The students of SBO De Meander in Assen will soon start the Christmas holidays very festively. The school gave them a bag with all kinds of goodies and a reading book.
“The holidays are a wonderful period of fun and good food. But this period is not something everyone takes for granted. It is an expensive time in which families that are already struggling financially are finding it even more difficult,” says Tamara Baron. She is the director of the school. “That is why we as a school have come up with something to give the children something extra for these days, so that Christmas is a celebration for everyone.”
In a room specially equipped for this purpose, parent helpers pack bags for the students. “We cannot organize such actions without the help of the parents involved. It is great to see how we can achieve something special for the children with this collaboration,” says Baron.
Christmas stollens, cookies and baked goods are put in the bag. “They can eat it themselves, but you can also give it away.”
Assistant parent Miranda van Goor helps to fill the bags. “This can be that extra bright spot,” she says. “For some people that is very necessary.”
The school is most proud of the reading books that are also given away. “Each class receives a reading book,” says Baron. The books were made possible by the Youth Education Fund. “We want to make reading a joy. That’s why we hope that these books will put a smile on the children’s faces. And hopefully it will inspire them to enjoy reading during the Christmas holidays.”
Once the 180 bags have been packed, they will be distributed in the classroom. The children carefully wait to unpack until the teacher has said it is possible. As soon as it is allowed, one delicacy after another is conjured up. Tayler holds up his book with a big smile. “This is a super fun book,” he exclaims.
Lex has even started reading. But what does he like best in the bag? “The Christmas bauble with the penguin on it. I love penguins.”