Since 1998, the IMC Weekendschool has been providing supplementary education for youth, starting at ten years of age, in the poorest districts of the Netherlands. The Weekendschool prepares youth for the most important step after their school life: to make motivated choices for their future, so that youth at all school levels and of all social backgrounds can take a place in society that matches their interests and capabilities.
At the Weekendschool, youth, starting at ten years of age, each week attend classes given by enthusiastic volunteer professionals who introduce them to their professional domains. This approach to education has demonstrated positive long-term effects on the lives of participants: on future perspectives, self-confidence, social connectedness and motivation. This successful education method, offered at weekend schools, primary schools and newcomer schools, supplements regular education. Children experience what it is like to be in the shoes of a journalist, philosopher or surgeon, and experience this by working with real examples from actual practice. They learn skills, such as conversing, asking questions, delivering presentations and working together. And they start believing in themselves and start dreaming about their future. The IMC Weekendschool has ten weekend schools in seven major cities, forty locations in primary education, twelve schools for newcomers’ children and a flourishing alumni network of 4,000 former students.
