborates with brands like Unox and is in discussions with fast food chains, including McDonald's. A new factory in the Netherlands aims to increase production capacity, and there is growing interest in the U.S. market.
It's A Plant! Vegetarian Restaurant Lures In Meat-Lovers — And It's Working
The Vegetarian Butcher's restaurant, De Vleesch Lobby, in The Hague is successfully attracting meat-lovers with its plant-based meat and fish substitutes. Co-founder Jaap Korteweg, a former meat-lover turned vegetarian, aims to show that skipping meat does not mean missing out. The company, with a $17.53 million turnover, sells products in 15 countries and has a factory capable of producing 30 million meat substitutes a year. The Dutch government and companies like Unilever have supported the development of these products. The Vegetarian Butcher also collaborates with brands like Unox and is in discussions with McDonald's for potential partnerships. The rise in meat substitute consumption is noted by The Netherlands Nutrition Center, although they point out the high salt content in many substitutes. Korteweg believes that plant-based meat will become cheaper than real meat within 10 years and foresees a significant decrease in meat consumption.
It's A Plant! Vegetarian Restaurant Lures In Meat-Lovers — And It's Working
The Vegetarian Butcher, a company specializing in plant-based meat and fish substitutes, has opened a restaurant called De Vleesch Lobby in The Hague, attracting not only vegetarians but also meat-lovers. Co-founder Jaap Korteweg, a former meat-lover himself, has grown the company to an international presence with an annual turnover of $17.53 million. The Dutch government and companies like Unilever have supported the development of meat-like vegetarian products. The company's mission is to reduce meat consumption by offering appealing alternatives, with the expectation that plant-based meat will become cheaper and more prevalent in the future. The Vegetarian Butcher also collaborates with brands like Unox and is exploring partnerships with fast-food chains, including McDonald's.
It's A Plant! Vegetarian Restaurant Lures In Meat-Lovers — And It's Working
The Vegetarian Butcher, a company specializing in plant-based meat and fish substitutes, operates a restaurant called De Vleesch Lobby in The Hague, attracting a diverse clientele including meat-lovers. Co-founder Jaap Korteweg, a former meat-lover turned vegetarian, established the company to offer better meat alternatives without animal suffering. With products in 15 countries and a new factory, the company aims to reduce global animal product consumption. The Dutch government and companies like Unilever support the initiative, which aligns with a growing trend of flexitarian diets and an increase in vegetarian options at fast food chains like McDonald's.
It's A Plant! Vegetarian Restaurant Lures In Meat-Lovers — And It's Working
The Vegetarian Butcher, a vegetarian restaurant in The Hague, is successfully attracting meat-lovers with its plant-based meat and fish substitutes. Co-founder Jaap Korteweg, a former meat-lover turned vegetarian, established the company to offer better alternatives to meat. With products now available in 15 countries and an annual turnover of $17.53 million, the company is expanding, including a new factory with a capacity of 30 million meat substitutes per year. The Dutch government and companies like Unilever have supported the development of these products. The Vegetarian Butcher also aims to collaborate with fast food chains and is gaining interest in the United States.
It's A Plant! Vegetarian Restaurant Lures In Meat-Lovers — And It's Working
The Vegetarian Butcher, a company specializing in plant-based meat and fish substitutes, operates a restaurant called De Vleesch Lobby in The Hague, attracting not only vegetarians but also meat-lovers. Co-founder Jaap Korteweg, a former meat-lover turned vegetarian, aims to show that skipping meat does not mean missing out on taste. The company's products are available in 15 countries and include a vegan smoked sausage developed over seven years. The Dutch government and companies like Unilever have supported the development of a vegetarian steak. The Vegetarian Butcher collaborates with Unilever to sell vegetarian meatballs and is in discussions with fast food chains like McDonald's. A new factory in the Netherlands will increase production capacity, and there is growing interest in the U.S. market.
It's A Plant! Vegetarian Restaurant Lures In Meat-Lovers — And It's Working
De Vleesch Lobby, a vegetarian restaurant in The Hague, is successfully attracting meat-lovers with its plant-based meat and fish substitutes. Founders Lonneke de Leeuw and Jaap Korteweg are on a mission to show that skipping meat does not mean missing out on taste. The Vegetarian Butcher, the company behind the restaurant, has a global presence and is continuously developing new products, such as a vegan smoked sausage. The Dutch government and companies like Unilever have supported the development of meat-like vegetarian products. The company's products are also sold through Unilever's brand Unox, and there is interest in collaboration with fast food chains like McDonald's. The Vegetarian Butcher aims to reduce global consumption of animal products and has opened a factory with a significant production capacity, with plans for expansion in the United States.
It's A Plant! Vegetarian Restaurant Lures In Meat-Lovers — And It's Working
The Vegetarian Butcher, a company specializing in plant-based meat and fish substitutes, operates a restaurant called De Vleesch Lobby in The Hague, attracting a diverse clientele including meat-lovers. Co-founder Jaap Korteweg, a former meat-lover turned vegetarian, aims to show that plant-based options can satisfy meat cravings. The company's products are sold in 15 countries and include a vegan smoked sausage developed over seven years. The Dutch government and companies like Unilever have invested in technology to create meat-like vegetarian products. The Vegetarian Butcher collaborates with brands like Unox and is open to partnerships with fast-food chains, including McDonald's. A new factory has increased production capacity, and there is growing interest in the U.S. market.
