What happens when young children are invited to engage directly with the people shaping Europe’s future? At our Brussels-based International Baccalaureate school, the answer is simple: curiosity flourishes, confidence grows, and students begin to understand that their voices matter.
Montgomery International School (MIS) is uniquely positioned to connect our students with the institutions and decision-makers shaping Europe’s future. This month, that opportunity came to life through our contribution to the International Day of Play and our collaboration with the European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, alongside Toy Industries of Europe.
The International Day of Play serves as a timely reminder that play is far more than recreation. It is a fundamental part of childhood development, supporting creativity, problem-solving, social-emotional learning and wellbeing. At a time when children face increasing academic pressures and growing digital demands on their attention, protecting opportunities for meaningful play has become an important educational and societal priority.
What made this initiative particularly meaningful for our students was the opportunity to engage directly with a European Commissioner whose portfolio focuses on the wellbeing and future of younger generations – all while playing with clay and creating different characters together! Rather than simply delivering a message, the Commissioner sparked students’ curiosity by explaining the role of the European Commission, how policy decisions are made, and how European institutions seek to address issues that matter to citizens.
Our second- and third-grade students responded with enthusiasm, asking questions and sharing their own ideas about what could be improved in their communities and for children more broadly. The exchange served as a powerful reminder that even the youngest members of society have valuable perspectives to offer.
This experience reflects a core principle of the International Baccalaureate: that students should develop not only academic knowledge, but also the confidence and agency to engage with the world around them. The IB encourages learners to be inquirers, communicators and active contributors to their communities. By interacting directly with a European policymaker, students were able to see that citizenship is not something reserved for adulthood; it begins with asking questions and expressing their own ideas.
The collaboration also highlighted the important connection between play and participation. Play encourages curiosity, creativity, and confidence: qualities that are equally important in
democratic engagement. When children are given opportunities to explore and express themselves, they develop the skills needed to become thoughtful, engaged citizens.
As we continue to prepare students for an increasingly interconnected world, experiences like these remind us that education is at its most powerful when it combines learning, curiosity and real-world engagement. In Brussels, where European policy is shaped every day, we have a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to help students see themselves not only as learners, but as active participants in the future they will inherit.
Interested in learning more? We invite prospective families to visit our campus, meet our community, and understand how our students benefit from unique opportunities available only in Brussels. Applications and inquiries are welcomed throughout the year!