PASS – Prince Albert Skills School

School Timeline

2015
Conception

Helene Smit made a film that told the stories of Henry Prins and Wilfred Maarma, two boys who had dropped out of school. From the film, it became clear that certain children in Prince Albert needed some form of a skills school.

2017
Establishment and moved to new site

Hélène Smit had a vision for a school that was a haven for at-risk youth who had dropped out of the traditional schooling system, but still wanted to advance themselves.

Rodine Barends became the first teacher at the boys' class, focusing on general and psychological lessons.

Thanks to the generous support of Zwartberg High School, PASS relocated to their premises. Now the school is situated next to the ZHS sport grounds.

2018
End-of-year outing

Students went to the beach.

2019
First interns and volunteers

Belgian Roel and Kasper completed a three-month internship.

Roel and Sien came back to volunteer at the school.

2020
New teacher and skills

Belgians Iben and Nolle completed a three-month internship.

Kenneth Myburgh joined the school as the new skills teacher.

The school acquired several technical equipment items that contributed significantly to the school's technical lessons.

2021
Upgrades

The students started with a school garden and received their first uniforms and school bikes.

The students started to build a fence and install a composting toilet.

2022
Girls’ class and new teachers

A girls' class opened with a new teacher, Mariette Heskwa.

Belgians Fien, Goele, and Lotte completed a three-month internship.

Stefan Short joined the school as a new skills teacher.

2023
Expansions

The school received a new office and storage containers.

The school hosted its first medal ceremony. Directors Roel, Sien, and Kasper were in attendance, joined by 25 of their Belgian friends.

2024
Improvements

The students completed the fencing and a gate around the school.

Belgians Indra, Robbe and Jarrick completed a three-month internship.

Manon, Kato and Wouter completed a one-month internship.

2025
Coming soon