On Wednesday, 5 February, the partnership was symbolically launched. Johan Pas, alderman for education, and Sanne Hamers of the South Limburg Public Health Service presented a water station to the school management of Terra Nigra. The IKC Dynamiek subsequently also received its own water station. At the 25 participating primary schools, the programme has brought about a turning point in recent years. Primary school pupils became more physically active and remained active in the upper years of primary school, whereas participation in physical activity had previously declined during this period.
Important new step
“This is an important new step. We see that our approach works at childcare centres and primary schools. But if we want to maintain the beneficial effects on health and motor skills, we must also invest in our young people: pupils aged 12 and over. The fact that secondary education is joining us and that so many schools are participating is hugely positive. It shows how committed Maastricht’s education sector is to the future of our new generations,” said Alderman Pas.
“This water station will have a central place in our school, so that our pupils can easily and quickly fill their water bottles before and after lessons,” said Guy Corten, a teacher at Terra Nigra. “We want to offer our pupils a healthy and vital environment. Now and in the future. This water station is a wonderful start and symbolises our ambitions in this area.”
Healthy Children's Centre in Motion
In 2016, the Municipality of Maastricht, primary education institutions and healthcare organisations joined forces to improve the healthy and sporty environment in and around children's centres. By now, 25 schools with 4,000 children are participating, 16 physical activity consultants have been appointed and 350 physical education lessons are taught every week. The programme involves cooperation with MosaLira, Kom Leren, MIK Spelenderwijs, Samen Spelen, JOGG/GGD, Maastricht Vitale Stad, Fontys University of Applied Sciences School of Sport (and now LVO as well). The joint approach has demonstrable effects. Nationally, the number of primary school pupils in the upper years who engage in moderate-intensity physical activity is declining. In Maastricht, this decline has been halted in recent years. In addition, children's motor skills have improved considerably. The number of children whose motor skills score below the national average has fallen by 5 percentage points in recent years, to 10.5 percent, bringing it below the national average of 13 percent.