July 24 2025 at 08:34AM
Inspiring Future Project Managers: PMI NL Volunteers Bring Project Management to the Classroom
How do you teach 11-year-olds what a project really is? PMI NL volunteers Maria Savushkina and Francis Zwaanenburg found the answer at R.K.B.S. de Emmaus in Voorschoten. Through an interactive workshop, they introduced core project management concepts to a classroom full of eager young minds. From defining deliverables and working with constraints to collaborating in teams and applying lessons learned, the children explored essential project skills - all while competing to
build the tallest marshmallow tower.
The session began with the basics: What is a project? The students quickly grasped that a project is about understanding what you’re making, creating something new within clear timeframes, using limited resources, and working together as a team. Equipped with these insights, they eagerly tackled the Tower Game Challenge - building towers out of spaghetti and marshmallows, racing against the clock to deliver their “final product.”
What made the workshop even more impactful was the opportunity for iteration. After the first round, the children reflected on what worked and what didn’t. In the second round, they improved their strategies, communicated more effectively, and delivered sturdier, taller, and more creative towers. Some teams even negotiated with others for extra materials or asked the facilitators for advice, showing true project manager instincts.
“It was inspiring to see how quickly they picked up on the value of planning, collaboration, and clear communication,” said Maria. “These are skills that will benefit them far beyond the classroom.”
The success of this session was made possible thanks to the enthusiasm and support of Annabel Scheepmaker, the group 7 teacher, who embraced the idea of bringing project management to her students. With her help, the workshop became more than just a morning activity - it became the start of a new tradition.
PMI NL volunteers Maria and Francis look forward to returning next school year to inspire even more students. By teaching the next generation how to plan, build, and work together, they’re helping to plant the seeds of project management early - giving these young learners tools they can carry into any future endeavor.
