THUAS for equal opportunities through storytelling

At THUAS, we believe that everyone, regardless of background, socioeconomic position, or home situation, deserves the same opportunities to develop to their full potential. At the same time, we see that language delays in our own district, Laak, continue to grow, even though language interaction plays a major role in equal opportunities. Pedagogy lecturer Simon Oostra wants to do something about that. “Maybe it’s just a drop on a hot plate, but with enough drops, it will eventually cool down.” 

Through the project Reading with Impact, Pedagogy students read to children at various primary schools and childcare centers in the neighborhoods around the university. During a donation drive at the end of last year, they collected no fewer than six hundred children's books from employees and students across our organization, which they then donated to community centers and parents. 

Impact beyond classroom hours 

“What we want to achieve comes from a pedagogical context,” Simon explains. “Language interaction plays a major role in equal opportunities, and you can see that in children who grow up with limited language exposure. Because this is happening in our own neighborhood, I wondered how our Pedagogy program could generate more impact and contribute socially. That’s also what I tell my first-year students: yes, attend your classes and follow the curriculum, but try to create impact along the way.” 

First-year student Demi felt that her previous program lacked depth when it came to understanding individual children. The Pedagogy program and the Reading with Impact project changed that. “Here, I help and support children whose development may be slightly delayed. During the reading moment and the fun activity afterward, I’m able to give them something extra.” 

Reading in your own language 

The students read to toddlers and preschoolers (and sometimes slightly older children). Simon: “Many of the children speak other languages at home, such as Polish, Romanian, Turkish, or Arabic. That’s why we are very happy with the donated Languages of Home books, which students can give to the children. This way, we try to lower the threshold for parents to read at home as well. And language interaction in any language supports language development. With this message, I want to thank everyone who donated children’s books to our project.” 

Municipal elections 

Will you also choose equal opportunities? Cast your vote during the municipal elections on March 18. You can also vote here at THUAS at the “Own Your Stembureau” in the Innovation Playground.