The Pedagogy programme at Driestar University of Applied Sciences in Gouda celebrated its 40th anniversary on Wednesday, 24 June. Together with current and former students and professionals from the field, the programme reflected on four decades of investing in the lives of young people and their families. The celebration also looked ahead to the future of pedagogy.
The anniversary celebration centred on the theme ‘Pedagogy of the Unexpected’, which highlights the value of everyday life and the importance of seeing young people as people in their own right, rather than as problems or costs. It offers an alternative to clinical approaches to care, medicalisation and professional detachment.
In the afternoon, Prof. Dr Jos de Kock introduced attendees from youth care and education to his research on meaning-making in care contexts. Students, care professionals and pedagogues then discussed the future of the programme.
During the evening celebration, a video looked back at the origins and development of the programme, focusing particularly on its impact on students who, as qualified pedagogues, make a difference in the lives of children and their families.
Wout Schonewille, the current programme leader, then made a case for a Pedagogy of the Unexpected, built around four pillars, with a focus on restoring ordinary life. Opportunities for recovery often lie precisely in the unexpected, rather than in what can be planned or controlled. Everyday life, daily routines and personal networks should be allowed to continue. Too often, youth care brings a child’s life to a complete standstill, with all the consequences this entails. ‘Sometimes we need to dare to accept brokenness and imperfection, because the alternative, despite the best intentions of care professionals, can sometimes be worse,’ Schonewille said.
Jos de Kock further explored the theme ‘Pedagogy of the Unexpected’ through three concepts: desire, perspective and encounter. He concluded with a hopeful message: ‘Even in the midst of vulnerability and troubling living situations, young people hold up a mirror to us as strong individuals. Young people have much good to offer society.’
The evening also saw the presentation of the book Perspectief op het onverwachte (A Perspective on the Unexpected), a Dutch translation of a work by Italian author Silvio Cattarina, accompanied by reflections from Dutch experts. Publisher Eline van Vreeswijk (Jongbloed) presented a copy to Dr Huib Klink, the translator, and Corinne van der Ham, a student.
The anniversary celebration concluded with a Pedagogical Taster Session, during which current and former lecturers shared their expertise on a range of topics, each exploring their own particular areas of interest.
With this anniversary, Driestar University of Applied Sciences celebrated not only a rich history but also reaffirmed its enduring mission: to equip pedagogues who, with knowledge, compassion and conviction, contribute to the development and guidance of the next generation.
