8,5% ALC./VOL

Kompel Nostalgia Collection Batch NO.6 - mining school

Release datum: 01.03.2022

THE STORY:

In September 1937, a mining school for young people from the age of fifteen was opened in Waterschei. A major change was that the lessons were no longer optional. Every young person between fifteen and eighteen who wanted to work in the underground had to go through the school as far as he was found medically fit. In this way, the mine hoped to build up its own reserve of trained personnel. Apparently the risk of these educated young people going to work in other companies did not outweigh the need for skilled workers. A first selection took place during the training. The pupils were divided into groups according to their abilities so that the teaching could be differentiated. The strong groups were told that they were the future porions, while the weaker ones were destined for executive labor underground. Theoretical lessons were given by teachers in the morning and included subjects in Dutch, French, arithmetic, physical education and horticulture for one hour per week. Each pupil was given their own piece of land, as well as seeds and fertilizers. In the winter, the students were allowed to become proficient in wood and ironwork in the workshops. In order to teach the students values such as frugality and frugality, school savings were also done. The objectives therefore went beyond teaching professional skills. Raising responsible employees and family fathers made this initiative so special. That is also why the behaviour, diligence and punctuality of the pupils were constantly monitored and communicated to the parents via fourteen-day reports.

Source: VZW MY PAST

~ The Koolputters: Education and vocational training