{"id":159049,"date":"2023-09-20T12:27:44","date_gmt":"2023-09-20T10:27:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.erasmusmagazine.nl\/en\/?p=159049"},"modified":"2025-12-19T11:26:58","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T10:26:58","slug":"throne-speech-equal-opportunities-start-with-good-education","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.erasmusmagazine.nl\/en\/2023\/09\/20\/throne-speech-equal-opportunities-start-with-good-education\/","title":{"rendered":"Throne Speech: equal opportunities start with good education"},"content":{"rendered":"

Among many other topics, King Willem-Alexander\u2019s 11th Throne Speech also touched on education and research. \u201cThe basic student grant has been successfully reintroduced\u201d, was one of his observations.<\/p>\n

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The cabinet\u2019s caretaker status made for a Throne Speech that was light on new policy announcements. Education and research were no exception.<\/p>\n

But the King did address a number of important topics, such as equal opportunity. \u201cNot every child gets the same opportunities to build a good future, and not everyone who lives in this country feels heard and seen\u201d, he said. \u201cPeople still face discrimination and racist exclusion in our society.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mental problems <\/h2>

Later in the speech, the King noted that \u201cgood education is crucial to a secure existence with equal opportunities\u201d. Language and maths are to receive more attention, vocational education will get more recognition, the basic student grant is back and, the King added: \u201cThe government supports young researchers and teachers, encouraging both practical and scientific research at higher education institutions.\u201d<\/p>\n

The mental health issues many young people are dealing with were also discussed. \u201cWe see more and more young people struggling with mental health problems, such as depression and loneliness\u201d, the King said. \u201cTherefore, the cabinet is working together with young people to find solutions, for example by making the subject easier to discuss and focusing on performance pressure in schools and universities.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Willing to listen<\/h2>

And what about migration? Important choices need to be made in that area, the speech states, \u201cfor example on work- and study-related migration\u201d.<\/p>\n

In light of the cabinet\u2019s resignation, a passage on democracy also stood out. \u201cDemocracy is about much more than casting your vote \u2013 it is an attitude. It is a willingness to listen, to understand other points of view and to carefully navigate different interests.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\t

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