"I was born and raised in the Basque Country, in northern Spain. I came to Utrecht 3 years ago with my partner to study, and since then I've been involved in different cultural and political projects in Utrecht and Amsterdam. It's been beautiful to get to know De Voorkamer to sense the beautiful creative community in Utrecht. I love connecting through music, dance, and storytelling, and I sing in a choir where people from all over the world meet by singing in each other's mother tongues. With a background in Psychology and Politics, I view migration from these two lenses: migrating moves us deeply while also shaking up our position in the world. Migration is an experience that raises questions of belonging, violence, rootedness, privilege, and identity, and I'm so glad I can explore these with you through the stories of Lombok's neighbors."
"I was born and raised in Egypt, where I studied biotechnology. About three years ago, I moved to Utrecht to start a PhD focusing on breast cancer. I have always been busy with volunteer work which first brought me to the Voorkamer as Arabic language coach and community dinner coordinator. My interest around topics around migration and cultural exchange further brought me to the Migrantour Utrecht. In my role as Intercultural Companion I seek dialogue with the participants, share my experience and knowledge in a meaningful way, and connect to lots of different people."
"I’m Anas, a storyteller from Syria. Nine years ago, I came to the Netherlands as a refugee, an experience that has profoundly shaped my passion for storytelling. I firmly believe that the best way to truly understand someone is through their stories—the tales of their life. My love for reading and listening to podcasts keeps me continually immersed in the world of narratives. Through storytelling, I aim to share the richness of life, resilience, and the shared human experience, inviting you to know me, and others, one story at a time."
"A West Asian and a Dutch passport since 2024, Anthony has lived through war, migration, and reinvention. With a background in international business, music, and a deep passion for justice, he uses his story to connect people across cultures. After years of working in corporate leadership roles, he now dedicates part of his time to grassroots activism, refugee rights, and community storytelling. His tours are personal, political, and bridging history with lived experience to challenge borders, both physical and mental."