Municipalities strengthen cooperation in tackling low literacy
In the coming years, the municipality of Wassenaar will focus on strengthening support for residents with limited basic skills. On March 6, Wassenaar signed a renewed regional cooperation agreement together with the municipalities of Lansingerland, Leidschendam-Voorburg, Pijnacker-Nootdorp, Voorschoten, and Zoetermeer. With this agreement, the municipalities are strengthening their joint approach to low literacy and are coordinating the provision of lessons and support more closely.
In the Netherlands, more than three million adults struggle with basic skills such as reading, writing, arithmetic, and digital skills. This is also the case in Wassenaar. The most recent study into adult skills shows that an estimated 12% of Wassenaar's residents have limited basic skills. That amounts to 2,200 residents between the ages of 16 and 75. It is striking that 57% of this group have Dutch as their mother tongue.
Limited basic skills can have a major impact on everyday life, for example when it comes to understanding letters, applying for benefits, finding work, or using digital services.
Ritske Bloemendaal, Alderman , emphasizes the importance of cooperation:
"In Wassenaar, we also want everyone to be able to participate. Language and digital skills are essential for this. We know that some of our residents struggle with this, and that is nothing to be ashamed of. By working together regionally and strengthening local support, we ensure that residents find appropriate help more quickly."
Regional approach
The agreements for the next four years have been laid down in the new Regional Plan for Tackling Low Literacy and Basic Skills. The municipalities are working together to develop a clear learning pathway. The Language Centers, which are part of the libraries, are the first point of contact. Residents can easily access these centers for language buddies or computer lessons, for example. From the Language Center, participants can move on to follow-up lessons with local or regional partners.
The municipalities are also paying extra attention to the accessibility of the services on offer. For many residents, traveling by public transport is a barrier, which means that support must be available nearby and easily accessible.
Local support in Wassenaar
The approach is also being strengthened at the local level. The Wassenaar Social Team and the Language Center will work more closely together so that residents can be referred to appropriate support more quickly. In addition, investments are being made in knowledge about low literacy and limited basic skills among Social Team employees.
Residents with limited basic skills can visit the Language Center in the Wassenaar library for language consultation hours, language buddies, a reading club, and language courses, among other things.
