Twenty-five students from Rotterdam mbo, hbo and wo-schools embarked on the creative Bildung Climate School programme at the start of April. This year, the students work together on tackling sustainability issues in the fashion industry by following various workshops and organising a sustainable fashion show.
The Bildung Climate School breaks traditional educational boundaries by bringing together students from Erasmus University Rotterdam, Hogeschool Rotterdam, Willem de Kooning Academie and Albeda in a collaborative learning environment. This inclusive model promotes mutual respect and values diverse contributions, offering all students a platform to engage with real-world sustainability issues.
On Tuesdays, students follow Bildung classes (workshops in mindfulness & stress management; art & dance; music; relational; ethics). The Wednesday classes focus on a group project that will lead to a sustainable fashion show on July 8. The students are presented with the opportunity to self-develop and build community with the workshops, as well as experiencing a real-life process of project management, designing the show and exhibition, and repurposing second-hand clothes.
Visionary founders of this programme are Ginie Servant-Miklos (ESSB) and Rutger Engels (former Rector Magnificus of Erasmus University). They launched a pilot in spring 2024, for 21 students, with the financial support of the Erasmus Trust Fund. This year's edition has once again found a home at the HefHouse, providing the perfect space for the creative programme to fully flourish with the financial support of ESSB, Albeda and NPRZ.
'The main purpose of the Building Climate School was to bring together creative and diverse talents beyond the divisions of the Dutch education system', says Ginie Servant-Mikos. 'To rethink together how to build a sustainable future for Rotterdam. We prioritize creativity, community and self-directed learning in mixed groups across mbo, hbo and universities.'
'For me, The Building Climate School has been a place to extend my comfort zone. I've met people I otherwise wouldn't have and had workshops like learning how to express ourselves through our bodies.'
Yorrick Bronsgeest
Student at EUR
'Working with students and institutions across disciplines is a constant reminder that inspiration thrives where curiosity and collaboration collide', Albeda student Dilara Enyigit says. 'We learn from each other’s perspectives, and that exchange fuels creativity and a deeper understanding of sustainability.'
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Rooted in the philosophy of holistic personal development, the Bildung Climate School integrates vocational, academic, and artistic learning. That way the programme provides students with a rich, immersive experience that fosters both individual growth and community engagement.
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- Article Erasmus Magazine: 'Students "of all levels" learn how to deal with climate change challenges through dance and philosophy'
