Schoolchildren transform 't Zandt into 'the Bluest Village in the Netherlands'
How do you combine creativity with expertise in water and landscape management to make the village of ’t Zandt in North Groningen the “Bluest Village in the Netherlands”? Students from Het Stadslyceum, Het Harens Lyceum, the Praedinius Gymnasium, and several technical vocational programs at Alfa College will be tackling this challenge this school year.
Students from Het Stadslyceum kicked things off late last week. Together with entrepreneur Drewes Wildeman of Landgoed De Camping, they are working on innovative designs to transform ’t Zandt into the “Bluest Village in the Netherlands.” By combining information about historical landscape elements with (technical) knowledge of water management, water will once again play a guiding role in the village’s layout.
More "blue" offers opportunities for nature and recreation
The changing climate is leading to extreme weather patterns. Prolonged periods of heat or, conversely, heavy rainfall over a short period of time call for water buffers—to draw from during times of drought or to collect water during heavy rain. In addition, the presence of water creates a better balance in nature and offers opportunities to teach people of all ages about the various elements of nature. ’t Zandt is also a village surrounded by two lakes. But a connexion is missing. Restoring this connexion opportunities for recreational boating. And what can we learn from the old water masters? Ancient knowledge can be used to devise new solutions.
Collaboration
In the 2023–2024 school year, Noorderzijlvest Water Authority with the Blauwe Lijn Foundation and Landgoed De Camping, is commissioning the project: Design the Bluest Village in the Netherlands. The project is being carried out by three Technasium schools: Het Stadslyceum, Het Harens Lyceum, and the Praedinius Gymnasium. Various technical MBO programs at Alfacollege are also participating in this project. This project brings together water management, historical knowledge about old water masters, social entrepreneurship, and (technical) education.
Learning about water
The Noorderzijlvest Water Authority can be the client for research and design assignments for secondary education. We already offer various assignments. We are also open to new ideas.