The festival opened this morning in the Zuiderkerk with the eye-catcher astronaut André Kuipers, who gave a mini-lecture and answered questions from children. “What was it like to be back on earth after more than six months?” and “Did you ever want to be an astronaut?”
“The festival is important because the children are the future,” Kuipers tells NH. “Our whole world is made up of ideas from the past. Science and technology are behind all the things we have in our environment. We have to show them that.”
Every year, Expedition NEXT attracts thousands of visitors: curious children from 4 to 12 years old and their parents or caregivers. Hundreds of scientists from all over the country travel to Enkhuizen to introduce the children to the world of science. “It is important for Enkhuizen to organize this event,” says children’s mayor Otto Schuijt. “And also great fun for all children.”
Leek from the supermarket
In addition to well-known Dutch people such as Kuipers, Klaas van Kruistem and forester Tim, regional scientists and organizations are also participating in the event. The Sow to Grow museum opens its doors to allow children to learn more about growing seeds, food and growing in a playful way.
“It is a great opportunity for us to emphasize the importance of seed breeding to young people,” says chairman Henk van Wielink. “We want to introduce young people to our profession as quickly as possible. We get children here who think that leeks come from the supermarket, but there is a whole process involved. We want to increase awareness.”
