In the Gorinchem region of the Netherlands, two vocational schools are making a difference by preparing students for a role in Dutch society and the local workforce. Thanks to support from the European Social Fund (ESF+), these schools help students develop their talents and build a path toward independence.

Building on talent

Vita College, one of these schools with 105 students, made a shift in 2021. Rather than focusing on students’ care needs and limitations, the school now centres its programmes on their strengths. ‘Students realise they’re capable of so much more than they thought,’ says Pascale Mol, a team leader at Vita College. ‘We let them take risks, even if it means they’ll make mistakes. It’s all part of learning to be self-sufficient, and they feel valued because of it.’

This approach has created a rich learning environment. ESF+ funding has even enabled the transformation of a previously unused space into a greenhouse, complete with a herb and fruit garden. Students tend to plants, learn about harvesting, and turn their yield into products they can sell at school fairs, giving them hands-on experience with entrepreneurship.

Strengthening community connections

With the help of ESF funding, Vita College has also developed a strong network of businesses. This network offers students early practical experiences in work settings that prioritise personal growth. ‘Our ESF+ funding supplements our basic budget, allowing us to seek partnerships with Dutch businesses genuinely interested in working with these young people,’ explains Marieke van den Berg, school director at Vita College.

Pathways to practical skills

De Noordhoek, another vocational school in Gorinchem with over 200 students, focuses on preparing students for a variety of careers. Roughly 95% of students move into work or further study after five years. Divided into fields like technology, construction, and catering, students work through different modules that build relevant skills. From their second year, students are prepared for external internships that give them practical experience.

To further boost their employability, De Noordhoek uses ESF+ support to help students obtain certifications, including industry-recognised credentials. ‘These certifications allow students to validate their skills,’ says Jan Wouters, school director at De Noordhoek. The ESF+ funds help to cover essential costs, from maintaining equipment to providing materials for welding lessons.

Encouraging growth and independence

For the staff, seeing students gain confidence and independence is the most rewarding part of their work. ‘I spoke with a girl who had been struggling for some time and asked what she had learned at our school’, reflects Jan. ‘She told me, “I've learned to face my problems, not run from them.” Now, she has a job and manages just fine. That’s not something you learn from a textbook; it comes from the atmosphere, culture, and structure of the school.’