Arjen Maathuis is mayor of Meppel for five months and came from Almelo for that. Nevertheless, the students of OBS Sprinkels did not save him in their integration test. For example, ‘Tipbrug’ is the well -known nickname of an old bridge in the city center, but the questioner really sought the official name ‘Emmabrug’. And nice that the new mayor knows that an old castle is called ‘Kinkhorst’, but where was the building demolished centuries ago?
The mayor goes home with a 6.7, a good score according to student Lana: “Good for someone who has just become mayor.” Mayor Maathuis himself is fairly satisfied, but it is especially happy that he has received the children’s attention to the art and culture. “Culture helps with interpretation. Culture is sometimes emotion. So there are so many aspects that I think it is important that children come into contact with it.”
October month of children’s month is organized by the Art and Culture Foundation on behalf of the province. According to Peter Pot of the foundation, children in Drenthe can go to cultural institutions for free. “That can be a theater, or an artist who opens his studio. A circus or dance. As wide as you can imagine. Also heritage; the mill is open. Children can get acquainted with anything.”
All primary school children have received a brochure through their school with an overview of the activities. Children can participate in everything for free; Parents often too, that says. Student Lana is likely to sniff some culture. “I’m going to consult with my parents if we are going to do something, but if we do something it seems fun.”