The final location for the new secondary asylum school in Ter Apel has been found. It will be built at some distance from the asylum centre.
And on the Westerstraat, the road that runs from the azc to the village center. There is the heavily outdated former primary school Westermarke where secondary asylum education is currently being given. “We have agreed that the old building will be demolished and that the new school will be built on that plot,” says alderman Wietze Potze (PvdA).
Lower Saxony Railway
Potze would have preferred to see the new school near the entrance to the asylum centre, on the edge of the village. But that place is also in the picture for the route of the Lower Saxony railway.
“We also find that connection important and that is why we decided not to use that location,” says Potze. “At the back of the asylum center was an option, but that was not ideal either. In the end, we agreed with the COA and the Ter Apel Regional School Community, which provides education, to demolish and build a new building on Westerstraat. I am glad that there is finally clarity. This is also a great place.”
In a new jacket
The former primary school Westermarke was taken into use about 7 years ago as a secondary asylum school or International Schakelklas (ISK). At that time, the asylum center was given a new look for tens of millions of euros, but a new secondary school was not built. The teenagers from the asylum center therefore had to walk or cycle a few kilometers to the Westermarke.
It was clear from the start that the school was no longer adequate. He was too short, too clumsy and climatically completely unsuitable. For example, it was often too cold in the winter. The situation was a thorn in the side of the municipal administrators and also the teachers and rector Jan de Wit of the RSG. “You cannot let children and teachers learn and work in such circumstances,” says Potze.
Secretary of State
Secretary of State for Asylum Affairs Eric van der Burg insisted on doing something about this situation and last year the green light was given for the new building. “It was then also agreed that the COA will pay the costs for the demolition and new construction,” says Potze.
Rector Jan de Wit of the RSG is also pleased that there is finally clarity. “For us, a place near the azc was also the most desired, but this one is also good. The new school will be able to accommodate about 120 students and have 9 classrooms, including two classrooms for practical education. Children from the asylum center are taught there, but also children from the azc in Musselkanaal and children of status holders.”
Demolition in summer vacation 2024
According to De Wit, the outdated Westermarke will still be used the following school year. “The demolition will start in the summer holidays of 2024, followed by the new construction. For that period, temporary accommodation must be found for the lessons. We want to start using the new school at the end of 2025.”
The local residents of the location have now been informed of the demolition and renovation plans.
Interschool
The Ter Apel asylum center does have a primary school, the Interschool. It can accommodate 150 students, but currently only has 50. Westerwolde manages that school. “We have an agreement with the COA that there are always about 100 students at that school,” says alderman Potze. ,, That the COA therefore ensures that enough families stay in the asylum center. But that’s not always the case. We want more guarantees for that number of students and are discussing this with COA.”