Members of parliament and education: Paul van Meenen and Nicki Pouw-verweij.

Members of parliament and education: Paul van Meenen and Nicki Pouw-verweij.

Who is involved in education in The Hague? Who fights for better tailored education or worries about the teacher shortage? Every week, two members of parliament introduce themselves. What are their plans for education in the coming years? Some faces are familiar, others are new in the House of Representatives. This week: Paul van Meenen (D66) and Nicki Pouw-Verweij (JA21).

Nicki Pouw-Verweij – JA21 

Would you briefly introduce yourself?

My name is Nicki Pouw-Verweij. I have been a member of the House of Representatives for JA21 since March 2021. Before that, I was a senator and member of the Provincial Council. I am also a doctor and currently finishing my PhD in rheumatology. I am a mother of two sons, aged 1 and 2 years. 

What are your main focus points for education?

Besides attention for students with disadvantages, there should also be attention for the most talented students. We want to encourage both groups and make sure there is space and attention for top performers. Additionally we call for the return of vocational schools where practical instead of theoretical education is given, because not all students are equally focused on theory. Especially in more practical work fields, we see a big shortage, and education should focus more on that.  

Third, we strongly support freedom of education and want to keep article 23. We are critical of abuses within Islamic education, but this criticism is aimed at failing leaders and disintegrating character, not on principled grounds. 

What will you improve or do differently for parents and children? 

We want a broader focus in education, on children who perform very well or somewhat less, on children who are theoretically or practically minded, on children who go to a public or special school. All these groups need attention and care. We want to improve this spread. 

Paul van Meenen – D66

Would you briefly introduce yourself? 

I am Paul van Meenen (65 years old), member of parliament and spokesperson for education since 2012. I am a father of two children and a very involved grandfather of a six-year-old granddaughter in grade 3. I hope to become a grandfather of a grandson in early June. Before my membership of parliament, I worked 33 years in education. Always as a teacher (math), but also as a leader, principal, and manager. In mbo, hbo and the last 16 years in secondary education.

What are your main focus points for education?

Free accessible childcare focused on development (learning through play). A rich school day for every child, where besides very good teaching in language and math, every (!) child gets sport, culture, nature and homework help etc. Under the management of free out-of-school care. Regardless of who the parents are. More patience with children, and moving towards inclusivity.

What will you improve or do differently for parents and children?

All of the above;-)

Next time: Nilüfer Gündoğan (Volt), Roelof Bisschop (SGP) and Stephan van Baarle (DENK)