Summer School Diamant

The summer school is open to children aged 2-13, who often have only lived in the Netherlands for a short time. In the mornings, the children get to work with games and activities to increase their language skills. In the afternoon we give workshops. In the summer weeks we provided a varied, educational and fun program for the children. The nice thing about the school is that you can already sense the good atmosphere when you enter. A different workshop or lesson takes place in each room and the motivated teachers pull out all the stops to make it a party for the children. For example, hip-hop lessons are given and plays are performed.  In another room a teacher is engaged in an interactive play of colours. When the music stops, she calls out a color (in Dutch), after which the children have to touch an object of that color as quickly as possible. In this way, Ukrainian children are gradually getting to know the Dutch language.

Educational employee Oksana worked at the Summer School this summer and was interviewed by the Haagse Courant. Oksana came to the Netherlands at the end of March and soon found education for her daughter at the Diamond College. “She comes home from school happy every day. We feel welcome here, the people are positive.” At primary school De Vuurvlinder opposite Oksana asked if there might be work for her. She came just at the right time, because the school was just setting up a curriculum for Ukrainian children. Soon she herself was in front of the class in the new Diamant Ukraine School. Oksana is happy to work here. “Education in the Netherlands is very different from that in Ukraine. More playful, with more space for music and dance, for example. Working with tablets, computers and smartphones is self-evident. In Ukraine, education is stricter and more traditional, but more subjects are taught such as psychology and social sciences.” Oksana also likes the summer school. “It is an interesting new experience to work with different cultures and ages together in one classroom. The Ukrainian children sometimes find it exciting because of the language barrier; I encourage them to go up to other children themselves and talk or play with them.”

We hope we have been able to offer the children a carefree, educational and fun summer. As far as we are concerned, the Summer School is a successful concept, and certainly worth repeating!