On Thursday, March 19, the module On the Run for third-year primary education students (Driestar Christian University for Teacher Education) was successfully completed. This module was developed in collaboration with Stichting Gave and offered students the opportunity to explore the theme of refugees in depth.
During the four sessions, various topics were addressed, including the backgrounds and causes of forced migration, political and societal issues, a biblical perspective on being a stranger and showing hospitality, and what this means for classroom practice in primary education. There was also ample room for personal reflection: how do you relate to this topic, and what does it mean for your actions as a (future) teacher?
During the first session, CRR (Christian Refugee Relief) was present to give an introduction to their work and their involvement with refugees worldwide.
The final session took place on Thursday and focused on translating insights into the future teaching practice. The central question was: what should you take into account when there is a refugee child in your classroom? Students reflected on how they can contribute to a safe learning environment and the role they themselves play in this.
The module concluded with poster presentations, in which students made their learning process visible. They also shared personal insights such as:
“I was challenged during this module to put myself in someone else’s shoes,” and
“I didn’t realize that refugees are also my neighbors – I had never seen them that way before.”
Another student shared:
“My whole perspective has changed. Before, my thinking was quite superficial. Now you see these people more as people rather than as troublemakers.”
This shift was also reflected in how students applied their learning to practice. They emphasized the importance of helping children understand who refugees are and what they go through. It was highlighted that pupils should learn what it means to be a refugee, and recognize that these children also need love, love that teachers, from their Christian conviction, are called to pass on.
In addition to the sessions, students also gained practical experience. They organized activities at an asylum seekers’ center, some joined an inspiration trip to Athens organized by CRR, and others hope to participate in a summer youth camp organized by Stichting Gave.
At the end of the module, students received a certificate of participation. We look back on this module with gratitude and are thankful for the students’ engagement and for achieving the intended learning outcomes.
