Together
with Kober

On September 21, the alliance board signed the ambitions of the National Program Roosendaal (NPR). The alliance board represents 17 alliance partners, including Kober childcare. With this, all parties pledge to work towards improving the quality of life and safety in the Westrand, Kalsdonk, Langdonk, 't Oude Centrum, and De Kroeven districts over the next twenty years.

National Program Roosendaal

In July 2022, Roosendaal was added to the National Program for Livability and Safety (NPLV) of the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations. This makes Roosendaal one of twenty urban focus areas in the Netherlands where safety and livability are under pressure and therefore require extra attention. The resulting program is titled "National Program Roosendaal' and the mission is: 'Living and residing in a beautiful and safe city where everyone feels at home: with a secure existence, in safe neighborhoods and with confidence in the future.'

In this program, the alliance will collaborate with the national government, the municipality, social organizations, and residents over the next twenty years to tackle tough problems in neighborhoods. "And we're going to do this together," says Alderman Van der Star. "Residents' feelings are a key indicator. In the coming months, the National Roosendaal Program will become increasingly visible in the neighborhoods."

The alliance sees this moment as a milestone worth celebrating, but at the same time, the need for the NPR is less celebratory. Roosendaal faces urban challenges. Residents don't always feel safe, experience inequality of opportunity, or lack community spirit in their neighborhood. Those who currently grow up in Westrand, Kalsdonk, Langdonk, 't Oude Centrum, and De Kroeven have a lower average income, live in poorly maintained homes, receive lower school recommendations, and face higher healthcare costs. Available support doesn't always reach those who need it most. All of this increases the temptation to engage in criminal behavior.

Mayor Van Midden, chair of the alliance, shares: “Roosendaal is a beautiful, warm, Brabant-style city of doers. It's bursting with residents who want to do something good for their neighbors, neighborhood, street, square, or city. Everything you need to enjoy life is within reach. This should be the case for everyone in Roosendaal, but it isn't yet. With this National Program, we're investing extra in neighborhoods that need it most. The alliance is setting the bar high. When I see the passion with which residents, professionals, and key figures have worked on this document and the energy it's already generating, I'm convinced we're going to create a fantastic program, together with our residents. This ambition will be reflected in results: a safe, livable, and vibrant Roosendaal where everyone feels at home.”

Take action, develop and improve

Roosendaal already boasts numerous neighborhood initiatives and activities, organized by residents, the municipality, and community organizations. The National Program offers opportunities to strengthen and expand these offerings.

"The introduction of the National Program gives us the opportunity to do something extra, which is a plus on our existing ambitions. I think it's great that this approach capitalizes on the strengths already present in neighborhoods and districts, and that we're working side by side with residents to improve their sense of safety and quality of life. Only in this way can we work on restoring trust in the municipality and other institutions," says Van der Star (Coordinating Alderman, NPR).

Alliance and ambition document

Bas van 't Wout was appointed as the NPR's project manager in January of this year. His role was to bring together various parties and establish an alliance board. He was also responsible for drafting an ambition document (Ambition document Roosendaal) in collaboration with all parties involved.

The ambition document will be developed into an implementation program in the coming months, and the alliance is seeking a program director. The program director will take over from the project leader as soon as possible to continue implementing the NPR.

The alliance consists of: Alwel, the Police, WijZijn Traverse Group, MEE West-Brabant, KPO Roosendaal, OBO Foundation, Curio, Kober Childcare, SDW, OMO School Group Tongerlo, JTC Roosendaal, Werkplein Hart van West-Brabant, TWB Roosendaal, Mental Health West-Brabant, VNO NCW Zeeland Brabant, the National Government, and the Municipality of Roosendaal.

Collaboration between the alliance partners is crucial for achieving these ambitions. Van de Ven, chair of housing association Alwel, agrees: “As a neighborhood association, we're not only committed to providing sufficient, good-quality, affordable, and sustainable housing. We also play a key role in addressing social issues. Our people are often found in the neighborhoods and have extensive contact with residents. We know what's going on in these neighborhoods in terms of safety, livability, participation, and social coexistence. This gives us a lot of trepidation. To turn the tide and truly help neighborhoods move forward, effective collaboration between partners is essential. As alliance partners, we work together towards diverse neighborhoods, resilient neighborhoods where residents have perspective and equal opportunities. Because that's what we want for all the residents of Roosendaal.”

Anyone who supports the NPR mission and is willing and able to contribute can join the alliance. Residents with good ideas can contact their current neighborhood contacts (of the alliance partners) and later contact the program office.

More information can be found on the website of the municipality of Roosendaal.

Playfully: dance as a motor for language development

From 2021, Kober childcare and the Silence Their collaboration in the two-year pilot project "Speendwijs" (Playing Wise). The project focuses on children with language delays between the ages of 2 and 4. A balanced program of dance workshops at daycare centers, a visit to a dance performance at the Chassé Theater, and parental involvement contributes to a better connection with primary education for toddlers and preschoolers with developmental delays.

