The added value of quiet spaces

The origin of the idea 

Saloua Kaddouri, lecturer and career counselor, and the driving force behind the creation of the quiet room: “The idea for the quiet room at Willem de Rijkelaan truly came from our students. It started around Ramadan 2020. Many students approached me, even though they weren't in my class. At that time, there was a particular need for a place to pray on time or to escape the crowded auditorium. That's when I realized I had to do something with this, and I started investigating.” 

Finding the right place 

Providing a quiet room is easier said than done. Empty classrooms are almost never available for students to sit in. Reserving rooms wasn't working either. So, where would you create a new space? Saloua approached Marty Willems, director of Summa Healthcare & Welfare, with this question. 

I'd been wandering around the school building for a while. Then I found a secluded corner, mostly filled with lockers. Marty and I went to check it out, and it was spacious enough to build a wall, allowing us to close off the space while still creating a spacious feel. The space was also easy to find, well-ventilated, insulated, and had plenty of natural light. 

Accessible to everyone 

The space is cozy, with a sofa and chairs that weren't being used, and warm, atmospheric grass wallpaper. Half of the windows are covered with film, so students don't feel like they're being watched while praying, meditating, or doing relaxation exercises.  

"The quiet room is a wonderful way to include more people," says Rinske Broekman, lecturer-researcher in diversity, inclusion, and equality at the Relational Work Practorate. "People's sensory processing varies, and students' needs are diverse. As a school, it's wise to respond to these differences. Students who are sensitive to stimuli get the opportunity to calm down in the quiet room, and therefore get back to learning. And religious students get the opportunity to pray in the quiet room. For some students, religious beliefs are an important part of their identity. With a quiet room, we demonstrate that these beliefs are welcome and that we embrace differences." 

Taking responsibility 

There were some concerns that the quiet room wouldn't be used responsibly. Saloua certainly doesn't see it that way. "A few guidelines are posted in the quiet room and at the door. Be considerate of each other, take your belongings with you, etc. During surveillance, we spoke to chatting students, and they were always very understanding. The longer students were able to use the room, the less supervision was needed. Students speak to each other because they want to be respectful of 'their own space' in the school building."  

Priceless

A quiet space not only provides a physical space for prayer or meditation but also contributes to inclusivity and well-being. It fosters respect and understanding between students and teachers. It contributes to a positive learning environment where diversity is embraced and individual needs are respected. 

Student Chaima is thrilled with the arrival of the quiet room. “My faith requires me to pray five times a day. It's nice to know you can go to the quiet room and not have to search for an empty space. Before the quiet room, I often missed a prayer, which made me feel uncomfortable and prevented me from expressing my emotions. It's a moment of reflection. What meditation is for others, prayer is for us. Now, in consultation with the instructor, I use this room twice a week. For me, the quiet room is invaluable.”