In a significant development for education in Amsterdam Zuidoost, the construction of IKC Metropool has officially begun. This event not only marks a symbolic moment for the community but also serves as a practical lesson for students about the intersection of building and nature. The initiative is in line with the educational philosophy of IKC Metropool, where children explore stimulating themes while discovering themselves and the world around them.
During the ceremony, an aspiring architect received valuable advice, including the importance of practicing with LEGO, as well as an invitation to visit an architect's office. Zonova director Dave Ensberg-Kleijkers remarked, "Maybe in 20 years we will be standing in front of a building you designed. Here, you become the best version of yourself; everything is possible in Zuidoost." This encouragement highlights the center's commitment to fostering creativity and ambition among its students.
Adding a personal touch to the day, the first five students of IKC Metropool buried a time capsule filled with their wishes for the future on the construction site. The school leadership has ensured that the capsule will be easily accessible for future generations, symbolizing a bridge between the past and the future. Additionally, building ground will be transported back to the temporary location of IKC Metropool in Brasapark, where a tree will be planted as a green reminder of this momentous occasion.
The wishes from the children were heartwarming. One student expressed, "My wish for IKC Metropool is that many children come and that they are happy." Another added, "I wish that Metropool becomes the best school in the Netherlands." These sentiments reflect the hopes and dreams of the young learners who will benefit from the new facility.
IKC Metropool is set to transform the Amstel III business area into a vibrant urban neighborhood featuring residential towers, office spaces, restaurants, sports facilities, and a comprehensive new child center. "Our mission is to firmly anchor ourselves in the community as a connecting child center. We actively seek collaboration with partners in our area and open our doors to them. Amstel III will become a neighborhood where living, working, and learning go hand in hand. Today, we celebrate a significant milestone on the path to achieving that goal," said school leader Romina Ferrari.
This school year, IKC Metropool has commenced operations in a miniature version of the future child center, which is expected to be completed by 2026. The facility is equipped with an Ecolab, Crealab, theater, sports hall, recording studio, Techlab, and a Cooking lab, all designed to help children develop personally while acquiring essential life skills alongside foundational education.
Currently, more than 50 children are enrolled at IKC Metropool, with the center expected to grow organically as it transitions to the new building, which will accommodate approximately 400 children. This fall, the childcare services for children aged 0-4, provided by care partner Samantha del Prado, will also move to new premises in Hondsrugpark.
In another key educational development, construction has also commenced for the first Dutch-speaking primary school in Elsene. This project is being executed in two phases. Initially, the existing French-speaking kindergarten on the site will undergo a thorough renovation. Following that, new infrastructure will be established, which will include classrooms for primary education, a gymnasium, and multipurpose rooms.
The school is set to open its doors first to kindergartners, with the entire complex expected to be fully operational by September 2028, accommodating up to 250 students. This establishment is the result of a collaboration involving the municipality of Elsene, the Flemish Community Commission (VGC), the Flemish Community, and education experts. The VGC is investing 3.7 million euros into the project, while the Flemish Community is contributing an additional 1.8 million euros.
The municipality drew inspiration from successful school models like 'De Kriek' in Schaarbeek and 'Vier Winden' in Molenbeek. Beyond just educational infrastructure, the school is envisioned as a community hub, emphasizing sustainability and mobility. Valérie Libert (Open VLD), the Elsene alderman for Dutch-language education and culture, stated, "The site at Graystraat 120-126 will evolve into a warm, sustainable, and contemporary learning environment where children can learn, play, grow, and flourish."
As these educational projects unfold in Amsterdam Zuidoost and Elsene, they promise to reshape the landscape of learning, offering children innovative spaces to thrive while fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
