Almost one hundred entries were submitted. From drawings of dream schoolyards to creative videos: children, parents and teachers did everything they could to put their school in the spotlight. And they succeeded! After an exciting voting round and the jury’s verdict, these three schools emerged as the winners. Their gray, paved schoolyards will soon be transformed into green play areas full of adventure, movement and discovery.
Mascha van Werven, managing director of Jantje Beton, responded enthusiastically: “A green schoolyard is about so much more than just looking beautiful. It encourages children to explore, exercise and play together. It’s fantastic to see how much enthusiasm and creativity is unleashed when schools get to work on this.”
Praxis is also proud of the result. Marketing Director Miranda Smit said: “We want to inspire schools and parents to take action together for a more playful and greener Netherlands. As a home improvement retailer, we not only help people with DIY projects in and around the home, but are also happy to contribute to a green living environment.”
There is certainly a great deal of enthusiasm. “The need is great here; our pupils are literally playing on concrete at the moment,” says Janine Stoere, deputy director of OBS het Atelier in Diemen, one of the three winners. “We are therefore incredibly happy to have been selected. We are arranging our schedules entirely around it, because we can’t wait to get started. This is exactly what our school needs.”
Construction of the three green schoolyards will start immediately after the summer holidays.