The value of student voice at NAISR

As an international school that represents over 40 nationalities, Remembrance Day and World War Two both hold a deep significance within the NAISR community. They are topics that are discussed and taught on a regular basis. And so they should be, we study history and learn about the past in order to guide and inform our future world citizens. While the concepts of freedom and liberty are part of the curriculum, they also have far-reaching and often deeper impacts on students in other areas of the school.

Consider student voice or, as it is more commonly referred to now, student activism. At NAISR we provide our students with opportunities to be part of decision-making at all levels–in their classrooms, in the school community and beyond the school walls. Not only does this offer students leadership opportunities and a sense of personal responsibility, it empowers them with the right to speak up, act and think for themselves. It provides them with a degree of freedom–the very freedom they would not have had here in the Netherlands, if not for liberation.

While many of the actions undertaken by student groups, such as our Student Council, are based on the present, we believe that the freedom afforded to young people gives them different perspectives and a look at life through different lenses. It could be supporting the UNICEF World Children’s Day, making a stand on climate change, or even negotiating a rule change at school. So long as it is relevant and they believe in it.

Hopefully these experiences will also help students to meaningfully reflect on the past as they move into the future. Especially at this time of the year when we remember the release from oppression alongside the freedom from limits on thoughts or behaviour.