Away from all the hustle and bustle, regain your focus, or take a moment to say your daily prayers. Students are increasingly looking for their own space within the school building, where they can retreat. At Summa Healthcare & Welfare, students and teachers are thrilled with the arrival of a quiet room. "I understand that people appreciate and need a quiet room," says student Chaima.

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 say their prayers on time or to escape the crowded auditorium. That's when I thought, I have 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."

Tips if you want to start your own business

Starting a new project often involves a number of challenges, as Saloua did. “The success of creating a quiet space depends on how much support you generate. Involve principals, colleagues, and students in the process. This will also generate good ideas. I'd like to involve students even more. Have them contribute to the mood board, for example. Also, research other schools with a quiet space. You can use this as a starting point and for inspiration.”

Getting started with a quiet space

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.”

"When schools strive for inclusion in education, teams are well-advised to identify the concerns of students and staff, to be mindful of differences, and to act on those insights," Rinske concludes. "Through our practitioner program, we've developed methodologies that can help visualize needs, differences, and similarities. We're also happy to contribute ideas for appropriate solutions."

Are you looking for ways to gain insight into what's going on within your school? Read here step by step how to do inclusive student research.

Do you have questions about setting up and furnishing a quiet room or could you use some tips on how to approach it? Our colleagues at Practorate Relational Work We are happy to think along with you and are available reach by email.