Participants who join Herstelling foundation start with an introduction week at Fort near Abcoude. This time is used to assess the ‘pupils’.
During the week they are closely observed as they go through a series of tests. These are designed to get a clear view of talents, interests, aptitude and technical skills. We also get a good idea of the individual’s attitude and behaviour.
As a result of this introduction week, the pupils are assigned to one of eight professional profiles. These are carpentry, metal work, painting, electricity, paving, masonry, roofing and landscaping. In the first few weeks the participants perform simple tasks. Emphasis is put on discipline, attitude (i.e. being on time and following orders) and social skills.
In the next phases they perform more difficult jobs. During training emphasis is put on further development of a positive attitude to work and social skills such as co-operation, health and safety on the job, social interaction, self confidence etc.
As the participants grow in attitude and self confidence orientation of the programme shifts towards job skills. This prepares them for advanced professional training at one of the regular training institutes in Holland, resulting in a diploma.
Horeca for girlsSince the beginning of 2006 Herstelling has initiated a curriculum especially for girls and young women. The methods are exactly the same as in the programme for boys. This successfull programme however, concentrates on the skills needed for the hotel, restaurant en catering business. They also prepare much needed breakfast, lunch and even dinner, at a nominal fee, for the boys that work on the forts.
Entry level secondary education (vmbo) in Holland has a big problem with truancy. The formal school system doesn’t work for everybody. Some young people just learn better ‘with their hands’. But if they stay away from school too often they run the risk of dropping out altogether. This risk is greatly diminished through a programme called ‘Schoolfort’.
During school hours these children, aged 14 to 17, perform light manual jobs and are closely monitored by a foreman. The aim is to give them a perspective on both their future and the necessity of finishing school. After a pilot period in 2006 the programme was offered to all schools of the greater Amsterdam area. It turned out to be highly successful. More than 80 percent of the potential drop outs who followed the programme finished school with a diploma.
Diagnostic centre ‘De Zeehoeve’An old wooden farmhouse within the defence line houses our diagnostic centre. A diagnostic carroussel at ‘de Zeehoeve’ (the farm by the sea) enables us to successfully gain insight into the physical and psychological strengths and limitations of people before they start a programme, either within Herstelling or elsewhere. This actually saves a lot of time and money that would otherwise be spent on unfinished programmes.
Some 70% of the participants successfully conclude this programme and go on to further professional training, a regular job or a combination of both.
Since the start in 1996 Herstelling Foundation has successfully put thousands of (mostly young) people on the road to regular jobs and a brighter future.