Thirteen power women stand in their power

The first thirteen participants successfully completed the Women's Empowerment Training. A festive gathering took place in the HuB in Kerkrade where the women were put in the limelight. They received a nice certificate as tangible proof that they have followed the training 'In je kracht' of the foundation Reading and Writing.  

Empowering women. That's what the Empowerment Training for Women is all about. By empowering the women, their environment expands and their chances of participating in society increase. Project leader and trainer Petra Meloni: "We try to get the women on a higher step of the participation ladder. That could be anything; volunteer work, singing in a choir, becoming a caregiver, participating in Dutch language classes or computer classes offered by the Kerkrade Library to further develop yourself or taking a new course."

In je kracht' consists of nine lessons. The participants orient themselves to their future and possible next steps in their development. The women get to know and appreciate themselves better, gain self-confidence and become aware of their wishes and possibilities for the future. They examine what they can do to make their dreams come true. 

The training is led by Petra Meloni, program director at the Kerkrade Library. "These are very strong women," Meloni said. "I think their performance is second to none! Am incredibly proud of them. They have often stepped outside their comfort zone and that is admirable. Some of the women will continue with follow-up training in January next year. In addition, other participants will participate in Dutch classes at the HuB's Language House." 

Empowerment training for women is a program of Vie - Life in Motion. Partners in the project working together are: Kerkrade Library, the municipality of Kerkrade, welfare organization Impuls and Vista College. Six more groups will be trained in the coming period. Petra Meloni: "The strength of the training lies in doing it together, participants and trainers. Listening to each other and exchanging experiences. Literally coming back to yourself and standing in your power."