Queen Mary recently graced Pilehaveskolen in Vallensbaek with her presence as she launched the School Force initiative, a collaborative effort between the Mary Foundation, Børns Vilkår, and Save the Children. The initiative is designed to enhance the well-being of students within schools, thus reflecting Mary's longstanding commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable women and children. Her visit was met with enthusiasm as pupils waved national flags, and she was warmly received.
The Mary Foundation, established by Queen Mary in 2007, has been pivotal in supporting the School Force initiative. The program aims to tackle issues such as bullying and promote a positive environment for students. During the visit, Queen Mary expressed her appreciation for the school's efforts and highlighted the importance of involving children in discussions about their daily lives.
"It has been a pleasure to experience Pilehaveskolen's work with the School Force. The school's experiences and the student council's proposals once again emphasise to me how central it is to involve children and young people in issues about their everyday lives." – Queen Mary
Queen Mary's visit was marked by a series of engagements, including a gala dinner where she donned an elegant black lace gown by designer Jesper Høvring. She accessorized with Queen Caroline Amalie's gold diadem adorned with antique cameos and Princess Vilhelmine Marie's bracelet featuring Vesuvian stones. Her sartorial choices were as much a highlight as her advocacy for student well-being.
The School Force initiative is a significant step towards addressing students' needs by directly involving them in crafting solutions for their well-being. During her address, Queen Mary emphasized the necessity of listening to children who are directly affected by these issues.
"They are the ones who experience it firsthand if the well-being in the classroom is poor and if bullying occurs. That is why they must be heard." – Queen Mary
