Working visit by Minister of Education
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Working visit by Education Minister Zuhal Demir to Polyvision
A vision for the future of the classroom
Education Minister Zuhal Demirâs visit to Polyvisionâs production site began with a warm, informal welcome. While the conversation touched on the international successes of Belgian companies and the influence of Bart De Wever on the political landscape, it quickly connected to the central theme of the day: the quality of our education.
At a time when performance is under pressure, and AI is reshaping the world, the minister was clear about her mission: order must be restored by returning to the essentials, knowledge and discipline.
That idea of discipline immediately came to life through a comparison with the education system in Hong Kong. Silvie Vermoote, Director of Sales EMEA/APAC, described how focus and structure are the norm there, an approach that closely resembles how education in Belgium used to function. The minister acknowledged its potential and shared that a proposal is on the table to once again anchor these values in our schools.
During the presentation and the factory tour that followed, it became clear how Polyvision and Vanerum respond to this vision. We showed that a modern classroom does not have to be a digital copy of the outside world. The minister strongly agreed with the statement that students should not stare at a screen for 8 hours a day.
Under her motto, âthose who write, endure,â she argued for a return to the board. She expressed concern about the decline in childrenâs motor skills as fewer and fewer learn to write properly, and emphasized that, especially in primary education, an iPad must not become a necessity.
The tour gave the minister an in-depth look at the craftsmanship behind the enameled surfaces. From the mill room and the coils to the heat of the furnaces and the final inspection, the technical precision and the durability guarantee of the surface made a strong impression. This led to an engaging dialogue about competition from other products and the significant export value of our solutions, which reach metro stations and classrooms from Brussels to Singapore. The minister showed particular interest in the
productsâ sustainability, noting that many of these boards remain in excellent condition in classrooms after more than 50 years.
The design of school buildings was also discussed. The minister shared her observation that the trend of large, open learning spaces is fading. Studies are clear: such spaces create too much noise and too little focus. She is therefore working toward a return to more traditional, well-structured classrooms. Vanerum demonstrated how their sliding systems and acoustic solutions create the calm environment necessary for meaningful interaction between teacher and student.
The visit concluded with a broader reflection on the younger generation. The minister drew parallels with Sweden’s mobile phone ban and Australia’s strict approach to harmful copycat behavior on social media. Her view is that we must offer young people structure again and protect them from social barriers and a
decline in motor skills.
For Minister Demir, the visit to Polyvision reinforced a clear conviction: that high-quality education begins with a well-designed physical learning environment. In a world increasingly dominated by screens and distraction, the board remains what it has always been, a central point of calm, focus, and human connection.
It is here, in the structured classroom, that knowledge is transferred, discipline is learned, and the foundation for the future is laid. And it is companies like Polyvision and Vanerum that continue to make that possible through craftsmanship that lasts for generations.
