haarlemsdagbladApr 9, 2026, 06:00

Students with ‘golden hands’ compete: ‘Parents can proudly say their child took part in national vocational competitions’

Students from practical colleges across the Netherlands gathered at Praktijkcollege de Schakel in Haarlem for the national finals of the PROfessionals competition. Participants competed in categories such as bakery, woodworking, and greenery to showcase their technical skills and craftsmanship. Organizers highlighted the event as a way to provide recognition for these students, who are valued for their dedication and reliability in the workforce.

Culture Lifestyle Haarlem Netherlands

Read original ↗

Zandvoort tennis team qualifies for national title play-offs on rainy final day

The Zandvoort tennis team has qualified for the national title play-offs after finishing fourth in the Eredivisie. The team will compete for the championship next weekend at the Leimonias tennis complex in The Hague.

Otter spotted at Zeeburgereiland in Amsterdam, first in nearly 60 years

An otter was recently captured on a wildlife camera at floating nature islands near Zeeburgereiland, marking the first sighting in this urban part of Amsterdam since 1963. City ecologist Geert Timmermans noted that the animal appeared much sooner than expected after the islands were created three years ago to support local biodiversity.

Sjoerdsma faces ‘big problem’ without safety cable, according to PRO

Minister Sjoerd Sjoerdsma faces structural challenges regarding development aid unless its funding is re-linked to the size of the economy, according to PRO party representative Suzanne Kröger. PRO has agreed to support the current budget in exchange for an additional 380 million euros for aid, but warns that a permanent solution is still needed.

19-year-old man from Hulst arrested after fatal crash

A 19-year-old man from Hulst has been arrested following a severe traffic accident on the N290 near Vogelwaarde on Thursday afternoon. The police reported that the collision resulted in four fatalities.

Support in North Holland for asylum seeker center in protected landscape in Santpoort-Zuid

Politicians in Noord-Holland have expressed support for establishing an asylum seeker center for up to 200 people at the former De Elta sports park in Santpoort-Zuid. Because the site is located within a protected landscape, the province must grant an exemption to the municipality of Velsen for the ten-year project.