Fanta made a step-by-step transition to paid work with the Development Center

Fanta is in a conference room, holding a mop. She is also wiping down a tabletop with a cloth.
Fanta at work as a housekeeper

At the Kerkrade Municipality Development Center, residents are working toward their future. Not everyone can start working right away. Sometimes they have little work experience, struggle with the language, or face personal challenges. That’s why the focus here isn’t just on finding a job. It’s primarily about building skills, self-confidence, and the chances of securing long-term employment. Fanta’s story shows how this approach works.

When Fanta arrived at the Development Center, she was far removed from the job market. She had no work experience in the Netherlands, was caring for her children, and found reading and writing difficult. Together with a development coach, she created a personalized plan. The focus was on learning, establishing a work routine, and improving her language skills.

Self-Confidence Through Guidance

Fanta started in the work-training program at the Ruilwinkel, one of the Development Center’s work-training sites. There, she worked on her skills in a safe environment and gained practical experience. She also took language classes. Through Vista College, Fanta earned a practical certificate in Logistics, recognizing what she had learned on the job.
“I learned step by step here,” says Fanta. “At first, I did simple work in the warehouse. Then I was given more and more tasks. Thanks to the guidance I received, I gained confidence in myself.”

Transition to Paid Employment

When she was ready to take the next step, the municipality worked with her to find a suitable position at Tobas. There, she started as a janitor through a work experience program. The transition to a regular work environment required some adjustment and good guidance. Through regular consultations between Fanta, Tobas, and the municipality, her responsibilities and hours could be gradually expanded.

Keep Learning

Her hard work was rewarded with a one-year contract at Tobas. “Having a permanent job now means a lot to me,” says Fanta. “I have more security, and I feel like I can continue to grow.” Even after completing her development program, Fanta continues to learn. She’s still taking language classes and volunteering at the Ruilwinkel.