The vouchers were provided by IVN Nature Education, with support from the province of Zeeland and the municipalities of Zeeland. In addition, the schools will receive four free trees from the Scheldt Water Board, as part of the Tree Plan of the Zeeland Environmental Federation. In summer, these trees will provide additional shade, promote biodiversity and contribute to regional climate targets.
Festive launch
The kick-off was opened by Boy Dirksen of IVN Nature Education. Bert-Paul de Kam (Scheldt Water Board) and Melissa Ernst (Zeeland Environmental Federation) then spoke about their joint commitment and the importance of more greenery in and around schools.
To experience what a green schoolyard can mean, the participants visited the renovated schoolyard of Cypressenhof in Middelburg. It is an inspiring example where play, discovery and nature come together.
During the meeting, the schools received an initial glimpse of the process ahead. They were introduced to the process, gained inspiration during a short workshop and had the opportunity to exchange information with one another and with IVN’s process facilitators.
The importance of nature in the schoolyard
Children spend approximately 40 percent of the time they are awake at school, usually inside a classroom. Yet we know that children are healthier and learn better when they spend more time outdoors. That is why IVN Nature Education launched the Green Revolution Schoolyards, in collaboration with Zeeland partners, the Province of Zeeland and the national Young Learning to Eat programme. The goal is clear: to provide all children in Zeeland with a green play and learning environment within one school generation. The voucher scheme is an important part of this.