Dance as a means

Kober childcare and de Stilte have been collaborating on a project basis since 2015. With Spelendwijs, both parties are integrating dance education into the preschool curriculum in Breda. Evaluations from previous years have shown that children with language delays demonstrate greater understanding (of language) through movement than initially assumed. Children who don't speak Dutch do speak the language of dance. Dance bridges the gap between the nonverbal language of the body and the spoken word. Dance lessons help children cross boundaries, gain more self-confidence, and open up to expressing themselves through language.

The project reaches over 500 children and their parents, caregivers, and supervisors. Over a two-year period, 250 workshops, 15 performances, and two parent-teacher conferences will be organized.

Social return

During the first few years of a child's life, the brain grows exponentially. Every second, seven hundred new connections are formed in the brain. Young children lay the foundation for skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives: communication, collaboration, problem-solving, creativity, empathy, and flexibility: the 21st century workforce skillsToddlers and preschoolers learn through play. In the right environment and with the right guidance and encouragement, they develop their full potential. With Spelendwijs (Playful Wisdom), Kober childcare and de Stilte invest in the learning development of toddlers and preschoolers. This contributes to good citizenship, better labor market participation in the future, and a healthy lifestyle.

Spelendwijs is made possible in part by donations from the Grez-Mahie Fund Breda, the Zabawas Foundation The Hague, the Casterenshoeve Foundation, and the Janivo Foundation Amsterdam.

About The Silence

De Stilte aims to stimulate children's playful learning drive, fostering their artistic talents, and engaging them with ambiguous performances and dance activities that spark the imagination. Through play, a child learns to understand their world with heart and soul and to position themselves in an overwhelming society. Play is the counterpart to everyday life: the child's personal training ground. Through play, the child encounters the world through its own conditions and dimensions. More information: www.destilte.nl.

De Horizon Primary School in Prinsenbeek has undergone extensive renovations in recent months. The renovation also removed the wall between the school and Kober childcare. Both literally and figuratively. Alexander Geraedts, unit manager at Kober: "The way is now clear for a childcare center where we collaborate intensively."

Toddlers and preschoolers romp together in the schoolyard. Educational staff pop into the school's team room for a meeting. An internal school counselor monitors the daycare center to explore how the warm transition from Kober to school can be improved. This is how Alexander Geraedts and school principal Frank Op de Beek see it. "Now that the school and Kober's daycare facilities are physically connected, there's an excellent foundation for seizing opportunities and developing a continuous learning pathway together."

One vision, one structure
Such a harmonious collaboration, in the best interest of the child, has long been their dream. Long before the renovation, Alexander and Frank developed a shared vision: De Horizon as a single facility for children aged zero to thirteen, where school, childcare, and care institutions work together. With a single pedagogical vision, a single teaching approach, a single, seamless day program, and a single management structure.

We need each other
Alexander: "Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the plans were temporarily put on hold. The renovation itself naturally also took up all our attention. Although the hassle it entailed actually strengthened collaboration on the work floor." "Exactly," Frank adds. "When we were overflowing with classes – no space! – Kober made the group rooms of the preschool and after-school care available for educational purposes." Teachers and childcare workers couldn't avoid making sound agreements. And they experienced firsthand how childcare and education connect. Alexander: "You could see the understanding developing; the realization that we need each other."

Collaborate on themes
The school and Kober now find common ground in several areas. Frank: “We're increasingly speaking the same language, collaborating on themes, easing the transition from preschool to school, and working to provide good care for children who, for whatever reason, are experiencing developmental delays. And we're very pleased with a childcare worker from Kober who supports several educational programs at the school. Her pedagogical expertise is invaluable.”

Starting signal
Is the childcare center completely finished yet? No, it's not quite there yet, Alexander and Frank emphasize. But now that the renovations are complete and the coronavirus crisis seems to be over, all the lights are green to further realize their ambitions. On May 2, 2022, the school will celebrate its centenary; the perfect opportunity for Childcare Center De Horizon to reach out more.

Take a look on location Prikkebeek or after-school care the Kornuiten? 
We could tell you, but it's best to come and see for yourself. You're always welcome for a tour. Our educational staff will be happy to show you around and tell you more about our educational choices. We hope to see you soon.

Meals with a social heart and social impact

Are we having a meatball with sweet potato and green beans today, or pasta with salmon and spinach? Whatever meals Ons Label offers, it's always fresh, healthy, and varied. For a year now, the social cooperative has been the regular supplier of hot meals at Kober childcare facilities in the Breda region. Regional Manager Anouk van Lange: "Such a sustainable partnership with a socially responsible partner feels good."

Every day, around 60 to 80 children in the Breda region receive a hot meal from Ons Label. Registration is required, of course. Anouk explains: “Parents can let us know up to a day in advance, for a reasonable price, whether their child will be having a hot meal with us. It's an additional service we offer, both at the daycare center and after-school care. It aligns with our goal of giving children a pleasant day at Kober. Sometimes it's nice and convenient for them to have a nice meal before their parents pick them up.”

