‘The fun side of this project is that students get acquainted with actually doing business and studying existing issues. What really pleases me, is to see how proud their parents are when they answer difficult questions fired at them by city council members during the final presentation.’
Marlies Wisse, volunteer Young People’s Advisory Council, IMC Weekend School
The IMC Weekend School is a supplementary school for children aged between ten and fourteen from low income neighbourhoods. The school has been active for five years and has nine branches across the Netherlands funded by companies and foundations. The school’s aim is to broaden children’s perspectives, increase their self-confidence and establish a stronger connection with the rest of Dutch society.
IMC students follow a curriculum covering sciences, the arts and cultural studies over three years. This comprises disciplines such as medicine, law, computer studies, philosophy, poetry, mathematics, astrology and visual arts. Experienced professionals volunteer to teach the classes, sharing their considerable knowledge and expertise. Students are also encouraged to organise guest lectures themselves on the topics that motivate and matter to them.
Once the students graduate and receive the IMC Weekend School’s diploma, they can join the Future For Life (FFL) institute – the School’s extensive alumni network. The institute offers graduates additional activities to help develop themselves further and make more informed choices in school, apprenticeships and work. The FFL institute also provides a platform where alumni, teachers and sponsors can keep in touch online, and continue to inspire and stimulate one another.
The Foundation has supported IMC in professionalising their growing alumni network by helping to define their mission and vision, products, and service offering, as well as implementing an innovative social media strategy. Our volunteers also support Young People’s Advisory Councils for children aged between thirteen and sixteen. Children from these Councils are involved with issues that affect their neighbourhood and they receive mentoring in valuable skills such as listening, debating and decision-making. Foundation volunteers assist them with this process and inspire them to resolve issues from the perspective of the city council.