Last week, fifteen mayors and several social organizations sounded the alarm bells in the House of Representatives about poverty, unemployment, crime and deficiencies in education and health in the 16 most vulnerable urban areas of our country. It is high time that the young generations in these deprived areas were really helped. According to Jelle de Jong of IVN Nature Education, administrators should open their eyes and realize that a green neighborhood and nice green schoolyards are really part of the solution. This reports ANP Expert Support.
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Therefore, IVN Nature Education, together with Jantje Beton and Young People on a Healthy Weight (JOGG), sent a pressing letter to informateur Hamer. 15 percent of children today never play outside and children today play outside six times less than their parents. 15 percent of young people are also overweight. Everyone can think of the causes: unhealthy food, too little exercise, too much screen use.
Favorite playground
Children in particular have a hard time in certain neighbourhoods, says De Jong. “They grow up between the concrete and greenery is scarce. That does not really invite to play outside. Also, the schoolyard, which is the favorite playground of young children, is anything but green. We therefore advocate healthy neighborhoods and healthy schoolyards. Studies show that a green schoolyard has many positive effects on children’s development, concentration and learning performance. It leads to more social children and a decrease in bullying behaviour.”
“The same applies to a healthy, green neighborhood. With nature nearby, people see insects and butterflies again. Children are challenged to exercise, run or cycle. The elderly, who are at risk of becoming lonely, can meet other elderly people in a nice green meeting place. Green provides social connection, which is desperately needed to tackle problems.”
By: National Education Guide
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