On Tuesday 20 January, 25 youth and young adults received a certificate from Skill School The Hague. They completed one of the creative learning tracks in music production, graphic design, animation, comic drawing, and entrepreneurship. Alderman Co Engberts attended the ceremony and praised the recipients’ perseverance.
Skill School offers young people aged 12 to 30 the opportunity to take part in free, practical 13-week learning programmes outside of the regular education system. These programmes take place at two locations in the city: Heeswijkplein 160 and Block 33 on Van Baerlestraat. “It’s not a hobby club. Expectations are high, and you can tell it’s set up to truly help young people move forward—not just to keep them busy,” said one of the participants.
A milestone for students and Skill School
This second graduation ceremony marks an important milestone for Skill School The Hague and for the young people themselves. Co Engberts, The Hague’s Alderman for Housing, Wellbeing, Districts and Southwest, was present at this special moment to personally address the participants.
“You chose to invest in yourself. That takes courage, especially when things don’t always come easily. This certificate is proof of that. It shows that you not only have talent, but also the perseverance to make something of it.”
A pathway to growth and confidence
The certificate represents not only the development of new skills, but also personal growth. For 13 weeks, participants invested in themselves—often in circumstances where dropping out of school, a lack of structure, or negative influences play a role.
Project leader Johan Krens said: “These young people show curiosity, discipline and a willingness to learn. By offering them perspective, we reduce the chance that they disengage or end up on the streets. That is exactly what Skill School stands for.”
About Skill School
Skill School is free and open to everyone between the ages of 12 and 30. It specialises in supporting young people who lack opportunities or support at home, or who are not able to attend school at that moment. In collaboration with professionals, youth coaches and role models, young people develop creative and essential life skills such as teamwork, planning and self-presentation.
Skill School aligns with the municipality’s plans for safety, prevention and equal opportunities. The initiative is co-funded through the Preventie met Gezag (PMG) programme and is a collaboration between public and private partners, including the Municipality of The Hague. PMG works together with Nationaal Programma Zuidwest (NPZW), a long-term investment and programme to improve the circumstances and lives of residents in The Hague’s Southwest neighbourhood.
By offering young people a place where they can grow at their own pace, Skill School contributes to a stronger neighbourhood and society.
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Skill School The Hague
De workshops van Skill School zijn dankzij onze partners gratis voor iedereen tussen de 12 en 30 jaar. Wij geloven erin dat leren op basis van intrinsieke motivatie zorgt voor positieve ervaringen, nieuwsgierigheid en bijdraagt aan een beter toekomstperspectief.
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