Help with basic skills

Reading, writing, math and handling digital devices. We call these basic skills. You need them to participate well at work or in the neighborhood.

Would you like to learn to read, write or speak Dutch better? Or do you have trouble with math and computers? You are not alone. Gemeente Kerkrade can help you. At various locations in Kerkrade, you can take part in free activities to improve your basic skills.

Help with reading, writing and speaking

Language House

In the library you will find the Language House. Here you will find many books. These are books for anyone who has trouble reading. Books and newspapers in simple language, picture dictionaries and audio books. But also books with which you can learn the Dutch language and books with which you can practice for the integration exam. You can also practice with various programs, such as oefenen.nl, on the computer. The Taalhuis employs language volunteers who can guide you one-on-one or in a group.

You can also call or email the Language House with your question. Email taalhuis@bibliotheekkerkrade.nl or contact them at 045-763 05 20. For more information, visit the Language House page at .

Language Cafe

In the Taalcafé you learn Dutch in a fun and relaxed way. Together with other people you practice reading, writing, speaking and listening in Dutch. Each Taalcafé is linked to a theme. During the Taalcafé you can meet people, play a game, speak, write, read or just have a cup of coffee together. Anyone can join for free. You do not have to be a member of the library. Registration is not necessary. The Language Café is held twice a month.

  • Every first Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Kerkrade Library (HuB). Martin Buberplein 15, 6461 NC Kerkrade
  • Every first Friday of the month from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at 't Westhoes. Annemonenstraat 16, 6466 SZ Kerkrade

For more information about the Language Café, visit the Language House page and the Facebook page.

Reading Circle

In the Reading Circle, you can read a book in a group of up to 8 people and talk about it. Language volunteers guide this activity. Everyone can participate free of charge. You can sign up for the Reading Circle through the Language House at the information desk of the Kerkrade Library. For more information about the Reading Circle, please visit the Taalhuis page.

Writing Circle

In the Writing Circle, you will practice different ways of writing together in a group. Consider, for example, writing poems and stories. The Writing Circle is supervised by experienced writers. You can register for the Writing Circle at the information desk of the Kerkrade Library. For more information about the Writing Circle, please visit the Taalhuis page.

Language class at the library

At the library, you can get one-on-one language lessons. This means you get one-on-one lessons from a language volunteer. The volunteer can help you learn to speak, read and write the Dutch language. The volunteer can also help you practice for integration. Language lessons are given in the library in Kerkrade, Eygelshoven and in 't Westhoes. For more information about language lessons in the library, please visit the Taalhuis, located at the information desk of the Kerkrade Library or on the Taalhuis page.

Dutch lessons from Impuls
In a group of 5 to 12 people, Dutch lessons teach reading, writing and speaking in the Dutch language. Language volunteers give these lessons organized by Impuls. Everyone can participate for free. There are lessons for beginners and advanced.

  • Beginner: you speak little or no Dutch yet
  • Advanced: you already speak a little better Dutch

Classes are held at the Shevemethoes, on the following days:

  • Beginner: every Monday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and every Friday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.
  • Advanced: every Monday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon, every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to noon and every Friday from 9 a.m. to noon

You can sign up for classes with Fatima Abigane (fabigane@impulskerkrade.nl) or Samira Rajab (srajab@alcander.nl) or call 045 - 560 25 25. For more information, visit the information desk at the Kerkrade Library and the Facebook page of Sjevemethoes.

Lessons Language+

For adults who want to get better at reading, writing, math and handling digital devices, there is Language+. These are school classes taught by Vista College. The classes are free of charge and are held at Vista College in Heerlen and in neighborhoods near you. You can sign up for Taal+ through the Taalhuis at the information desk of the Kerkrade Library. For more information, please visit the Language+ page at Vista College. For questions, please contact us at 06 - 53 45 40 23 or email taalparkstad@vistacollege.nl.

