Welkom in Mijn Wijk

What

Welcome to my Neighbourhood is an exchange programme for upper primary schools (ages 9–12). It brings together pupils from different socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds to strengthen skills for living and learning together in diverse settings.

Why

In the Netherlands, as in many diverse societies, children often grow up in segregated neighbourhoods. They may live in the same city, yet in different worlds. Meaningful contact across those worlds is not automatic.
Welcome to my Neighbourhood creates positive, guided experiences with peers from other environments. For pupils, this supports perspective-taking and cooperation. For schools and communities, it can contribute to stronger social cohesion.

How

We match two classes based on neighbourhood context and pupil populations. Pupils work in stable mixed teams.
The programme consists of six half-days spread over several weeks:
• preparation in the home class
• two exchange days in each other’s school and neighbourhood
• a festive closing session
Teachers are present during the exchange days, supported by WIMW coordinators and trained (student) facilitators to ensure a safe and positive group climate.
Cooperative Learning principles are used throughout the activities, alongside structured exercises that encourage pupils to share about themselves and get to know each other.

Evidence

 An effect measurement (2013) and an evaluation study by Utrecht University (2018) indicate positive effects on pupils’ interest in one another and openness towards socio-cultural differences.

Honours and awards


In 2009, Welcome to my Neighbourhood was accepted for inclusion in the Compendium of Human Rights Education in the School Systems of Europe, Central Asia and North America: A Compendium of Good Practice.
The compendium is published by Human Rights Education Associates, OSCE/ODIHR, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Council of Europe and UNESCO.
In the Netherlands, the programme has been recognised by the Oranje Fonds as a successful local pioneer.

15+ years Welcome to my Neighbourhood

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Exchanges since 2006

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Children participated