For children, school means much more than just learning: it provides structure, guidance, and a sense of normalcy. That is why it is also part of the services offered by the Flamingo Children’s Hospice. In collaboration with the hospital school at the University Children’s Hospital of Zurich (Kispi) and the Elementary School Office of the Canton of Zurich, an educational program was created to support and provide individualized learning opportunities for critically ill children and adolescents during their stay.
When Barbara Trechslin, director of the Kispi hospital school, first heard about the plans for the Flamingo Children’s Hospice in early 2025, a brief conversation with Selina Boppart—an educator and co-director of the psychosocial department at Flamingo—quickly led to a shared vision: an educational program at the children’s hospice. From the very beginning, Barbara Trechslin was impressed by the people behind the project: “I was inspired by the positive energy, professionalism, and warmth of everyone involved. To me, the Flamingo is the successful realization of a wonderful idea and a true pioneering effort.”For children and adolescents with a life-limiting illness, school means far more than learning in the traditional sense. It provides a sense of daily routine, structure, and reliability. Especially during a stay at Flamingo, classes can help maintain a sense of normalcy. “All school-age children have the right to an appropriate education—regardless of where they are staying or what their current state of health may be,” explains Trechslin. This so-called “principle of normality” forms the foundation of the work at the Flamingo. Classes are tailored to each child and are based on their resources, needs, interests, and abilities.
At Flamingo, learning takes place wherever it’s right for the child and the situation: in the classroom, in the guest room, on the terrace, or in the art studio. Whether it’s a spontaneous visit with Tobi the pony, creative activities, or learning together in small groups—the environment creates a wide range of educational and social opportunities. Unlike in an acute care hospital, teachers at Flamingo experience a much calmer environment. The children are often more relaxed, and their days are easier to plan since there are no upcoming surgeries or acute medical procedures. This special atmosphere has a positive effect on learning. Many children also already know the teachers from Kispi. These familiar caregivers remain a constant presence and provide a sense of security in a challenging life situation.
The entire family is always at the heart of pediatric hospice care. That’s why it’s not just the children who benefit from the educational program. During class, parents have the opportunity to step away for a short time, recharge, or simply take a breather.
Feedback from families shows just how important this program is. Parents appreciate that their child’s educational support continues during the stay and that their child continues to receive support as part of their usual developmental process.
The program is still in its early stages of development. Children from various cantons are already enrolled, and initial ideas are emerging to offer customized solutions for siblings in the future. Looking to the future, Barbara Trechslin emphasizes the importance of long-term financial stability: “I hope that Flamingo and the hospital school can build on a stable financial foundation so that this valuable program can continue in the long term.” The educational program, in particular, illustrates what the Flamingo stands for: children are not defined solely by their illness. They remain learners, explorers, friends, and siblings. This creates a place where personal growth, social interaction, and family time can coexist—and where school becomes a part of everyday life.
Nicola Presti interviewed Barbara Trechslin, principal of the hospital school for patients and the hospital school at the Psychosomatic-Psychiatric Therapy Unit of the Zurich Children’s Hospital and its branch at the Flamingo Children’s Hospice.
FLAMINGO