The Pancake Method: Social Innovation and Young People in Europe’s Cities

Abstract

It’s early evening, and Alicia, a young woman of Columbian descent, walks into a communal yard space in one of Rotterdam’s toughest neighbourhoods. She’s an outsider; so all eyes are upon her. From her bag she starts unpacking items – a small stove, an omelet pan and a wooden spoon. Then she crouches and starts setting things up. The young people hanging around the space wonder what she’s up to. Other kids appear, as word gets round that something’s happening – or about to happen. Slowly, kids gather round her – one, two, and then a little group – to find out what’s going on.

Alicia speaks while she fiddles with the stove, explaining that she’s going to make some pancakes. She doesn’t say why pancakes – or why there – she just chats while getting on with her business. But she seems to have forgotten some key ingredients. Eggs, for example. How is she going to make pancakes without any eggs? A young boy offers to go and get a few eggs. And no flour either? Another kid offers to get flour. While passing the time Alicia tells them her story. She’s from another neighbourhood, tough like this one, but on the other side of town. One thing leads to another and after an hour they’ve flipped pancakes together and established a bit of rapport.