Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
De Ark
A forest learning center in Sint-Niklaas
The Ark is a primary school following the Freinet principle of ‘live learning’.
Students will discover a vast living space full of wonderful creatures, stories, possibilities, communities, cozy corners and thrilling adventures.
As we set out on our journey of teaching the next generation, we have a responsibility to (re-)connect pupils with their natural environment, so they can be rooted in neutral but diverse, common but extraordinary, thrilling but non-judgmental ground. And from those roots, build their own dreams as individuals and as engaged members of the community.
Forest Maker Nicolas de Brabandère
450
Trees
150
Square Meters
24
Native Species
“The world is our classroom, starting with the nearby school environment and neighborhood. As we venture out into the world, we discover a vast living space full of wonderful creatures, stories, possibilities, communities, cozy corners and thrilling adventures.”
— Mieke Derynck, De Ark, leader in environment
Soil Sampling
Checking for:
- Fertility
- Minerals & Elements
- Beneficial Biology - Microbes and Fungi
- Organic matter - that holds Water
and Carbon
Discover more SUGi Projects
Forest of Thanks
A symbol of resilience, hope, and healing for the local community.
Gilly School Forest
Bring Nature into the classroom.
Paul Joly Forest
Bringing life and restoring soul to a newly built development in the Lorraine region.
