Radio Naija Podcast

Unlocking Opportunities Through Social Cooperatives | Frank Verheul

In this insightful episode, we explore how social cooperatives are reshaping the future of work and inclusion in the Netherlands. Hosted by Rev. Larry Dorkenoo on Radio Naija, this conversation dives into innovative ways individuals—especially those facing barriers in the traditional job market—can transform their skills, talents, and ideas into sustainable income and meaningful participation in society.
Our guest, Frank Verheul from LaNSCO, shares practical insights into how these cooperatives function, who they are for, and why they are gaining traction across communities.
 In this episode, you will discover:
What social cooperatives are and how they work
How people can earn income while maintaining stability
Real-life impact stories and lessons learned
Opportunities for migrants, youth, and community groups
How this model can be applied in areas like Amsterdam Zuidoost
Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a community leader, or simply looking for new pathways to growth and independence, this episode offers inspiration and practical direction.
Listen to discover how communities are building their own opportunities—together.
 

Meet the Academic Women of Southeast

In this engaging episode of Radio Voice of Naija, we shine a spotlight on a powerful and inspiring initiative—Academic Women of Southeast. Hosted by Rev. Dr. Helen, this conversation brings together dynamic women who are using their academic knowledge, lived experiences, and community insight to reshape the narrative of Amsterdam Southeast.
Meet Evelyn Pierre-Dumfries and Rita, two passionate voices representing a growing network of educated women determined to move beyond stereotypes and highlight solutions to real community challenges. From youth development and education to mental health, church involvement, and policy influence, these women explore how local knowledge and academic expertise can drive meaningful change.
This episode challenges the dominant narrative of Southeast as a place of problems, instead presenting it as a community rich in talent, resilience, and untapped potential. It calls on women—especially those with academic backgrounds—to step forward, make their voices heard, and contribute to building a stronger, more inclusive society.
🎧 Tune in, be inspired, and discover how collective knowledge and grassroots action can transform communities from within.
Key Themes:
Empowering academic women in Amsterdam Southeast
Community-led solutions vs external interventions
The role of churches and informal structures in social development
Youth empowerment, education, and tackling stigma
Women’s leadership in shaping policy and society

Debate: 2026 Local Elections - The Final Face-Off

As Amsterdam approaches the 2026 Local Elections, this special episode brings together political voices and community perspectives in an important civic conversation about the future of the city.
Hosted by Revs. Larry & HelenRuth Dorkenoo on Radio Voice of Naija, this live debate features representatives from multiple political parties discussing the issues that matter most to residents — including housing, social cohesion, economic opportunity, youth development, and migrant inclusion.
In this episode, candidates share their visions for Amsterdam and respond to key questions affecting diverse communities across the city.
Featuring representatives from:
• BIJ1• DENK• ChristenUnie• ELLECT
This discussion offers listeners an opportunity to hear different viewpoints, understand policy priorities, and engage with the democratic process ahead of the elections.
Whether you are a long-time voter or participating in local elections for the first time, this debate aims to inform, inspire, and encourage civic participation.
Your voice matters. Your vote matters.
About the Show
Radio Voice of Naija is Amsterdam’s migrant-focused radio platform dedicated to information, empowerment, and education. Through community dialogue, interviews, and public debates, the programme connects diverse communities with important social and political conversations.

What Is At Stake in 2026 Amsterdam Local Elections? Three Parties Face Off.

Good morning and welcome to Radio Naija.
You’re tuned in to our special civic dialogue programme as we look ahead to the 18 March 2026 Municipal and Local Council Elections here in the Netherlands.
Today’s conversation is about representation, values, and the choices facing voters at the local district and the municipal levels. We’ll be exploring how the different political parties intend ti respond to the realities of our communities, especially issues of inclusion, social justice, faith, governance, and everyday living.
I’m pleased to welcome our guests this morning:
Tim Kuijsten, representing ChristenUnie,
Apostle Joan Amoah, representing ELLECT,
and Michantely Lisse, representing DENK.
Thank you all for joining us and for taking the time to engage in this important discussion. We look forward to an open, respectful, and informative conversation that helps listeners better understand the choices before them.

Vote Tim Areago, Volt Party Candidate for Dutch Parliament

This morning a quick introductory interview was scheduled on Radio Naija with Tim Areago, a Dutch parliament candidate of Nigerian and Dutch origin.
He shared his views on some of the topical issues driving this year's election, as well as what he intends to advocate for his migrant relatives.
Tim is vying for the Volt party (#14) and he is number 25 on his party's list.
We wish Tim well!

Changing the Game: From Fair Trade to Equal Trade

In this show we will be exploring a question that affects us all, whether we live here in the Netherlands, in Africa or everywhere else across the globe: why do the people who grow our cocoa, coffee, and tea still remain poor — while the final products sell for billions in Europe?
Our guests in the show will be representing the Equal Trade Alliance, an international movement calling for a new way of doing business — one where African farmers and producers don’t just supply raw materials, but share ownership and revenue across the entire value chain.

2025 Election Debate for Dutch Parliament (Christen Unie, DENK and Ellect Parties)

For the upcoming Dutch parliamentaryelections, we invited candidates of three political parties  to rub minds together on the core election issues; they were the ChristenUnie, DENK, and Ellect parties.
In intention was to give the candidates an opportunity to clarify their party’s stance on various topics, but also for them to do a brief, last-minute pitch to potential voters.
Enjoy the interaction and please share!

The Congo Story - Under the microscope Part 1of 2

On this special programme, we are focusing our attention to the heart of Africa — the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 
For nearly three decades, the DRC has been caught in a cycle of war that has claimed millions of lives, displaced entire communities, and shaken the region. This is not a distant story — it’s a crisis with global implications, touching our economies, our security, and our shared humanity.
In this programme we will be examining the beginnings and the progression of this unfortunate war at the heart of Africa.
 
Our guests are Gaetan Mbwete and Ewing Salumu; both have Congolese origins, live in the Netherlands and actively involved and concerned about DRC affairs.

The Congo Story - Under the microscope - Part 2 of 2

On this special programme, we are focusing our attention to the heart of Africa — the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 
For nearly three decades, the DRC has been caught in a cycle of war that has claimed millions of lives, displaced entire communities, and shaken the region. This is not a distant story — it’s a crisis with global implications, touching our economies, our security, and our shared humanity.
In this programme we will be examining the beginnings and the progression of this unfortunate war at the heart of Africa.
 
Our guests are Gaetan Mbwete and Ewing Salumu; both have Congolese origins, live in the Netherlands and actively involved and concerned about DRC affairs.

Exploratory Interview About Lemba Jews in Africa

I found out about the Lemba Jews purely by chance one time while browsing the internet. I was so intrigued by the discovery that I proceeded to read a little but more about them.
Today, however, we will be speaking with a Lemba Jew in person, to learn more about their history, identity and faith. The Lemba people are an African community with a unique and often overlooked
Jewish heritage.
The aim of this talk is to also shed light on their cultural practices, oral traditions, and their connection with their own communities and relation to their broader Jewish and African identities.
Our guest today is Rev. Dr. Thothoma Msizi Dube-Sadiki is a prominent figure within the Lemba Jewish community,
serving in leadership roles and contributing significantly to their cultural and religious life. In addition to his leadership, he is a psychotherapist and system (family) therapist, bringing a comprehensive approach to his work within the community.
Recently, Bishop Dr. MMS Dube was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humanitarian Leadership, recognizing his dedication to humanitarian efforts.