Social heart
Kober didn't hire just any caterer for that hot meal. "We deliberately partnered with Ons Label," Anouk continues. "Firstly, because they're a local partner, located in Breda-Noord. Furthermore, Ons Label has a social heart, just like us. We both believe it's important to have a social impact and create equal opportunities. We share that vision."

Taking steps
Ons Label trains people who are distanced from the labor market. "By providing them with work experience, we help participants transition to further education or paid employment," explains Monique van Winkel, one of the founders of Ons Label. "We started out as a neighborhood restaurant in Breda-Noord to improve social cohesion in the neighborhood. We now also provide catering from that kitchen, with Kober as one of our largest clients. We also have several other business units, such as the sewing workshop and the handyman team."

Cooking offers opportunities
The beauty of cooking for Kober is that it offers Ons Label participants the opportunity to develop multiple skills. "It involves quite a bit of planning and calculation," explains Marjolein Marechal, operations manager at Ons Label. "For example, we use 60 grams of meat for babies and 90 grams for after-school care children. The potatoes, vegetables, and pasta also have to be precisely purchased, accurately weighed, and properly prepared. The participants do this under the guidance of a certified chef. He or she ensures that everything runs smoothly. He or she also helps them develop their work and social skills. This way, we prepare Ons Label participants for a suitable next step, whether it's training or a job."

In line with nutrition policy
This could also mean that the participants will eventually work at Kober. For example, as group assistants. Or they could take the vocational training program (BBL) to become a pedagogical assistant. "Those possibilities are definitely there, we're open to them," Anouk agrees. "But first and foremost, we're focused on supporting a local, social enterprise. And on providing children—from young to old—with a healthy meal at our locations that aligns with our nutritional policy."

Plate empty
So the Ons Label kitchen staff ensures a variety of meat, fish, and vegetarian options. "We also use fresh vegetables and don't overdo the greasy dishes," explains Marjolein. "If any children are allergic to peanuts or lactose intolerant, for example, we naturally take that into account. Above all, we find it important that the meals are affordable and delicious. Fortunately, we regularly receive positive feedback from Kober; children often finish their plates." "And what's left over, we give home," adds Anouk. It's a sustainable approach.

Ons Label currently delivers meals to seven childcare centers in Breda/Bavel and four in Teteringen. More locations may be added in the future.

TETERINGEN – A time capsule containing, among other things, a set of AirPods and information about the war in Ukraine was buried Monday morning at the renovated building of the De Springplank Children's Center in Teteringen. "We know here how the world can change in 10 years."

In 2012, De Springplank primary school, along with childcare organization Kober and De Wegwijzer primary school, moved into the brand-new De Mandt comprehensive school building in Teteringen. The new De Bouverijen neighborhood was just under development, and the building was expected to be large enough for two primary schools.

Healthy indoor climate
"Now, more than ten years have passed, and De Springplank is in a different location," says school principal Sjoerd Hagen. "We're glad this old school building came into consideration when it became clear that De Mandt was becoming too small. Now that the renovation is complete, we can move forward here for years to come. The building is sustainable and meets all requirements for ventilation and a healthy indoor climate."

On Monday morning, the children and the school raised a toast to the renovated school building on Groenstraat. In addition to the main building, the adjacent gymnasium and schoolyard have also been renovated.

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Photo: © Pix4Profs-Ron Magielse

Kober Childcare and Fysiomore Breda launched the "Sporty Heroes" project on Tuesday, November 16th. The pilot program will begin at Woelwater and De Sjoester locations in Etten-Leur. The project focuses on various health aspects, addressing topics such as healthy eating, sufficient exercise, and teamwork. The collaboration includes support for children as well as guidance and support for Kober Childcare staff.

Sporty heroes for children aged 2-5

At the locations Woelwater en the Sjoester At Kober Childcare in Etten-Leur, a certified pediatric physiotherapist teaches sports to children whose parents give permission. For six weeks, children receive additional exercise during school hours. During the lessons, (extra) individual attention is paid to the development of motor skills, social-emotional skills, and self-confidence, among other things. Enjoying exercise is paramount at Sportieve Heljes.

Danielle Dinkelman, unit manager at Kober childcare: “At Kober childcare, we support your child's natural growth and development and make conscious choices about food and drinks. The program with Fysiomore aligns perfectly with this vision. A professional partner with specialized knowledge in this area is beneficial and enhances our quality. We also, as always, enjoy collaborating with parents. If desired, we can work with them to determine what is needed for their child's optimal development.”

Healthy food theme week

Another aspect of the collaboration is developing a theme week about healthy eating. This focuses on the children, but also on the diets of Kober childcare employees. Dinkelman: "The vitality of our employees is a key priority for our organization. Therefore, especially in these times of staff shortages, it's crucial that our employees feel good and comfortable. Nutrition and, of course, exercise are key to this."

More information

More information about their working methods and approach can be found on the Fysiomore website. See www.fysiomore.nl