Photo: Shutterstock Studying in times of corona is far from ideal. So, can the government offer students an extra year of education free of charge? Jan Hol, chair of the Christian University College Ede asked (links to Dutch content) outgoing prime minister Rutte this in an open letter.
Support
Opposition parties GroenLinks and PvdA also saw the plea. In yesterday’s debate on the corona crisis, it transpired that the parties support the idea. Jessa Klaver (GroenLinks) expects such a measure to alleviate the pressure many young people now feel. And newly-appointed PvdA leader Lilianne Ploumen asked the cabinet to come up with a delta plan for youths. ‘As far as I’m concerned, such a support provision should include at least one extra tuition fee-free year of education for all those who need it.’
No taboos
In his response, prime minister Rutte made no promises. Outgoing ministers Ingrid van Engelshoven and Arie Slob are currently developing a multi-year national programme to combat learning deficits, he said. ‘There are no taboos, including for extending the schooling or the studying duration. Mister Klaver’s suggestion is far-reaching, but will be considered.’
Majority
Ultimately, GroenLinks and D66 submitted a joint motion (links to Dutch content) to provide students who fall back due to corona with an extra, tuition fee-free, study year. According to the NOS news network, the PvdA, PVV, SP and ChristenUnie support the motion, which leads to a majority.
LSVb
Student organisations are delighted with the news. But LSVb-chair Lyle Muns stresses that students who have not fallen back should also be given a free year. ‘Corona causes students to lose income, fall back and miss out on an essential part of their student life. This measure supports students who have fallen back, but disregards most of the students.’
