Museum van de Geest in Amsterdam Launches Innovative Mental Health Program for Students
Museum van de Geest | Dolhuys, a renowned institution focusing on mental health and the human mind, has initiated a new digital educational program aimed at fostering mental well-being among students in Amsterdam. Launching in March 2024, this collaborative effort will engage over 1500 students from ROC Amsterdam West, using creative approaches to discuss mental health. The initiative is a partnership with NeurolabNL | Amsterdam UMC, UMC Utrecht, and MBO College Amsterdam West, designed to explore the effectiveness of cultural education in this vital area. For further details on this project, a press release is available here.
Creative Exploration of Mental Well-being
The core of this program is "De Bovenkamer" (The Attic/Upper Room), a digital educational package developed by Museum van de Geest. This innovative platform uses three interactive games to help students aged 16 to 21 explore their emotions and thought patterns. Rather than traditional discussions, the program encourages creative expression through sound and imagery, offering a low-threshold and engaging way for young people to learn about their own mental health. The aim is to make conversations about mental well-being more accessible and less daunting.
Addressing Student Mental Health in Amsterdam Schools
This project directly responds to a growing desire among young people for standard mental health education in schools, while also acknowledging the challenges teachers face in initiating these conversations. By integrating art and culture, the Museum van de Geest seeks to bridge this gap, allowing students to playfully and interactively delve into topics often considered difficult. MBO College Amsterdam West has embraced this goal, actively participating in the program's rollout.
Collaborative Research for Positive Social Change
To assess the impact of "De Bovenkamer" outside of the museum's walls, all participating classes will undergo an impact measurement. This research, conducted by Amsterdam UMC, UMC Utrecht, and Universiteit Leiden (NeurolabNL), includes pre- and post-measurements involving both students and teachers. The results, expected at the end of the school year, will shed light on how such cultural lessons can positively influence mental health understanding and discussion.
The development of "De Bovenkamer" and the broader initiative has been made possible through the support of various organizations, including Critical Mass, NeurolabNL Young, Universiteit Leiden, September, Fonds 21, Kickstart Fonds, and NWA Wetenschapscommunicatie, in addition to the MBO Cultuurkaart, which facilitates student participation.
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