Help with digital devices

Training Click & Tap

The Klik & Tik training teaches you how to work with computers and the Internet. You will learn how to use the Internet and apps. You will also learn more about social media such as Facebook and Instagram, for example. The course is given by volunteers. Together with the volunteer you look at your personal learning questions. After the course you can continue practicing at home. The course is held in the Kerkrade library and is free of charge. Even if you are visually impaired you can participate in the Klik & Tik training. You can register via the Digital House at the information desk of the Kerkrade Library. For more information, please visit the Digital House page.

Training DigiVital

The DigiVitaler training teaches you how to manage your health affairs via the Internet. In this training you will get an explanation of your doctor's patient portal and learn how to make an online appointment or video call appointment. You will also learn about the app 'Mijn Zuyderland'. This training is free for everyone. You can register through the Digital House at the information desk of the Kerkrade Library. For more information, visit the Digital House page.

Training DigiSterker

The DigiSterker training teaches you how to work with government websites. You will also learn to apply for and use a DigiD. You can register through the Digital House at the information desk of the Kerkrade Library. For more information, visit the Digital House page.

Assistance with regulatory issues

Impulse information desk

Do you have a situation or problem you are having trouble getting out of on your own? Ask your question about money matters, parenting, care requests, education, housing or work at the Impuls information desk. The Impuls information desk can be found in various neighborhood centers.

  • Every Monday from 1-4 p.m. and every Tuesday from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
    at Wijkpunt Noord, Terbruggen 16, 6471 JV Eygelshoven
  • Every Monday from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and every Thursday from 3 p.m.-5 p.m.
    in community center 't Westhoes, Anemonenstraat 16, 6466 SZ Kerkrade
  • Every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at community center 't Bleijerhoes, Nicoploumstraat 8, 6462 TZ Kerkrade
  • Every Thursday from 9.00 - 12.00 in community center 't Sjevemethoes, St. Pieterstraat 3, 6463 CP Kerkrade

Kerkrade Library Information Point

Ask all your questions about language, money, work, housing, health or a legal question at the Kerkrade Library Information Point. The information point is free for everyone and you do not have to be a member of the library. The information point is there at different places and times. Several organizations are present to help you with your question. For more information, please visit the library's page.

  • Every Monday from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at 't Westhoes. Annemonenstraat 16, 6466 SZ Kerkrade
  • Every Monday from 13.00 - 15.00 in Eygelshoven Library (Socio-project). Terbruggen 18, 6471 JC Eygelshoven
  • Every Friday from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Kerkrade Library (HuB). Martin Buberplein 15, 6461 NC Kerkrade
     

The Language House

Language House staff will help you with all your questions about reading, writing, math and working with digital devices.

Impulse

Employees of Impuls help you with all kinds of questions about regulatory matters, such as checking letters from CZ and the Tax Office. You can also come here with questions about debts, financial questions or support in the area of mental and physical complaints caused, for example, by stress.

Foundation Leergeld Parkstad

Employees of Stichting Leergeld Parkstad help you with all your financial questions about school activities or hobby activities of your child. They will check with you whether you are entitled to a financial contribution so that your child can participate in school activities.

Shelter buddy

Staff from Schuldhulpmaatje help you with all your questions and concerns about your money matters. They help you with budgeting and debt prevention. If you are in debt, they will help you with a plan to pay off your debts.

Toon Hermans House

Staff from the Toon Hermans House will be on hand to answer questions and talk about grief and pain surrounding the topic of cancer.

Attorney Lucienne Hermans

Lucienne Hermans helps you with questions about divorce and child support, illness, work and disability, UWV, police and criminal law. For more information, please visit the library's page.

DELA Funeral Home

Staff at the DELA Funeral Center will help you with all your questions about a death and arranging the farewell of a loved one.

Alzheimer's Association Parkstad

Staff from Alzheimer's Association Parkstad help you with all your questions surrounding dementia and informal care for loved ones with dementia.

Rabobank

Rabobank employees help you with your banking needs. If you are a customer of another bank, you can also come here for advice.

Digital Government Information Point (IDO).

Digital Government Information Point staff will help you with questions about benefits, taxes, DigiD, AOW, work, benefits, driver's license and Health. For more information, visit the library's page.