Lakiescha grew up in Amsterdam and has Surinamese roots. Her upbringing and experiences have given her a strong sense of the importance of diversity, inclusion and equality. At the age of 13, her mother is already taking her to protests against racism. ‘At home, we never celebrated Sinterklaas because of Zwarte Piet’. In a gap year after high school, she and two others founded the Zetje In foundation, which fights racism and discrimination in the Dutch education system.

You are a co-founder of the Zetje In foundation. What exactly do you do?

‘Stichting Zetje In develops teaching materials for primary and secondary schools against racism and discrimination. We also advise, for example, the municipality of Amsterdam and the Ministry of Education. The foundation consists of education professionals and experts in racism, discrimination, inclusion and diversity. We help teachers discuss these topics. For example, we have an annual calendar that lists days or periods such as Ramadan, Holi, Week of Respect, Purple Friday or the Week against Racism, with corresponding work forms. With young children, the focus is mainly on getting to know all cultures in society; what are the differences and similarities? And with teenagers, it is more about what racism and discrimination is and how it reflects in politics and institutions.’

How did Zetje In come into being?

‘Actually, through an Instagram story. I know Veronikva Vygon and Sohna Sumbunu from the St. Nicolaaslyceum High School in Amsterdam. At the peak of the Black Lives Matter Movement and just after George Floyd’s death, all three of us shared an Instastory about how no one is born a racist, but that this behaviour is learned. And that you can, therefore, unlearn it in your upbringing as well as in your education.

The three of us then set up a citizens’ initiative to make racism and discrimination compulsory subjects in primary and secondary schools in the Netherlands. This initiative is a kind of petition that could put more pressure on the Lower House. The initiative went rock-solid and sparked a social movement. We already had 60,000 signatures in two weeks, whereas you need 40,000 to submit a citizens’ initiative to the Lower House. The petition received so much media attention that a motion was tabled. The motion was passed with 125 out of 150 votes in favour.’

What motivates you to get involved in this?

‘I see in my environment that things are not fair. I want to change that so everyone has equal opportunities and is treated equally, regardless of what you look like, what colour your skin is, who you like, etc. Others doing similar work motivate me, such as the people behind Kick Out Zwarte Piet. Despite all the nasty things thrown at them, they continue what they do. I find that cool and inspiring.’

Is it sometimes difficult?

‘Yes, you wish ideally that this work wasn’t necessary. Looking back, it feels crooked that, as a 19-year-old, I had to point out what was missing in education to the government. You are dealing with issues that affect you emotionally, and that makes it tough. I have cried at times because I was so overworked. It’s important to pay attention to your own ‘peace of mind’ when you do this kind of thing.’

Do you have any tips for fellow students?

‘Make a good schedule and don’t forget to schedule me-time. In terms of mental health, talk about it with people around you. It’s cliché, but listen to yourself and ensure you don’t get overworked.’

What is your dream for the future?

‘I want to do something with human rights. I don’t know if I wish to litigate myself or take on a more advisory role. I sometimes talk with friends about setting up our human rights law firm later.

For inspiration, I now follow organisations working on human rights, such as Bureau Clara Wichmann and law firm Prakken d’Oliveira. The PILP foundation (formerly Public Interest Litigation Project, ed.) is my favourite. That is a collective of lawyers and legal scholars who focus on human rights in the Netherlands. Their way of working is incredibly cool because they deal with Movement Lawyering. They focus more on initiating a social movement and working together than giving advice. They assist groups and provide them with autonomy. That is my dream job!’