Welcome to Wassenaar Weekly — the English-language news roundup from Wassenaarders.nl, created especially for our international community.
Each week, we bring you short summaries of local stories about village life, events, culture and community. Stay connected with what’s happening in Wassenaar!
Hackshield in the Library: Gaming and Online Safety for Kids
Last Saturday, the Voorschoten–Wassenaar Library hosted “Hackshield in de Bieb”, an event focused on gaming, fun and online safety.
Children played the Hackshield game, challenged local police officers in gaming matches, and tested their skills in a racing simulator.
Experts from Indigo Haaglanden discussed healthy screen use and balance, while author and youth coach Nils Vermeire explained how gaming can positively contribute to children’s development.
The event was organised by the library together with Wassenaar Police, Gro-Up Youth Work, and supported by Fonds Wassenaar and the Friends of the Library Foundation.
Young Heroes Honoured for Rescue in Haven
Charissa, Kay and Lucas received official recognition from Mayor Leendert de Lange and the Royal Society for the Rescue of Drowning Victims for saving a woman from the water on 19 August.
The three teenagers acted immediately when they saw someone struggling near a boat. Kay jumped in to pull her to shore, while Charissa called emergency services.
The mayor praised their quick thinking:
“You didn’t hesitate — you acted. That likely saved a life.”
A fourth bystander who helped will receive an award later this week.
Youth Restaurant Closes Warmly at Me Gusta
The Wassenaar Youth Restaurant said goodbye to its home at Me Gusta with a festive evening of bingo, gifts and dinner.
Founder Emir reflected proudly on years of shared cooking and learning. From January, the project will continue at Restaurant De Baron (Katwijkseweg 7), where young people will meet monthly to cook and eat together.
The group will also become more mobile, visiting schools and youth centres to organise cooking activities for others — including unaccompanied minor refugees.
Fun fact: Wassenaar’s Youth Restaurant was the first of its kind in the Netherlands!
Grannies’ Christmas Tree to Be Unveiled December 6
On Saturday, 6 December at 13:30, the Grannies’ Christmas Tree will be unveiled in the library by Mayor Leendert de Lange.
Over 30 volunteers spent months crocheting 2,000 colourful “grannies” (small crochet squares) to create a 2.75-metre tree.
The project celebrates unity and connection during the holiday season.
Visitors can also join a small contest by guessing the hidden slogan in the tree — prizes await! The tree will remain on display until Epiphany (6 January).
Youth Workers Promote Respect Week
During Respect Week, local youth workers visited the Adelbert College and Rijnlands Lyceum to discuss what “respect” means in daily life.
Students reflected on questions such as:
Can you disagree with someone and still respect them? and Is it disrespectful to check your phone during a conversation?
Winners received “Respect Awards” and themed gifts.
The campaign, supported by the Respect Foundation, shows that Wassenaar is truly a Respect Municipality.
Follow the youth team on Instagram: @jongerenwerk_wassenaar
Stabbing Incident on Cornelis de Wittstraat
On Wednesday morning, a stabbing occurred inside a home on Cornelis de Wittstraat.
Police arrested a suspect at the scene, and the victim was transported to hospital. The investigation is ongoing.
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