Den Helder and water are inextricably linked. Our city, surrounded by water on three sides, draws strength from this unique location. Water is not only part of our environment but also of our daily lives – from our climate and our economy to our culture. It's in our DNA.
With its Blue Schools initiative, Den Helder demonstrates how this maritime identity can be a source of inspiration for education. This innovative program offers schools, from primary to vocational schools, the opportunity to connect students with "ocean literacy": understanding and appreciating the role of the oceans in our lives. It's education with impact, for a sustainable future.
The Blue Schools concept revolves around a powerful idea: every school, wherever it is in the world, is connected to the ocean. Seas and oceans play a crucial role in the ecological balance and health of our planet. Blue Schools helps students understand this and encourages them to think and act more sustainably.
Preparing students for the future
This initiative offers schools concrete tools to raise awareness of the impact of human activities on the oceans. With a maritime focus, they learn about sustainability and environmental awareness, essential in a world where climate change and nature conservation are becoming increasingly important.
An international network
Blue Schools operates not only locally but also globally. Schools share knowledge, teaching methods, and programs with international partners. This ensures that Dutch schools—and specifically those in Den Helder—remain leaders in ocean-focused sustainable education.
Den Helder breathes the sea. Here, the Blue Schools bridge the gap between education and the maritime world. Young people discover the many opportunities in the region, such as sustainable fishing, working for the Royal Netherlands Navy, or contributing to innovative offshore technology. Thanks to this connection, students not only gain knowledge about their surroundings but also about their own potential.
Collaboration for greater impact
The power of Blue Schools lies in collaboration. Schools collaborate with local partners, such as museums and businesses, to develop inspiring programs. Think of:
This approach reduces the workload for teachers and offers students a rich learning experience. By working together, we leverage the unique opportunities of Dand Clear optimal.
Den Helder is home to no fewer than five of the six Blue Schools in the Netherlands: VONK, Villa Kakelbont, Jac. P. Thijsse, Comenius, and Scholen aan Zee. This makes the city a true leader in maritime education.
It's noteworthy that the Jac. P. Thijsseschool was the very first school in the Netherlands to be awarded the Blue School certificate in May 2021. This European initiative, originating from Portugal, literally brings the ocean into the classroom. Through project-based learning, students from preschool to vocational school engage with maritime topics. Each year, a new theme is central, raising awareness of the ocean and its resources among students at all levels.
With Blue Schools, Den Helder is making a difference. This program prepares young people for a sustainable future and demonstrates how powerful education can be when it connects with the environment. Whether you have a family or are a bit older, Blue Schools proves that Den Helder is a city where the future is shaped, for you and for generations to come.
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