Attendees were given a festive welcome with a red non-alcoholic drink and a goodie bag filled with themed items, including a heart-shaped fan and a red light.
The evening began with an opening address by Iris Kummeling, national manager of Healthy School. She explained how the incentive scheme has grown enormously since 2017: from just a few participating schools to more than two thousand today. According to Kummeling, the approach is clearly bearing fruit. Schools see that students treat one another with more respect and pay more attention to young people who are vulnerable in relation to this topic. She expressed her pride in all the professionals and partners who continue to work toward healthy living, learning and development, despite societal debates.
During two panel discussions, experts and education professionals shared their experiences. Randy Konijnenberg (Amadeus Lyceum) emphasized the importance of open conversations, for example about sexting. By making the topics less personal—for instance, by asking what advice students would give a friend—space is created for safe and open dialogue. Nathalie Schmiermann (Graafschap College) compared working on this topic to an oil slick: by continuing to talk about it, the subject remains alive. Members of the audience shared practical examples, such as a primary school teacher who asks children to explain what they already know about concepts such as ‘spring fever’.
Susan Meijburg (GGD Utrecht region) pointed to the power of small signals that show students they are welcome to talk. Other experts also emphasized that schools are not on their own. Elsbeth Reitzema (Rutgers) mentioned the many materials and interventions available, while Bart Boerema (Municipality of Utrecht) advised working together with a colleague. Sara Aziz (X11) explained how an inclusion working group helps make topics such as gender and sexuality a regular part of classroom discussions.
At the end of the panel discussions, participants used their red lights to vote on three statements about the future and developments in relationship and sexuality education.
The evening was brought to a light-hearted close by De Sekszusjes, Marcelle and Krista Arriëns. Through playful exercises, they examined the discomfort surrounding conversations about sex. A ‘wave’ in which everyone had to call out a sensitive word, and a conversation exercise involving intimate question cards, led to both laughter and reflection.
Annefleur Schipper concluded with a vote of thanks, after which a healthy drinks reception provided an opportunity to share further experiences and inspiration.
Source: Healthy School.