Rotterdam Vakmanstad

Rotterdam Vakmanstad's is commited to nurturing a future for children from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing holistic development. Through their educational programs, they aim to instill vocational skills, socio-emotional growth, media, and ecological literacy. Their core values—trust, care, and collaboration—are foundational to their approach, ensuring a supportive and inclusive environment for children to explore their talents and strengthen their resilience. This framework fosters meaningful connections with community partners, aligning with their goal of building an inclusive society attentive to both human and environmental well-being.

The eco-social circle of Vakmanstad forms the core of their Do-Think program, embedding everyday activities within an educational framework aimed at fostering social and ecological connections. This model translates into five subjects: judo and aikido, cooking, gardening, technology, and philosophy, aiming to develop media literacy, eco-literacy, and socio-emotional skills. The program encourages students to experience sustainable craftsmanship, supported by overarching goals of healthy living and working for oneself, others, and the world.

Vakmanstad was founded by Henk Oosterling with a vision to integrate practical skills and ecological awareness into education, addressing the needs of children in Rotterdam. Its foundation is rooted in the belief that education should extend beyond traditional subjects to include real-world skills and sustainability, preparing students for a future where they can thrive personally and contribute positively to society.