In this edition: Health Science students explore mental well-being and community health through a real-life research project with “De Kwekerij”.
Project commissioned by a local organisation
In the 8-week course , taught during period 5, students apply their academic knowledge to real-world challenges in community health. Working in small groups, they take on a project for a local Dutch organisation, tackling topics like well-being, healthcare, livability and broader public health issues.
The course brings together bachelor’s students from Health and Life and Health Sciences, across all three years of study. This year, 28 students are taking part. Welzijn in de Wijk is part of the Faculty of Science curriculum.
Working together on mental health
Students team up with , an initiative that supports young adults in their personal and professional development. In a world where performance pressure is high, De Kwekerij offers space for reflection and mental well-being. To strengthen their impact, they want to better understand how their work is experienced and what encourages, or holds back, participation. That’s where the students come in.
Learning through real-world research
Students carry out a small qualitative study to explore the experiences and impact of De Kwekerij. Their findings can help the organisation grow, while giving students the chance to build research skills in a meaningful, applied setting.
Throughout the course, students reflect on the project, their teamwork, and the research process by keeping a reflection portfolio. This helps them develop a deeper understanding of community health issues, and their own role as future professionals.
Want to know more?
Interested in Community Service Learning, or want to feature your own course in this series? Reach out to us via CSL@vu.nl, we’d love to hear from you. You can also visit the VU CSL website for more inspiration.