Launching lesson kit Kansrijk: a step toward raising awareness and discussing child poverty
On Thursday, April 3, the teaching kit "Kansrijk: Doorbreek de cirkel van armoede" was launched at Bleijerheide Elementary School in Kerkrade. The teaching kit is designed to allow teachers and students to discuss the topic of poverty in an accessible and low-threshold way.
Greater focus on child poverty
Alderman John Roland handed the lesson box to the teachers and engaged the children in conversation. "The Kansrijk Lesson Box fits perfectly with our commitment to generate more attention to child poverty. Every child deserves a fair start. By making poverty discussible in the classroom, we strengthen understanding and respect and contribute to a society in which everyone feels supported," Roland said. Bleijerheide Primary School is the first school in Kerkrade to start using the teaching kit.
Awareness and understanding
In Kerkrade, an average of two to three children per class grow up in poverty. The teaching kit, developed by the Positive Minds Foundation, contains books, assignments and game cards that address the topic of poverty. The teaching material consists of six lessons and provides teachers with tools to address the subject in an open manner, so that children can better empathize with others and develop greater understanding for the situation of their peers.
Collaboration for social impact
The teaching box is the result of a collaboration between Positive Minds Foundation, Municipality of Kerkrade and Mijn Streek Library (Kerkrade) manages the teaching box and makes it available to schools in the region. Schools can use the teaching kit not only to enhance students' enjoyment of reading, but also to deepen their understanding of social issues such as poverty. For more information on borrowing the teaching kit, schools can contact the library.