The Hard Learning School: getting back to work through rugby

Inclusive and socially responsible business means giving people a second chance, Ed Oskam believes. This former commando and former rugby coach is at the helm of 'De Harde Leerschool'. A ten-week training model that helps young people, through rugby, to get 'back on track'. Back in society, mentally strong, fit and resilient. In our latest Anders Denken Podcast, Oskam tells all about it.

At the age of 55, defense allowed Oskam to retire. Far too early to sit behind the geraniums, the former commando thought. So he was asked to be the director of "The Hard Learning School. A program for disadvantaged young adults who have problems with behavior, unemployment, crime and authority. "These young people have a lot of distance from the labor market and are stuck in the regular system (UWV and municipalities). The Hard Learning School works from positive psychology and teaches them to trust and respect each other and themselves. An intensive, physical and mental program, in which rugby plays the leading role, prepares these young people for work or a (further) education in which their potential is utilized."

Talking and doing

The Hard Learning School combines talking with doing. "Every morning we start with a good breakfast. Many of these young people normally don't have money for that. So we put them at ease. Then we play a game of rugby. Why? Because this is pre-eminently a sport where mental toughness and creating mutual respect are central. Then we sit down together again and go into depth. In doing so, we have no judgment. We listen and based on what we hear, we take action."

Want to know more about The Hard Learning School's methods? Listen to the Anders Denken Podcast!

On its own

Using the methodology "On Your Own Strength," coaches work with these young people. "We discuss who you are and where your strengths, pitfalls and opportunities lie. Based on that, we put together a personal development plan. After ten weeks of personal development, the three-month follow-up program begins. During that period, about half, through outpatient counseling, return to work."

Place in society

According to Oskam, too many young adults are currently still sidelined in our society. "We have our mouths full of inclusiveness, but hiring young people with a distance to the labor market, ho ho. Too many executives still fit that bill. Fortunately, the shortage in the labor market now offers these young people a fair chance. Because they bring a "backpack," we mediate them for 16 or 20, rather than 40 hours a week. They ask for guidance, but if you give them that attention, you have top employees. Previous success stories don't lie about that."

Standing still is not an option

The number of people now "out of work" in the Netherlands costs the government 27 billion euros a year. According to Oskam, this is in the organization of our healthcare system. "We look too much at the cost instead of the revenue. Yes, our program costs money, but it makes young people less dependent on the care system and gets them off welfare. Translate that into economic value. As a Hard Learning School, we are a huge cost-cutting operation!"

Want to know more about The Hard Learning School and Oskam's latest project? Listen to the Anders Denken Podcast!