Taalkracht, part of Summa, has been the trusted contract partner for providing basic skills courses to adults in 14 municipalities in Southeast Brabant for many years. This collaboration now continues long-term: the region and Summa strengthen their partnership with a unique public-public cooperation. Taalkracht remains the fixed partner for courses and programs focused on language, arithmetic, and digital skills.

Alderman Stijn Steenbakkers (municipality of Eindhoven): “For some of our residents, reading, writing, or keeping up digitally is not self-evident, while these basic skills are essential for full participation in society. Addressing illiteracy requires a true Brainport collaboration with a strong and reliable partner. Summa has shown in recent years that they fulfill this role excellently. A logical partner to continue building a region where everyone has the chance to participate. I look forward to further increasing our impact with this unique public-public cooperation.”

Public-public cooperation

For this target group, one clear entry point, continuity in offerings and services, and a stable infrastructure are very important. This leads to higher participation in courses, and thus greater reach and impact. In recent years, the basic skills offering has been provided through procurement by Summa. In 2024, more than 2,500 residents were reached through these programs and other projects with Summa in the 14 municipalities.

The current contract period with Summa expired. Careful consideration was given to the best way to ensure continuity of this offering. The region is very satisfied with the quality and cooperation with Summa. Therefore, it was decided not to tender again but to continue the partnership for a longer period in a public-public cooperation. With this structural commitment, we strengthen the basic skills of residents in vulnerable positions and support them in increasing their self-reliance.

“With this structural cooperation, we take the next step within Brainport. A predictable infrastructure for basic skills as a foundation for lifelong learning and full participation in society and the labor market. And that at 48 locations in the region, so for every participant we are within slipper distance”, says Régine van Lieshout, director of Taalkracht. The education partner will work in the coming years on, among other things:

  • Offering modular basic skills lessons (language, digital skills, and arithmetic) for adults in 14 municipalities at 48 locations. Lessons take place during the day, in the evening, on weekends, and during summer holidays, so the offering is close to the target group.
  • Extra attention for adults with Dutch as a first language and for AI literacy, so residents can better keep up in a rapidly changing society.
  • Training volunteers and strengthening cooperation with libraries, housing corporations, companies, and welfare organizations.

Regional Educational Program 2026-2029

The integrated approach to illiteracy and the basic skills offering for adults are part of the Regional Educational Program (REP). For the period 2026-2029, the 14 regional municipalities have drawn up a new program with joint goals and a regional approach. Among other things, the aim is for the number of residents reached in vulnerable positions to grow by at least 15% annually. And that at least 60% of participants in adult education become more proficient in language skills.

Alderman Jelle de Jong (municipality of Son en Breugel): “As regional municipalities, we want to increase self-reliance by strengthening the basic skills of our residents who need support. A strong local network around this is important, so they dont have to do it alone. The next step in our new Regional Educational Program is to make a local translation with our local partners, such as our library and the volunteers of the Language House.”