Students speak at Freedom Lunch dsm-firmenich

May 6, 2026

Every year on 5 May, the Netherlands marks Liberation Day, commemorating the country’s liberation at the end of the Second World War and reflecting on the importance of freedom, democracy and human rights. Across the country, ‘Freedom Lunches’ bring people together to share stories and perspectives around these themes.

As part of this year’s celebrations, two students from UWC Maastricht, Lluis from Spain and Hasiba from Afghanistan, took part in the Freedom Lunch organised by dsm-firmenich in Maastricht. During the event, attended by around 200 employees, they shared personal reflections on what freedom means to them and how their experiences at UWC Maastricht have shaped their perspectives. The students also spoke alongside the Mayor Hillenaar of Maastricht, pictured here with Lluis and Hasiba, highlighting the connection between local and international communities.

UWC Maastricht is grateful to dsm-firmenich, one of the school’s valued partners and sponsors, for the invitation and continued support in creating meaningful opportunities for students inside and out of the classroom.