During this second edition of Movie & Debate we will focus on the strength of diaspora projects. A positive aspect of migration that is often overlooked.

Knowledge and experience from diaspora experts have a significant influence on the growth and development of their country of origin. That prompted the IOM Netherlands to set up the project Connecting Diaspora for Development. But what are the necessary conditions for succesfull diaspora development projects. What do they encounter? And how can they be supported best?

We will discuss this with several experts in a panel discussion, led by Georgina Kwakye. First we will watch the short documentary ‘When I’m there‘ from Marjolein Veldman.

About the documentary

‘When I’m there’ highlights the positive contributions migrants make to their countries of origin. Meet Amar, Saïda and Gyzlene. Born in Morocco but citizens in the Netherlands. All of them are trying to make a change in their country of origin. The documentary explores the driving forces behind their projects. What are they achieving, and how? Is their local knowledge about Morocco helping them? Do they speak the same language? How can they be sure to address the real needs of the populations? The film is about connecting with others, feeling at home and the search for identity.

About the speakers

Moderator is Georgina Kwakye. She is the founder of Pimp my Village, a crowdfunding platform that supports migrants in setting up development projects in their countries of origin. She is also founder of Foundation Ghanasi, that supports development projects in Ghana. The general public knows Kwakye as an actrice in the famous Dutch soap GTST and as presentator for MTV.

About this program

Through Movie & Debate, IOM the Netherlands wants to discuss different aspects of migration by using film. There is a panel discussion with experts after each screening.

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