Low literacy takes center stage at Glass Radio House
During the Week of Reading and Writing (September 8 to 15), the Glass Radio House stood in the center of Berkel en Rodenrijs. For four days, the mobile radio studio traveled the region to draw attention to low literacy: a problem that affects over 2.5 million people in the Netherlands. On Friday, September 13, Alderman Ritske Bloemendaal (Social Domain) spoke live on air about the importance of basic skills such as reading, writing and arithmetic. According to him, these skills are the key to full participation in society.
Glass Radio House: highlighting low literacy in the region
The Glass Radio House is a striking mobile radio studio inspired by the well-known concept of Serious Request. Not to raise money, but to raise awareness for low literacy. For four days, radio makers played music and welcomed guests who told what they do for people with difficulty reading, writing, math or digital skills. The Glass Radio House travels annually to one of the municipalities in the South Holland Central region. This year it was in the center of Berkel en Rodenrijs, where Wassenaar was also well represented. On behalf of our municipality, Alderman Ritske Bloemendaal spoke in the broadcast about the local and regional approach to low literacy.
Alderman Social Domain, Ritske Bloemendaal: "Language, reading and math are indispensable in everyday life. Without those basics you cannot participate fully. That's why I think it's so important that we help children and adults who need support to catch up. Everyone deserves that chance."
Low-threshold help in Wassenaar
The Language House is located in the library on Langstraat and is easily accessible: residents can walk in without an appointment. Staff offer help with practical matters such as filling out forms, using a smartphone or practicing speaking Dutch. Referrals are also made to courses or paired with a volunteer language coach. The library in Voorschoten and Wassenaar is also organizing activities around language throughout the month of September. Think of a writing cafe, a Taalhuis High Tea and a movie afternoon for language buddies. All information can be found on the library website.
