Zeeland students win provincial challenge with innovative housing and food forest designs
Sixty VWO students from Zeeland showcased their creativity by tackling real provincial issues like youth housing and sustainable food forests. The winning teams presented inspiring, practical solutions that could shape Zeeland’s future, earning praise from local policymakers.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Scholierenchallenge Jouw Zeeland |
| Location | Statenzaal, Middelburg (Province of Zeeland) |
| Winning Teams | Merit, Lexie, Lieke (Housing Challenge) / Tim, Juda, Hugo (Food Forest) |
| School | Lodewijk College, Terneuzen |
| Challenges | 1. Youth housing design 2. Food forest design |
| Jury Members | Gerwi Temmink (PvdA-GroenLinks), Berend Boone (BBB), Deputy Van der Maas |
| Participants | 60 VWO students |
| Provincial Initiative | Pilot by Jouw Zeeland (youth network of Province of Zeeland) |
The Province of Zeeland, through its youth network Jouw Zeeland, aims to engage young citizens in regional policy and development. This initiative bridges the gap between youth perspectives and provincial governance, fostering creativity and practical solutions to local challenges.
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Winners of the Scholierenchallenge Jouw Zeeland Announced
The final of the very first Scholierenchallenge of Jouw Zeeland, the youth network of the Province of Zeeland, took place this week in the Statenzaal (State Hall) of the provincial government building in Middelburg. VWO students from the Lodewijk College in Terneuzen presented their creative solutions to two current provincial issues: housing for young people and the design of a food forest. A jury announced the winners of both challenges during the final. Students Merit, Lexie, and Lieke won the housing challenge. Tim, Juda, and Hugo took home the prize for their creative idea for a food forest.
Provincial Challenges
Sixty VWO students from the Lodewijk College have been working on two provincial assignments over the past few weeks. After weeks of research, design, and collaboration, the three best teams from both classes presented their final products to a jury consisting of Staten members Gerwi Temmink (PvdA-GroenLinks) and Berend Boone (BBB), experts from the Province, and Deputy Van der Maas.
- Challenge 1: Design a living space for young people. Students designed a living space for young people or students, presented in a model, drawing, or 3D design. The winning team summarized all their ideas in a contemporary mood board, aligning with current trends. They created attractive living facilities for students and young professionals and also considered good accessibility.
- Challenge 2: Design a food forest. Students designed a food forest with all its layers, intended as a place where both people and animals can find food. The winning 3D design by Tim, Juda, and Hugo was praised for its thoughtful structure, biodiversity, and attention to education and accessibility.
The jury commended all participants for their dedication, creativity, and ability to transform complex issues into concrete, inspiring solutions. Deputy Van der Maas reflected positively on the first edition of the Scholierenchallenge: “The creativity and problem-solving skills of these students are impressive. They show that young people not only have fresh ideas but are also capable of turning complex issues into realistic and inspiring solutions. Their designs offer a valuable perspective on what the future of Zeeland could look like.”
About the Scholierenchallenge
The Scholierenchallenge is a pilot initiative by Jouw Zeeland to actively involve students from Zeeland schools in provincial themes and policy issues. By working on real-life assignments, young people experience how their ideas can contribute to the future of Zeeland. The final in the Statenzaal gave them a platform to present their work to policymakers and politicians.