The broad consultation group Kleine Villages (Bokd) today has been in existence for 50 years. Since 1975, the organization has been committed to the liveability of villages and village houses in Drenthe.
With a network of 245 villages and village houses, the Bokd forms an important link in supporting local initiatives.
De Bokd once started in Tiendeveen as an organization that stood up for villagers, at a time when the government focused primarily on housing in urban areas. That village power and involvement are still central to the work of the Bokd: “We support villages in plans to keep young people in the village, for example, or to keep the facilities up to date,” says Mariska Nauta of the Bokd. “Not every village always needs help, but we are there if so.”
The organization not only helps villages by giving advice, but also by bringing residents into contact with each other.
The members of the Bokd consist of village interest associations and village houses spread throughout Drenthe. Although the focus is in the countryside, there are also some neighborhood centers in cities such as Hoogeveen and Assen. “In essence, they work just like village houses: they play an important role in liveability, meeting and volunteering. That’s why they belong to us,” said Nauta.
De Bokd works from the principle that plans and initiatives must come from the villages themselves. The organization supports them by giving advice and bringing villagers into contact with each other. “The power is in the small cores. We facilitate that villages help each other and learn from each other,” Nauta explains.
This is done, for example, by looking together how a village can organize itself around an issue, such as keeping the village attractive for young people. “We look from below how we can make and implement plans together, so that it is widely worn in the village.”
Looking back on 50 years also means looking ahead. De Bokd sees important challenges, such as digitization and aging. “Society is becoming increasingly individual, so we have to do our best to connect people,” Nauta explains. “We want to keep young people in the villages and ensure that villages remain strong.”
Although the official birthday is today, the Bokd celebrates the anniversary on 28 February in Tiendeveen, where the organization once started. It promises to be a festive day, with an exhibition about the history and future of Drenthe villages and a performance by singer Martijje.
“It will be a special moment to look back together and look ahead,” says Nauta. “On to the next 50 years!”