On the very first day of school after the summer holidays, the children of the Antares primary school in Tilburg received a high number of visitors. Education Minister Dennis Wiersma officially opened the school year by talking to the children and their teachers about creating equal opportunities. A theme in which the school is leading the way.
“Not everyone talks to the minister, so I woke up this morning happy and enthusiastic,” says 11-year-old Intisar, beaming.
“Suddenly there is a minister in front of you.”
Together with Intisar, 10-year-old Anissa has been chatting with the minister in her school library. “Suddenly a minister is standing in front of you. That was exciting in the beginning,” she laughs.
“I told him about my talents, what I like to do here at school. I am mainly involved in art and drawing. I hope the minister will do more with the development of talents in children.”
“I don’t want place of residence and income to matter.”
Minister Wiersma walked enthusiastically through the building on Monday morning. “Getting a bright future sometimes depends on where you live, in which neighborhood and on your parents’ income. I don’t want that to matter and they take care of that at this school.”
Primary school Antares works together with the municipality of Tilburg and other organizations with the School & Environment educational program. The school offers the students all kinds of activities in addition to the regular curriculum. “I like that there is someone who does activities with you and other children in the neighborhood during and after school,” says Intisar. “So you can get to know and trust them better.”
“School is much more than the teacher who teaches.”
“A lot happens at this school outside of classes: from homework support to extra sports and participating in art projects,” says the Education Minister. “There are many children here who do not always receive this guidance at home or who do not have money for a sports club. That is possible here at school and that is incredibly important.”
“The school is much more than just the teacher who teaches,” says Wiersma. “For example, the association in the area can play a role in this. You want to have a lot more hands in and around that school, so that we can all help these children. Especially outside of school.”