Two celebrations in Zeeland: within a single week, Kibeo and Albero opened two Educational Centers (ECs). On Friday, October 3rd, the new EC Schengehof building in 's Heer Arendskerke was officially opened, followed by EC De Vliete in Wissenkerke on Tuesday, October 7th. The openings build on the shared vision previously developed by Kibeo and Albero, which is now gradually becoming a reality in Educational Centers.
In 's Heer Arendskerke, a long-cherished dream came true: a brand-new Educational Center where childcare and education seamlessly blend. Alderman Stan Meulblok symbolically handed over the key to Adrianne Capel (director) and Monique Dek (site manager). Interest was enormous; according to Monique, "it seemed as if half of 's Heer Arendskerke had emptied out to come and take a look." After years in which education and childcare each had their own distinct space, a single team is now growing, sharing responsibility for each child's development.
In Wissenkerke, education and childcare had already been housed together in a single building, but with the official opening of EC De Vliete, they are now truly operating as a single Educational Center. Alderman Stephan van Belzen performed the opening ceremony and unveiled the center's new logo together with school principal Willemijn Mondeel and branch manager Ellen van der Klooster. The timing couldn't have been better: it's Children's Book Week, with the theme "Full of Adventure," which immediately became the theme of the opening. The motto was "“We're going on an adventure together,” children went on a treasure hunt and discovery tour through their own center.
Both centers were founded on a single, clear belief: children develop best when care and education are integrated. Within the Educational Centers, professionals from Kibeo and Albero work as a single team, with a shared pedagogical and didactic vision. This creates a continuous development path from 0 to 12 years old, where each child is seen at their own pace and talents. The centers are inclusive by design: every child is welcome and receives the guidance tailored to their abilities. Parents and local partners are also actively involved, because development is a collaborative effort.
In the photo from left to right: directors Marjan Bastiaansen-Ars (Albero) and Elly Brand (Kibeo) look on proudly as their shared vision becomes reality during the opening of EC Schengehof.
The openings of the Schengehof and De Vliete Community Centers demonstrate what can happen when you truly work together toward a common goal. And that collaboration doesn't have to be something grand, but something that happens in the little things of everyday life. A toddler proudly waving to his brother in the playground, a childcare worker joining a group discussion, a colleague dropping in to share an idea for a theme. The fact that young children can move in a continuous line at these centers, surrounded by familiar faces, provides peace, space, and joy for growth. And that's precisely what we're all here for.
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