Culture is everywhere, from the streets to the workplace to behind our front doors. It influences our clothing, art, music, food and even our interactions with each other. Symbols, heroes and rituals give us hints about how people function in a society. Swiss psychologist Carl Jung stated, “Anything that irritates us in another can help us understand ourselves better.” How does someone on the outside see us? Who are we essentially? Our mental heritage determines how we interpret words, phrases and stories. We look through our own cultural glasses. <\/p>\n\n
Cultural differences really become noticeable when they clash, when they are diametrically opposed. This can lead to discomfort, misunderstandings and even polarization. Not because people are unwilling, but because more and more divisions are sown. This is why the Connect2Us Foundation’s aim is to help everyone, especially children, engage in conversation and guard against prejudice. <\/p>\n\n
Connect2Us has completed project Empathy Land and is now focused on maintaining the platform and publishing stories that fuel dialogue about intercultural communication. President Jan Vincent Meertens and volunteer Divya Susan Varkey are writing a book based on the stories also used at Connect2Us. The publicity surrounding that book could have a positive impact on the Foundation’s reputation. <\/p>\n\n
In 2025, an important step was taken in the financial health of the Foundation: the subordinated loan of \u20ac 7,000 was converted into a donation for \u20ac 6,000. The remaining amount of \u20ac 1,500 remains as a subordinated loan. This structurally strengthens the equity position. <\/p>\n\n
On behalf of the board,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n Jan Vincent Meertens<\/strong><\/p>\n\n President<\/p>\n\n Amsterdam, May 2026On behalf of the board, Jan Vincent Meertens<\/p>\n\n President<\/p>\n\n May 2026<\/p>\n\n