Building 4 Belonging works on inclusive school environments to combat loneliness
Building 4 Belonging works on inclusive school environments to combat youth loneliness.
Building 4 Belonging works on inclusive school environments to combat loneliness
The five-year NWA project Building 4 Belonging, which received a €1 million grant from NWO, was officially launched on 22 October with an online meeting. Researchers from different disciplines such as data science, architecture, psychology and psychiatry came together with professionals and experts by experience to work towards one goal: developing school environments in which all pupils - and in particular pupils with autism - feel welcome and valued. This initiative is in line with the national commitment to reduce feelings of loneliness and mental health problems in Dutch society.
Valuable perspectives
During the meeting, experts shared their insights on how schools can become more inclusive. Carolien Rieffe (UT) discussed the importance of informal moments at school, and how feelings of belonging during those moments play an important role during a school day; but at the same time, research shows that the environment often plays a hindering role, especially for autistic students. Elijah Delsink (founder and president of the LBVSO) shared insights into the daily experiences of autistic students during an average school day, and the challenges they face.
Architecture and smart watches
Magda Mostafa (American University in Cairo) presented her work on autism-friendly architecture. She showed how school spaces can be designed to prevent sensory overstimulation, increase accessibility for all students and thus combat loneliness. Dennis Reidsma (UT) introduced the use of smart watches to monitor social interactions and students' feelings of loneliness in real-time within the school context. In other words, how effective are environmental adaptations in combating feelings of loneliness?
Inclusive policy and participatory research
Emma Beauxis-Aussalet (VU) discussed strategies to detect possible bias in data, using AI, and how to ensure a representative sample as a researcher. Ellen Starke (policy officer, Samenwerkingsverband Amsterdam-Diemen) explained how collaborations between schools contribute to developing and implementing inclusive policies. Finally, Ivet Pieper (EMMA Foundation) emphasised the importance of participatory research and showed how the involvement of pupils and teachers leads to more effective solutions.
Breaking barriers for an inclusive future
The Building 4 Belonging project is all about collaboration. Working closely with schools, autism organisations such as the Dutch Autism Association (NVA) and other stakeholders, the project aims to find practical and impactful solutions. This interdisciplinary approach offers opportunities to break down both physical and social barriers in school environments so that every student feels welcome and heard.
This project aligns with the impact coalition Smart Societies' mission to harness technology and human connection for better equity and inclusion. In January, the project group will meet again at the University of Twente to plan next steps.
Don't miss it: lecture by Magda Mostafa on 13 January
On 13 January, Magda Mostafa will give a lecture titled "Spectrum Space: Sensory Decolonisation, Sensory Curation, and the Autistic Imaginary". In this lecture, she will share her insights on how the physical environment can improve the well-being of people with autism; but not only for this particular group. An autism-friendly environment often turns out to be better for everyone. Be there! Find out more about Magda Mostafa's lecture and register immediately.
Read all about the Building 4 Belonging project and stay informed about new developments. Carolien, Elijah and Magda's presentations are now also available to watch back on YouTube!