Historian and author Astrid Sy, currently serving as the Children's Book Ambassador, advocates for reading aloud from infancy to establish a continuous reading line. She emphasizes starting with newborns and shares her personal experience of reading to her sons since they were two days old. Sy is also preparing two new manuscripts: one about childhood memories in Finland and another on slavery inspired by her research in South Carolina. The 72nd Children's Book Week, themed 'Spot On!', runs from September 30 to October 11, featuring the book 'Back to the Shoe Tree' by Milouska Meulens.
Award-winning author Sjoerd Kuyper, known for Het zakmes, has died at age 74. He began writing children's books only after his own son and daughter were born and stated he would never stop writing them.
The debate over school dress codes is intensifying, with some institutions banning items like jogging pants, tracksuits, and crop tops. This article invites readers to participate in a survey via the Praat Mee Panel to share their opinions on whether students should have freedom in attire or if clear rules and uniforms are beneficial. The goal is to gather a comprehensive view on balancing self-expression with creating a pleasant and safe learning environment. Results from this reader poll and an opinion panel will be published next week.
A recent PISA study suggested Dutch 15-year-olds show low interest in environmental issues, but researcher Martina Meelissen from the University of Twente clarifies that students actually possess good knowledge and rank in the top tier globally. The data indicates a significant mismatch where Dutch youth score lowest in the EU regarding involvement and belief in their ability to effect change, despite high concern levels found in other research. Media reports misinterpreted these scores as disinterest, whereas the findings highlight a gap between knowing about environmental problems and taking action rather than a lack of care or awareness.
Bzzzonder daycare in Amersfoort reopened its doors today after being closed by the GGD last week due to a mouse infestation that displaced 225 children. Staff and contractors cleaned the facility and sealed gaps, while an independent party verified compliance with safety standards. Director Esther Buitelaar noted that parents were understanding during the closure, which allowed families to cope with childcare challenges. The GGD confirmed that all hygiene and structural issues have been resolved, allowing children to safely return to the Parkhuis location.
The Council of State has annulled approximately €470,000 in fines imposed on thirteen educational institutions by the former Minister of Education, ruling that the education inspectorate failed to provide sufficient evidence to support its findings. The court determined that the inspectorate did not substantiate claims regarding misleading student information or the unauthorized use of protected master degree titles on diplomas. Consequently, the penalties levied in June 2023 against institutions including NCOI, LOI, and Markus Verbeek Praehep were dismissed because the minister could not concretely specify what was wrong or how it had been improved.
Thirteen educational institutions accused of misleading students about the degree they could obtain will not have to pay about 450,000 euros in fines, as investigators handling the case failed to t
Research by Utrecht University and the Trimbos Institute shows that acceptance of homosexuality among secondary school students has declined significantly over the past four years. Homosexual couples face increased verbal harassment, prompting questions about whether schools should implement stricter measures against homophobia.
An opinion piece critiques Prime Minister Jetten's justification for using AI, arguing that generative technology alters not only work processes but also individuals themselves, potentially for the worse. The author challenges the notion that AI is merely a helpful tool by citing teachers' perspectives, questioning why students should be encouraged to think critically when political leadership fails to do so.
The second cohort of the Jong Parool Panel began this Tuesday, consisting of sixteen Amsterdam secondary school students serving as junior editors for Het Parool. Throughout the school year, these young journalists will report on events they encounter in the city and write articles about current affairs.
An additional 115 practical schools in the Netherlands will receive subsidies this year to help students with limited financial means, following a successful pilot program involving 25 schools last academic year. The funding allows schools to cover costs for essential items such as work shoes, bicycles, or stage requirements, enabling some students to obtain their diplomas. Rian Bous, a stage coordinator at De Bolster school in Groningen, highlighted the budget's impact, noting it enabled the immediate provision of an electric bicycle for a student with physical limitations who could not afford public transport. The subsidy is funded by the Youth Education Fund in collaboration with the Sector Council for Practical Education and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment. A spokesperson stated that at least half of all practical school students grow up in relative poverty, where small expenses like glasses or transit cards can become significant obstacles. While other secondary schools also face challenges regarding laptop access, existing aid systems often cause shame among parents.
Teacher Siep de Haan argues that schools must take action to maintain an open and tolerant learning climate following research showing declining acceptance of LGBTI persons among youth. A study by the University of Amsterdam and Trimbos Institute reveals that only 22.3% of boys and 51.3% of girls hold positive views toward LGBTI individuals. De Haan calls for concrete measures, including enforcing anti-discrimination rules, teaching respect and diversity, and addressing online bullying to ensure safe environments for all students.
A teacher in Groningen shares a humorous classroom anecdote where students confuse the noun 'sea' with the verb form, leading to a joke about Brabant dialect. The piece highlights the continuity of student reactions and grammatical challenges despite the change in location from Brabant to Groningen.
Recent PISA research shows that Dutch teenagers are reading less effectively, with four in ten fifteen-year-olds failing to meet basic literacy levels. Children's authors like Kevin Hassing, Anna Woltz, and Rima Orie adapt their writing styles to maintain young readers' attention by using shorter narratives, engaging openings, and serious themes relevant to teens. These strategies aim to counteract the pull of digital screens and improve literacy outcomes among youth.
Despite mobile phone bans in Dutch primary schools, online bullying remains prevalent, with experts noting it is often more severe than offline harassment due to its permanence and lack of supervision. Sociologist Tessa Kaufman and Remco Spithoven from Saxion Hogeschool emphasize that children face constant exposure on platforms like WhatsApp and Snapchat, leading to increased isolation. While schools and parents currently point fingers at each other for responsibility, experts urge adults to take active roles in monitoring and guiding children's digital interactions through structured conversations and oversight software.
Scholars visited and queens called upon Anna Maria van Schurman, but at Utrecht University she attended lectures from a separate box outside the view of men.
An 18-year-old student at the Technical University of Eindhoven has voluntarily left the Netherlands after delivering a Hitler salute and making racist remarks during a lecture. The Public Prosecution Service dropped the case, citing the student as vulnerable and noting he requires help in his home country. The university welcomed the development, stating the incident was unacceptable and that the student is not expected to return soon.
As Iran’s academic year begins, families face severe strain from doubling tuition fees, soaring stationery prices, war fears and a plunging currency. Euronews Persian spoke to Iranians about declining enrollments and deep economic distress across the country.
According to a new report by the Research Centre for Education and Labour Market (ROA), HBO graduates aiming for high salaries should pursue studies in education or healthcare. The findings indicate that these sectors provide the best financial prospects, with potential monthly earnings reaching 5000 euros within four to eight years after graduation.
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