At some schools it has become awkward to discuss the Second World War. Many Islamic pupils find it difficult to differentiate between the Second World War’s history and the current problems in the Middle-East. Their strong identification with the fate of the Palestinian people regularly leads to anti-Semitism and intolerance. Diversion developed: The Second World War in perspective for these pupils. Jewish and Islamic peer educators join in giving project-based lessons about the Second World War and the Israel-Palestine conflict. By joining forces they can explain not only the background and differences yet also demonstrate that despite their differing backgrounds they can work together successfully. This turns these youths into genuine role models.

‘Breezer sex’ (sexual favours in exchange for drinks etc.), homophobia and ‘loverboys’ (young men who seduce girls and lure them into prostitution). While these subjects fill the newspapers, they are nevertheless still difficult topics to discuss openly with youngsters. That is especially true for mixed schools where multicultural and religious pupils have divergent sexual opinions and behaviour. Many find it completely taboo and therefore impossible to discuss due to their cultural background. In All About Sex peer educators will discuss sexuality and relationships with secondary school pupils. Rutgers WPF and Diversion have developed an educational project designed to gain new insights into and respect for different views, norms and values surrounding sexuality. The youths will also learn to consider their own views, make their own choices and to respect those of another.

How do you make a museum interesting to youngsters and how do you use their ideas and insights? Together with the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, Diversion has answered those questions with the project: Eye-openers. By offering 15 students special part-time jobs at the museum each year, the youngsters become part of the organisation. With their ‘fresh’ perspective on art, the Eye-openers give guided tours, advise the museum and organise events and activities for their peers. Interpreting art from their own experiences, knowledge and with their own associations, the Eye-openers make the Museum more accessible to other youngsters and in turn teach the Museum to see itself in a new light.

A survey by the Service Punt Emancipation (SPE) shows that female emancipation remains a topical theme.
Only 24% of all Turkish and Moroccan women in Amsterdam between the ages of 25 and 34 are financially independent. Women find themselves in poverty more frequently and for longer periods than men. There are around a hundred women’s organisations in Amsterdam active in improving this situation. The SPE was established to support these organisations through professionalism, networking and organisation. The Organisation Consultancy Van de Bunt and Diversion have developed this project and have been given executive responsibility by the Municipality of Amsterdam.

Diversion likes to work with companies that pursue a social mission. Examples of these include the project developers Blauwhoed Vastgoed and AMVEST for whom Diversion acts as social broker. We have developed a social vision for the re-development of old silos in Amsterdam’s’ new-build district of Zeeburgereiland with various commercial, social and cultural organisations. These buildings’ social function was of fundamental importance. Diversion selected working partners for Blauwhoed Vastgoed and AMVEST and guided their creative sessions, enabling the organisations to create a joint vision.

New York and Amsterdam share more than just history; both cities are characterised by creativity, diversity and entrepreneurship. Diversion partnered up with P!oneers, an initiative by Felix Meritis, to be involved in a one-day public event held during the so-called ‘Hudson year’, in honour of Amsterdam and New York’s four-hundred-year relationship. Contemporary pioneers from various areas of society shared their inspiration and power to produce change with the visitors during a festive, varied program of talk shows, performances and workshops. Famous and up-and-coming talent from both New York and Amsterdam shared their visions of the future. The program included readings by Roger Cohen from the New York Times on politics and media and by the political motivator Jeff Johnson on the influence of hip-hop. There were also performances from pEp and The Tunes, Streetlab Live and Boom Chicago.

The Municipality of Amsterdam places great importance on the development of children’s social skills, language and their ability to play together. One of the places that children aged between two-and-a-half and six can learn these skills is at pre-school. The Municipality of Amsterdam and its boroughs, developed a city-wide campaign to increase the awareness of pre-schools, to inform parents and enable them to visit a local pre-school. Diversion developed a PR-strategy for the joint boroughs of Amsterdam called the Day of the Pre-school. This comprised of a visual campaign and the Pre-school Brigade: a team of parents that supplied information on pre-schools at various locations in the city.

The Amsterdam 4 and 5 May Committee wants to broaden and improve its activities over the coming years. It also seeks to rejuvenate and enrich its target audience. Diversion is using its knowledge and networks to advise and support the committee. Many of the activities on the 4th and 5th of May are organised by enthusiastic volunteers and district committees. Diversion researched as to how the Amsterdam 4 and 5 May Committee could best support these individuals in the future. In cooperation, we organised various activities, from a debate on the freedom of expression with 100 youngsters, to the workshop: Create art without freedom. We also assisted in turning the annual Silent Procession (from the Museumplein to the National Monument of Remembrance at the Dam) into a valid tradition for all the people of Amsterdam.