A Place for Prayer and Meditation: Wittenborg Opens New Multi-faith and Well-being Room

New Space Aims to Promote Staff and Students’ Mental Health and Inclusion

As part of its commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for its diverse staff and student body, Wittenborg recently implemented its first Multi-faith and Well-being Room on the Brinklaan campus, in Apeldoorn. 

Located on the building’s ground floor, the room is available during school hours without the need for prior booking. Multiple people can use the space simultaneously, as long as they respect each other's activities. For faith-based or meditative practices that require quiet or solitude, students have the option to book private time for an undisturbed environment. Additionally, anyone who wishes to use it individually or as a group may put up a ‘Do not disturb’ sign indicating that the room is in use, so that interruptions can be avoided. 

Users are expected to leave the room clean and tidy after use. The space is meant to be a place of peace, reflection and mindfulness, so users should not engage in loud conversations or any kind of disruptive behaviour. 

It is important to note that the room remains multifunctional and can still be used for meetings or final project presentations if all consultation rooms are occupied. However, most of the time, it is available for anyone seeking a quiet moment, prayer or meditation. 

Wittenborg's Head of Education Development and Quality Management, Kriszta Kaspers-Rostás, emphasises that the institution aims to create a neutral and harmonious atmosphere that welcomes all students and staff, regardless of their religious or non-religious background. 

“The room is designed to support the spiritual and emotional well-being of our students and staff, particularly within our multicultural environment. It promotes mental health, visibly fosters inclusivity and, especially for staff, encourages work-life balance. Our main goal is to enhance the student and staff experience, foster a sense of belonging and contribute to the personal development of the people who are part of the Wittenborg community.” 

Kaspers-Rostás comments that, in the future, depending on student demand and available spaces, the school may implement similar rooms at other study locations.  

Education Support Administrator Hanna Abdelwahab, who has used the room, describes it as “cosy and peaceful”, adding that it is a brilliant addition to the Brinklaan campus. “Having a dedicated space for reflection, meditation, prayer or just mental well-being shows Wittenborg’s commitment to the diverse needs of its community. This is especially important for Wittenborg, where students and staff come from a variety of cultural and religious backgrounds. It’s a versatile space that students or staff can use whenever they need a quiet moment or just to take a break from work or class. Taking ‘time out’ is important and it is highly beneficial for mental, physiological and psychological health,” she says. 

Abdelwahab underlines that the school will collect user feedback regularly and review the use of the room periodically. “This way, we want to make sure that all the room users are happy with the space,” she concludes.  

WUP 30/09/2024 
by Ulisses Sawczuk 
©WUAS Press