For example, on behalf of JOGG Alblasserdam, Manon presented a celebration box to Bianca Bollaart of Wasko Kinderopvang in Alblasserdam. Her colleague Jeanette also visited various schools. She received mixed reactions: “Most of my schools experienced it as very positive and will discuss it in the management team. Some schools indicated that it is actually the parents who want to bring treats, because it is a tradition. Some of the beliefs surrounding this could still be loosened.”
On 13 June, Sanne Meerman, JOGG coordinator for the municipalities of Vijfheerenlanden and Stichtse Vecht, visited Montessorischool het Mozaïek in Maarssen, which is part of Stichtse Vecht. It was Druppie’s birthday, and groups 6, 7 and 8 joined in the celebration. The demonstration was given by JOGG coordinator Sanne together with Healthy School adviser and family lifestyle coach Christa. Afterwards, the celebration policy was evaluated with the school team. No fewer than 20 of the 23 children wanted to celebrate their birthday in this way. All the groups at the school received a celebration box.
Benefits
Choosing a celebration policy has many benefits:
- Financial differences between parents no longer matter.
- There are no more discussions about what to bring.
- Parents no longer experience stress when making or buying treats.
- There is a celebration for both the child and the class!
About the ‘Wie jarig is viert feest’ website
The campaign website ‘Wie jarig is viert feest’ is an initiative of GGD zhz, JOGG Zuid-Holland Zuid, GGD Haaglanden, GGD West-Brabant and Glos Educatief. The website provides reasons to switch from bringing treats to celebrating, offers a step-by-step plan for developing a celebration policy, and provides examples of celebration cards for younger pupils and older pupils with fun activities. For daycare centres, there is the picture book Wie jarig is viert feest. It can be ordered from the webshop of Glos Educatief.