How you stimulate 240 children to think about diversity

Because the city of Genk wants to focus on world citizenship, it organises a day full of workshops for sixth-grade classes every year. And with success, because every year more than 200 12-year-olds address social issues such as diversity and climate change.

"'Blik op de wereld' is a project of the city of Genk and the Genk North-South Council," explains Lieve Wouters, staff member for Local Global Policy at the city of Genk. "But because it is a large and intensive project, we work closely with some permanent partners. They help us shape and guide the workshop."

Djapo supports the students. Supervisor Heleen starts with a comprehensive introduction to the theme and some interesting methodologies. The students are thus introduced to philosophising, creative thinking and systems thinking methods. "Precisely this didactic approach is why we cooperate with Djapo," Lieve explains. "'Blik op de wereld' has been running for about 20 years. And during those years we felt the need for professionalisation. We have been working with Djapo ever since."

Heleen also continues to coach the students during the design phase of the workshop. This allows her to give the students tips and make adjustments where necessary. "It's really nice that I can completely outsource that support," says Lieve. "That saves me a lot of time. And yet I keep my finger on the pulse. Because Heleen always calls me in on time if there are questions or ambiguities."

Just before the first workshop, the students organise a dress rehearsal. Not with Genk classes, but with North-South Council volunteers. "That rehearsal has a double purpose. On the one hand, the students get an extra chance to fully master the workshop and receive valuable feedback from the volunteers. But on the other hand, it is also the first time that the volunteers of the North-South Council get familiar with the workshop, which they will also lead themselves in the following weeks."

The volunteers will receive a script of the workshop after the workshop, prepared by the students with Heleen's help. This not only describes the structure of the workshop. The script also contains concrete tips on how to lead a philosophical conversation in the right direction, with sample questions.