Two great projects supported by Aramco Europe came together when kids helped by the ‘Work like a Horse’ foundation visited the world’s first floating farm in Rotterdam.
The foundation plans activities for children to inspire and educate them to accomplish their goals.
The children had the opportunity to learn about innovation, the circular economy and more sustainable urban farming practices when they visited the floating farm, which is home to 40 cows that produce milk which is sold locally. Grass feed comes from local football pitches and the manure is re-used to maintain nutrients in the city.
Both Work like a Horse and the Floating Farm have received support from Aramco Europe’s citizenship program which aims to improve the communities where the company operates.
The visit provided a unique opportunity for the kids to develop a practical understanding of concepts from innovation, circularity, sustainability, and self-sufficiency, in the heart of their own community.
Expanding their horizon
Work like a Horse (derived from the concept that if you work like a horse you can accomplish a lot) targets participating schools in Rotterdam and provides after-school excursions which include trips to companies and other organizations where they can learn about potential careers.
The aim is to enlarge the worlds of participating children and in doing so increase their opportunity. The key is to broaden their understanding of education possibilities and potential occupations, to make their world bigger.
“If you can’t see it, you can’t be it,” explains project organizer Marleen Warmerdam.
Participating schools help to select a group of students who might benefit most from the program which includes 38 weekly excursions divided into different modules. These include cooperation, sustainability & environment, the value of money, arts & culture, health care, the city of Rotterdam (council, fire brigade, police) as well as visits to companies specialized in engineering, technics, logistics and construction.
Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb highlighted the importance of such programs in the development of students.
He said: “Every child deserves the chance to explore another world and forget their troubles. They deserve to broaden their horizon. It’s only when you are aware of the possibilities that you can discover what fits you best.”