Low literacy
In the Netherlands, 2.5 million adults struggle with reading, writing and/or arithmetic. While we need these skills throughout the day. For example, for finding your way, paying for groceries or reading a letter from the tax authorities. How do we reach Dutch speakers with limited basic skills? How do we motivate them to improve skills?
Language is taboo
For people with low basic skills, language is a forbidden word. They want help with everyday things. With that, the (language) offer is not suitable for almost any of them. Finding and helping people with limited skills proves difficult. And it is essential to match the offer to their needs.
'Higher reach' strategy kit
In co-creation and in pilots with 10 libraries throughout the Netherlands, we developed the ‘Higher Reach’ strategy kit that enables libraries to reach people with limited skills. This strategy kit includes a set of 5 personas for empathy and worksheets to identify places to find and work iteratively.
Letter by letter
A number of libraries in the Achterhoek region jointly developed the performance ‘Letter for Letter’ with the help of our strategy kit. Former BZN singer Carola Smit and folk singer Rene Karst sing Dutch hits, which are subtitled in the background. During the concert, visitors will hear stories about what it’s like if you have trouble reading and writing. They also show success stories of people who managed to read and write better with help. After the performance, visitors could have their picture taken with the artists. They can pick up the photo at their library, where there is also information about the language offer.
