International Webinar Well-being among youth in Europa during the corona crisis organized by Bernardinuscollege

On March 24 students from the Bernardinuscollege in Heerlen organized an international Webinar on well-being among youth in Europa during the corona crisis under the supervision of their teacher Mr. Jan de Heer.

Students from the Bernardinuscollege in Heerlen: Senna Hellebrand and Laurie Berkers cooperated on this project with students from Poland, Turkey, Spain and Italy.

The results of their research showed that youth from the researched countries faced various problems and dilemmas due to the lockdowns and corona crisis, including mental problems and learning challenges.

During this Webinar they presented their research results to EP member Mohammed Chahim ( from the Dutch party PvdA) and to board members and the accreditation committee of EPAS.

Bernardinucollege received in November 2020 EPAS (European Parliament Ambassador School) accreditation.

In recent years there have been various initiatives to stimulate the political skills of students. Bernardinuscollege from Heerlen organized student exchanges with a Polish school from Opole, which is also EPAS certified. Bernardinuscollege organized also MEP (model European Parliament) on Tour and students prepared various Erasmus + projects (SOS: it is time to take action for technology addiction). In these Erasmus + projects Bernardinuscollege students work internationally with schools from different countries, including a Polish from Zgorzelec.

This school year, there are about 30 students who learn about how European democracy works and develop their skills in European citizenship. This school year EPAS has been integrated into special project: students will publish an information newspaper about EPAS (the first edition will be published in week 51), take part in Webinars (Wednesday 9 December they will talk to a Dutch politician Kim van Sparrentak about the Green Deal) and on Monday 17 May 2021 they will organize a Europe Day. This Europe Day is part of the project day for junior students from classes 1, 2 and 3.

Bernardinuscollege is the oldest secondary school in Heerlen founded in 1911 by Franciscans. In 1913 it was attended by the first students. It consists also of a Bernardinus Chapel which is a national monument. Many famous people attended this school including Jan Mans Dutch politician, mayor of many Dutch cities and Frans Timmermans Minister of Foreign Affairs, First Vice-President of the European Commission.

Photo cover @Mr Jan de Heer