In the months of November and December, sixth grade pupils from four different primary schools in Rotterdam visited our university to participate in a lecture on how our brain works (Dutch title: Kindercollege hersenkraker). A week before their campus visit, they received a preparatory lesson at their own school, conducted by the student ambassadors of the Academic Outreach Programme (AOP). During the lesson, the student ambassadors shared personal experiences about their student life at EUR, provided explanations about the university, and offered a sneak peek into research.
Manal, a student ambassador from the AOP, shares her experience: "During the preparatory lesson, I told the pupils about my background and favorite food. It was wonderful to notice that the pupils saw many similarities. I really liked that they might recognize themselves in me, which is an essential aspect of being a role model." Kim, a fellow student-ambassador, adds: "It was very enjoyable to give the preparatory lesson. It was a good moment to get the pupils excited about the lecture on campus and to give them some basic knowledge about the brain, but most importantly: to ask very smart questions. Their fingers went up every minute, showing how much they were all looking forward to it."
During the children's lecture on the campus, guided by Professor Hanan El Maroun, the pupils were again full of enthusiasm. They asked many questions about the brain, conducting research, and the university. Aleksa, a student-ambassador from the AOP, shares: "I always enjoy it when the children become very enthusiastic and amazed when they learn something new about the brain or the university. Children don't usually encounter the university so easily. When they learn more about the existence of the university and what takes place there, they can set a goal for themselves to study at the university."
After the children's lecture, the children explored the campus with a guided tour from student ambassadors. Both the pupils and the student-ambassadors are looking forward to the closing session at school that takes place a week after the lecture. Kim already finished her closing session: "During the class, we discussed the pupils' experiences with the lecture and together we completed their research. I was kindly received. The pupils even suggested expanding the number of lessons of the programme." The team of the Academic Outreach Programme is looking forward to organizing the last lectures of the year, welcoming more children to campus and introducing them to the university, students, and research.