Strong together for reading: MOVARE, municipality of Kerkrade and Mijn Streek Library join forces

Reading is the basis for a good future. That is why educational foundation MOVARE, municipality of Kerkrade and Mijn Streek Library are going to work together to give an extra boost to reading at elementary school.

On Thursday, April 3, 2025, they signed a three-year cooperation agreement within the national program "the Library at School. This will give all elementary school in Kerkrade access to an up-to-date book collection and expert guidance to enhance reading pleasure and digital skills.

Reading makes a difference

Children who read regularly have a larger vocabulary and are better at language. The approach of 'the Library at School' is an excellent addition for the children with regard to spelling, reading comprehension and writing. Maurice Bejas, director of MOVARE: "If children enjoy reading, they will automatically read more and get better at it. That's how they get the language skills they need in everyday life."

Together against low literacy

In Kerkrade, 25% of residents have difficulty reading and writing. This has to change. Jo Schlangen, Education Alderman for the municipality of Kerkrade: "Being able to read well is very important to participate in society. By ensuring good skills in all children now, we are building a better future for our municipality."

Alderman Schlangen celebrates the Library at School with some students from De Diabolo Elementary School.
Alderman Jo Schlangen celebrates the Library at School with some students from De Diabolo Elementary School.

The library comes to school

My Region Library brings its knowledge and passion for reading directly into the classroom. Director-director Egid van Houtem: "Our reading and media consultants work with teachers to make reading more fun and accessible and children media savvy. We see that this approach really works: children get more pleasure from books and get better at language."

What does this mean for elementary school in Kerkrade?

  • Each school will have a current and diverse collection of books, updated each year.
  • Expert reading counselors provide inspiring activities.
  • There will be an increased focus on reading comprehension and media literacy in all classes.
  • Children's reading enjoyment and language skills are going to grow measurably through this program.

Together, we will ensure that reading has a permanent place in education and that every child in Kerkrade can read with pleasure and confidence!