Kralendijk – On 10 September commissioner Edsel Cecilia was warmly welcomed by alderman for work and income Yvonne van Delft. Deputy Edsel Cecilia and director Society and Care Silvana Serfilia from the public entity Bonaire were present at the kick-off of the exchange program at the city hall of Leiden. Eight employees from Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba, are now completing an internship program at the Work and Income department and the City Bank of the Municipality of Leiden and DZB Leiden.

The professionals will gain experience during the three weeks through on-the-job training, workshops and participation in the debt counseling department. The goal is to exchange knowledge about job placement and reintegration. Upon return, the professionals can apply the acquired knowledge and adapt it to the local context.

‘Twinning’
In 2017 the municipality of Leiden had already set up a ’twinning’ project with the overseas special municipality of Bonaire. The project was created at the request of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment with the aim that Bonaire receives support in the professionalization of job placement. The municipality of Leiden has lent two colleagues to Bonaire within the framework of a twinning. The ‘reinforcement of job placement’ program is now running at full speed.

Attention for Job seekers with disabilities
A professional placement service can significantly increase the chances of employment for local job seekers. Leiden supports the public entities to further professionalize the job placement task. The sustainable securing of knowledge and experience, is of great importance here. More attention will also be paid to the target group job seekers with disabilities.

For example, labor tools have been developed that provide support for the identification of the job seeker’s needs. In addition, work-study programs have been set up for people with disabilities.

In the coming period the plans for “Plenchi di Trabou” in Bonaire will be made more concrete. Commissioner Cecilia said to be pleased with the collaboration.