News
June 30, 2026
Unheard Stories from Middelburg is a podcast series by Jacomien Kodde in which she shares places, stories, and people that give the city its character. The latest episode explores Middelburg as a welcoming city and shines a spotlight on the work of Shelter City Middelburg.
In the episode, Niels Janssen, coordinator of Shelter City Middelburg, explains the role of the municipality in supporting the temporary relocation of human rights defenders. Volunteers from Stichting Present share how they prepare for the arrival of each guest, and how simple touches such as flowers in the apartment creates a welcoming environment.
The episode concludes with an interview with Wangechi, a civil rights defender from Kenya and the most recent Shelter City Middelburg guest. Her important work focuses on documenting and responding to violence during peaceful protests, particularly by supporting young people who experienced police brutality during their activism. She reflects on her time in Middelburg:
“In the busy lives that we hold, when we’re running around, at times we need to just breathe in and breathe out… The beauty and warmth of the people of Middelburg. I have experienced such tremendous love. I never expected it when I came in, I didn’t know anybody, but I came here and I can tell you I have made wonderful friends. People have opened up their homes for me… It’s just incredible.”
You can listen to the whole episode (in Dutch) here: ONGEHOORDE VERHALEN uit Middelburg