Gianni da Costa, a 40-year-old community worker in Amsterdam, dedicates his life to supporting undocumented people, particularly children, and advocates for their rights and inclusion in Dutch society. He runs a weekend school called Giving Back Projects, which serves 150 children without residence permits, providing them with education and a sense of belonging. Da Costa’s work faces funding challenges despite recognition from the municipality.

Da Costa’s commitment stems from his own experiences and a desire to help those in vulnerable positions. Originally from Angola, where he experienced a strong sense of community and shared resources with neighbors, he moved to the Netherlands at 17 with his brothers to pursue education. A personal heartbreak led him to find solace and purpose in religion, eventually leading him to work with the Protestant diaconate.

He became involved with undocumented people through a Brazilian church in Amsterdam, where he met many Brazilian women working as cleaners. He began tutoring their children and quickly realized the need for support within this community. Da Costa emphasizes the importance of instilling a sense of identity and worth in these children, reminding them that their undocumented status is an experience, not their defining characteristic.

Da Costa is politically active with the ChristenUnie, advocating for the municipality to take responsibility for undocumented people. He expresses outrage at the Dutch attitude towards undocumented individuals, particularly the denial of education after the age of 18, which he believes can lead to crime and exploitation. He celebrates the 2022 covenant in Amsterdam that allows undocumented people to pursue higher education.

He criticizes the municipality’s argument that the parents “chose this” situation, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding. He highlights the plight of women who seek safety in the Netherlands from violence in Brazil, only to be denied asylum because Brazil is considered a safe country by Dutch authorities. He was deeply troubled by the political proposal to criminalize aid to illegal immigrants, viewing it as a criminalization of core societal values like solidarity and mutual support.

Da Costa hopes to secure funding for his weekend school, which faces constant financial uncertainty. He is determined to continue his work, ensuring that undocumented young people are seen, heard, and valued in Dutch society.