On Monday May 7, US Ambassador Hoekstra was in Gouda. He has been in the Netherlands since January and would like to inform himself about education in our country, including the reformed variant. He first visited Driestar College for secondary education. He attended the week opening, addressed about 400 13 to 15 years old gymnasium students and spoke with a class of students. During a meeting at Driestar Christian University other schools and institutions presented themselves as well, including the Hoornbeeck College for vocational education. With these three schools, the ambassador has immediately become acquainted with schools that are listed as the best in the Netherlands. The Association for Reformed School Education (VGS) was also present to explain Article 23 of the Constitution on freedom of education. The visit came about a meeting of the ambassador with Henk Jan van Schothorst, founder of Transatlantic Christian Council (TCC). This organization is committed to the development of Transatlantic networks and policy influencing at the level of governments and international organizations from a Christian perspective, with extra focus on themes such as life, family and freedom, such as freedom of religion and education.
A lunch at the old townhall with Gouda mayor Schoenmaker, ambassador Hoekstra and representatives of TCC and a visit to Sint Janskerk closed the visit to Gouda.
Then the delegation went to Oudewater where she was received by the Oudewater mayor Verhoeve, who led us around in the small town. A reception with representatives of mainly local businessmen was the conclusion of the visit to this more then 750 years old city.