Audio fragment: From necessity to pride
This audio fragment is part of the Waalwijk Leather Route.
Grandad: In the 1960s, the demand for cheap labour grew. Migrant workers from Southern Europe, former Yugoslavia, Turkey and Morocco were brought to the Netherlands specially. We were extremely happy with their help in the tanneries and a multicultural society emerged in Waalwijk.
Sanne: Aha. You do still see many different people for such a small city as Waalwijk. That must have taken some getting used to for both the people here as well as for them, I should imagine.
Grandad: Absolutely, but it was a wonderful time! Although, many people did this work out of necessity, we do look back on it fondly. That leather is part of who we are. I learned the profession from my father, and he learned from his father. My Grandfather always used to joke, ‘Shoemaker, stick to your last’. I am proud of our past and look towards the future… to you. Do you know what you want to do?
Sanne: I 
Grandad: In the 1960s, the demand for cheap labour grew. Migrant workers from Southern Europe, former Yugoslavia, Turkey and Morocco were brought to the Netherlands specially. We were extremely happy with their help in the tanneries and a multicultural society emerged in Waalwijk.
Sanne: Aha. You do still see many different people for such a small city as Waalwijk. That must have taken some getting used to for both the people here as well as for them, I should imagine.
Grandad: Absolutely, but it was a wonderful time! Although, many people did this work out of necessity, we do look back on it fondly. That leather is part of who we are. I learned the profession from my father, and he learned from his father. My Grandfather always used to joke, ‘Shoemaker, stick to your last’. I am proud of our past and look towards the future… to you. Do you know what you want to do?
Sanne: I’ve got plenty of ideas for my assignment now. But the future…? Well, I think it would be great to design shoes but then sustainable ones. Also, for the workers. Then will we able to enjoy them for a long time. Thank you, Grandad.