haarlemsdagbladMar 5, 2026, 18:02

'I always saw others getting diplomas and felt useless,' now Donald, who has an intellectual disability, has earned his first practical certificate

Donald, a 37-year-old man with a mild intellectual disability from Haarlem, has earned his first vocational practice certificate. He and five others completed the Assistant Service Provision training at Nova College as part of a day activity program run by the Hartekamp Groep.

Lifestyle Health Haarlem Netherlands

Read original ↗

Based on reporting by haarlemsdagblad. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

Chatterbox Roderik connects people with each other

Roderik Schaepman has launched the Week of the Conversation, an initiative aimed at encouraging social interaction to combat loneliness and declining communication skills. By setting up designated spaces at locations like the Haarlem train station, he encourages people to overcome social hesitation through simple steps like greeting and complimenting strangers.

Candlelight evenings at two cemeteries in Haarlem

The municipality of Haarlem is hosting two candlelit memorial evenings at Akendam and Kleverlaan cemeteries on October 26 and 28. These events allow visitors to commemorate their loved ones through music, shared memories, and the reading of names.

Remembering loved ones on the evening of lights

Haarlem is organizing two evening memorial events at Akendam and Kleverlaan cemeteries this October to honor deceased loved ones. Attendees can experience a peaceful atmosphere with music and light, and are welcome to submit names of the departed to be read aloud during the gatherings.

Do you love having drinks and sharing small Spanish dishes? 5 Spanish bars in the center of Haarlem

This article highlights five popular Spanish bars in central Haarlem that offer a variety of tapas, pintxos, and authentic Mediterranean dishes. From waterfront dining at Restaurant Boca to the award-winning paella at Besos Restobar, these venues provide residents and visitors with a taste of Spain.

Number of children in welfare families in Haarlem increases for the first time since 2021

The number of children living in families dependent on social assistance in Haarlem increased to 2,220 last year, marking the first rise since 2021. Research highlights that these children face a significantly higher risk of experiencing long-term unemployment and financial instability in their adult lives.