32k Board Games Distributed to Primary Schools; Leisure Portal Launched

Luxembourg's Ministry of National Education, Children and Youth has confirmed that, on Friday 26 March 2021, Minister Claude Meisch unveiled a set of measures in favour of the well-being of children and young people during the COVID-19 crisis.

“Our children have been subject to many restrictions since the start of the pandemic. We have to devote time to them: time to play, to discover, to talk with them” observed Minister Meisch.

Over the course of numerous meetings with professionals from the school and education sector, but also children and young people, it became clear that they are missing a lot. “Health measures are essential, as is the fight against school delays. But it is at least as important to see that the children are doing badly because of the pandemic” insisted the minister.

To respond to this essential concern, the ministry has stated that it acts both through support measures (listening, helpline, psycho-social support, awareness-raising) and initiatives aimed at promoting family activities. To grow up well and get through this critical period in the best possible conditions, children need to live their childhood lives, have fun, play and broaden their horizons.

"Zäit fir ze spillen"

Thus, 32,000 board games, distributed in 3,200 Spillkëschten (game boxes), are being distributed these days to all primary school classes. The games are made available to children who can borrow them to play with their family at home, creating special moments of conviviality, in complete safety in the face of the virus.

Beyond relaxation and the opportunity to change your mind, board games allow children to develop many skills: patience, concentration, logical and tactical thinking, creativity, motor skills, motivation, commitment, management of emotions, communication, etc.

"Zäit fir ze entdecken"

An internet portal www.kannerzait.lu has also been launched. It brings together ideas for leisure activities to do in nature or at home, trips to museums, to the theatre, etc. Parents can find out where to play golf with a Frisbee, travel through the solar system without leaving the country, find a play that children really enjoy, to name but a few. The portal is accessible in 5 languages.

"Zäit fir nozelauschteren an ze schwätzen"

Children and young people also need to feel surrounded by others. Take the time to talk to them, listen to their concerns and know how to recognise the warning signs of their discomfort: these discussions are important in the family, as well as at school.

In the "Life and Society" branch, course units have been specially developed for basic and secondary education. Depending on their age, students will be invited to reflect on COVID-19 and its impact on their personal lives, on our freedom, on democracy, on science, etc.

A listening helpline

These new initiatives are in addition to the measures already in place. Starting with the helpline (tel: 8002-9393) which offers help, psychological listening and assistance for children, adolescents and families in stressful situations, conflicts and overwork, every working day between 08:00 and 18:00.

Guides have been designed and distributed to parents, teachers and educators to help them recognise and understand the discomfort of children and youth.
Ongoing training is offered to teachers by the National Education Training Institute around the well-being, positive communication, mindfulness and relaxation techniques of children to support teachers in their daily mission alongside children and young people in the classroom.