February 9, 2021
Primary school principal Janneke: 'Entry ticket to a normal life'
OBS Caleidoscoop is a modern, spacious primary school in Almere with a strong focus on sports and exercise. Principal Janneke Dronkers understands the importance of children getting active. Due to the coronavirus crisis, children can't go to the gym or street dance, and school activities are limited. How do schools handle this?
Vulnerable children are particularly affected by the coronavirus crisis, says Janneke Dronkers. "The predictability is gone," she says. "These children, in particular, need structure. The naturalness of going to school, meeting friends, and going to the club offers them stability and security. Some children are in difficult home situations where they can't do their schoolwork because it's too crowded, or even unsafe."
Many families also have lost their routine. Children are going to bed later, or parents are working online and can't supervise their children. If children aren't logging in, that's a red flag for us. We'll call them and ask why and what they need to participate online. Children generally have a device, but they often have to share it with siblings. Or the internet connection is terrible. We ask any children who are out of the picture or who are causing concern to attend school.
They miss being together terribly
Families who weren't vulnerable before are now vulnerable as a result of the coronavirus crisis. "When you have three young children, have to work yourself, and also have to manage homeschooling, it's very difficult. That doesn't help the atmosphere. We see a lot of tension between parents, and children are also feeling that stress. Or people are losing their jobs.
Children can no longer enjoy themselves playing football or street dance, but they desperately need to be able to move and be together. If that disappears, their energy and fun disappear. We tried to offer activities, but that was only possible for children in emergency childcare. So there's a very large group of people who don't participate, and they miss it terribly. I spoke to a boy from the seventh grade, without any brothers or sisters, who told me he hadn't seen anyone in person in three weeks. His parents were both working online from home and didn't have time for him. He waits every day for the day to be over. If such a child could then play sports, it would make a huge difference.
The Youth Fund touches lives
"Our vision is that children who are active and feel good about themselves learn better," says Janneke. "If you're not feeling well, it's difficult to absorb information. Schools are open again, but in such a way that it's difficult for us to manage it effectively. We all want to enjoy teaching, so we're going to do everything we can. It would be great if we could offer all kinds of activities, like gym class, outside. And that the clubs will open again soon."
Conscious intermediary
We consciously act as an intermediary for the Youth Fund. Our intermediaries ensure that children who don't have money at home can still participate. There's often a lot of shame at home when parents have little money, both for parents and children. The intermediary talks to the parents; no one else needs to know, but the child can still participate. The Youth Fund for Sports & Culture provides the tickets to a normal life. You touch lives. It seems like a small gesture, but it's something that student will never forget. I hope that will be possible again soon.
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