As representatives of young people who've struggled with school attendance, we share our lived experience and unsolicited (policy) advice to everyone who is involved in education.
Based on our own experiences, we focus on learning law, equal opportunities and school safety. Because we see that education can be better and think that it should be better.
Each of us has experienced what it is like to get stuck in education. We know the dark side of education and therefore we try to make it clear from our own experience how important it is to listen to young people sincerely. Because this can save lives!
We have already spoken at about 100 conferences about education, (youth)care and youth participation.
Not only do we like to provide keynotes and workshops, but we also like to think along the front. For example, at the first set-up of conferences and symposia. We also always give the voice of young people a full-fledged place. In addition, we make these meetings as attractive as possible for young people, because after all, it is about them.
There are a lot of young people in the Netherlands who are stuck in education. Many people know someone who has been stuck in the past or is currently without education at home. Nevertheless, many students with chronic absenteeism feel that they are alone in front of it.
We offer accessible contact and give young people a voice at a local level. For example, at school, within municipalities or at the association for appropriate education.
In addition to a positive change in mentality among professionals, further improvement of laws and regulations is urgently needed. That is why we, together with youth organizations like the LAKS, LBVSO, Voice of the VSO student and JongPIT, with politicians for more inclusive and humane policies.
We are also active regionally: we think along about better student aid and contribute to support plans and regional educational agendas for appropriate education.