Refugees turn their lifejackets into laptop bags in Dutch upcycling scheme
The article discusses the work of Makers Unite, a Dutch social enterprise that upcycles lifejackets worn by refugees into laptop sleeves and tote bags. Ramzi Aloker, a former clothing designer from Damascus, is one of the refugees involved in the project. Makers Unite's initiative not only recycles the vast number of life vests left on Greek shores but also provides refugees with a six-week coaching programme to help them establish careers in the Netherlands. The article highlights the personal stories of the refugees, the challenges they faced during their journey, and their current efforts to integrate and build a future in the Netherlands. The products made by Makers Unite are sold online and will be available in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The article is part of a series that focuses on solutions to the world's problems and encourages readers to suggest other topics to cover.
In The Hague, borrowed bicycles, skateboards, and roller skates knit immigrant communities together. It’s a sunny day in the Schilderswijk neighborhood in the Dutch city of The Hague. A custodian with long dreadlocks stands in front of his Haagse hopje on the Jacob van Campen square.
The companies making bicycles from wood
The article by Thessa Lageman discusses the niche market of wooden bicycles, highlighting companies like Connor Wood Bicycles, Woodster Bikes, and Bough Bikes that specialize in crafting bikes using materials such as ash, oak, and walnut. These bikes are appreciated for their unique design, craftsmanship, and the use of natural materials. Despite challenges such as perceptions of safety and higher costs, these companies have found a customer base that values the bespoke nature of their products. The article also touches on the practical aspects of wooden bikes, such as their durability and the care they require. While the market for wooden bikes is small and growing slowly, the manufacturers are passionate about their products and the sustainable approach to their creation.
Creating a buzz: Using bees to pull people out of poverty
The article discusses a program involving beekeepers where they are allowed to keep the remaining honey produced over a three-year period. After this time, the ownership of the hive, along with all future honey production, is transferred to the beekeepers. This initiative seems to be aimed at supporting beekeepers by providing them with both immediate and long-term benefits from the hives they manage.
The cemetery of the unknown
The article discusses the grim reality faced by Chemseddine Marzoug, a volunteer for the Red Crescent in Zarzis, Tunisia, who assists in burying refugees who have drowned while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea from Libya to Italy. The region has become a cemetery for hundreds of unidentified bodies, with more than 4,400 people reported dead or missing this year alone. Marzoug, who also works as a fisherman and taxi driver, describes the challenges of providing dignified burials and the need for international aid to establish a proper cemetery with an archive and DNA bank for identification purposes. The article also touches on the difficulties faced by local fishermen due to the presence of corpses and the actions of Libyan smugglers.
I worked as a researcher/ fixer for this Dutch documentary about youth in Tunisia in 2016.
Refugees left behind in Tunisia’s desert
The article discusses the plight of refugees in the now-closed Choucha camp in Tunisia. Established by UNHCR in 2011, the camp was shut down in 2013, but around 60 people remain, living in squalid conditions without proper sanitation or support. The refugees, from Chad, Egypt, and Ivory Coast, have faced violence and persecution in their home countries and during Libya's 2011 uprising. Despite the camp's closure, they have nowhere to go, with some suffering from mental health issues and others unable to find work or obtain residency permits in Tunisia. The article highlights the lack of support from both the Tunisian government and UNHCR, with volunteers and NGOs like the Red Crescent and AMERA International providing limited assistance. The refugees hold onto hope for resettlement in Western countries, while their situation remains dire and largely ignored by the international community.
Islamic State fears take hold in Netherlands
In The Hague, Netherlands, three Dutch citizens were arrested for recruiting for the Islamic State (IS) group. The city, known for its international peace and justice stance, has seen rising tensions between radical Muslims and the far-right Pro Patria organization. The suspects, including Azzedine Choukoud, are accused of inciting terrorism and hatred. The Dutch General Intelligence and Security Service reports a few hundred IS followers and several thousand sympathizers in the Netherlands. The Schilderswijk neighborhood, with a high immigrant population, has been a focal point for pro-IS demonstrations, which have been met with counter-demonstrations by Pro Patria. The Dutch government has announced measures to combat religious extremism, including revoking citizenship and preventing the spread of radical information online. Despite the arrests and government actions, there is a spectrum of support for IS among Dutch Muslims, with some condemning and others supporting the group. Upcoming demonstrations against IS are being organized by various groups, including Kurds, Sunni Muslims, and Christian Syrians.
Tunisian winemakers remain upbeat despite concerns
The article discusses the perspective of Ms. Ben Ali, a woman from Tunisia, who despite warnings against speaking to the media, believes it is crucial to demonstrate to the international community that Tunisian women are capable of pursuing the careers they desire. Her statement highlights issues related to women's rights and media freedom in Tunisia, suggesting that there may be societal or governmental pressures that discourage women from engaging with the media.
Could Oman be next domino in Middle East's arc of instability?
The article discusses the return of Sultan Qaboos to Oman after receiving medical treatment and the reactions within the country. It highlights the strategic importance of Oman in the Middle East and touches upon the sensitive topics of the sultan's health and succession, which are not openly discussed by the locals. The piece includes perspectives from Omani activists and dissidents, such as Nabhan Salim al-Hanshi and Khalfan al-Badwawi, who have fled to Britain and advocate for freedom of expression, a new constitution, and a democratic republic. Marc Valeri, an Oman expert from Exeter University, expresses concerns about potential royal family feuds, tribal rivalries, and the impact of the situation in Yemen on Oman's stability. The article also points out Sultan Qaboos' multiple roles in the government and the uncertainty among young Omanis about continuing such a concentration of power.
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