Gianni da Costa, a 40-year-old community worker for the Protestant diaconate in Amsterdam, dedicates his life to supporting undocumented people, particularly children, and advocates for their rights and access to education. He runs the Giving Back Projects weekend school, reaching 150 children without residence permits, offering them a positive message: their status is an experience, not their identity.

Da Costa’s commitment stems from his personal experiences and faith. Originally from Angola, where he developed a sense of community and a desire to help those in need, he moved to the Netherlands at 17. After a heartbreak led him to religion, he felt a growing desire to practice his faith and became a diaconal community worker.

He became involved with undocumented people through a Brazilian church in Amsterdam, tutoring children with problems at school. He emphasizes the importance of education for these children, who face discrimination and limited opportunities due to their status. He actively works to combat the criminalization of aid to illegal immigrants and advocates for policies that support undocumented people, particularly the right to education after they turn 18.

Da Costa joined the ChristenUnie party to influence decisions impacting the people he serves and is outraged by the attitude of Dutch people towards undocumented individuals. He believes the municipality should provide more support, as these individuals are present and contribute to the city. Despite challenges in securing funding for his weekend school, Da Costa remains committed to his ideals, hoping to continue providing education and support to undocumented youth, ensuring they are seen, heard, and appreciated.