Anu Soerjoesing (16) and Govert van de Velde (13) are the new Young City Poets of The Hague. The winning poems ‘I know’ and ‘What is The Hague or rather who is The Hague’ were chosen as the winners during the final and they may call themselves the Young City Poets of The Hague in 2025. This is the first time The Hague has had two Young City Poets.
‘We are impressed by the wonderful poetry and performances of the finalists. They described and experienced their city of The Hague in many different ways. Everything came through: charming, funny, vulnerable and engaging. We chose two winners because they complemented each other beautifully.’ said the jury.
The final of the secondary school competition took place on last month on National Poetry Day in the Central Library. Sam Hermans, director of The Hague Library, kicked off the event. Programme maker and writer Splinter Chabot presented the event. The winners were chosen by an expert jury consisting of Amara van der Elst and Mahat Arab, chaired by Poet Laureate Babs Gons.
The eight finalists recited their poems during the finals. Over the past period, they visited the Back Street exhibition and, under the guidance of Huis van Gedichten, wrote their work. The Young City Poet of 2024, Adelina Ignat, was present to pass the baton to Anu Soerjoesing, pupil of Gymnasium Haganum, and Govert van de Velde, pupil of Maris Belgian Park. The meeting was framed musically by Nikki Szofia and Scout.
Municipality of The Hague, Library of The Hague, Huis van Gedichten and the Literatuurmuseum/Kinderboekenmuseum want to give a stage to the voice of young people from The Hague with this initiative. In the coming year, young poets will be given the floor at important and current events in The Hague. This way, she inspires children and young people to be more engaged with language and creates a connection in the city. Among other things, Adelina performed at the Hague Literature Awards, the presentation of the Kartini Prize on International Women’s Day and Stichting Taal aan Zee with the Hague city artist
The Young City Poets will make themselves heard more often throughout the rest of the year, including on Liberation Day. For current poems and events, keep an eye on https://www.bibliotheekdenhaag.nl and https://www.huisvangedichten.nl/ and follow the Young City Poets on Instagram: @jongestadsdichter070.
Featured photo: : From left to right Splinter Chabot, Anu Soerjoesing, Govert van de Velde and Babs Gons, photographer Martijn Beekman.