The WorldClass education programme: 'Together we can make a difference'

Worldwide, millions of people are left behind, unable to fulfil their ambitions and potential. As a large professional services provider with a big network and broad competencies, Deloitte can make a difference. That is why, with the WorldClass Programme, we will vigorously use our expertise over the next ten years to improve the future prospects of less prosperous citizens. In the Netherlands, the initiatives of the programme focus on improving the quality of education and increasing employment. Reducing inequality in opportunities and developing every talent, that is what we aim for!

For whom?

The Dutch WorldClass Programme focuses mainly on pupils in primary education (PO), secondary education (VO) and intermediate vocational education (MBO) in disadvantaged neighbourhoods or in a disadvantaged position. Analysis shows that citizens with a reduced labour market perspective often have to deal with inequality of opportunity from the day they were born. There is still a lot to be done in preparing these children for an educational career and job in the knowledge economy. In addition, there are many MBO courses that do not match the current demand from the business community. As a result, students receive a diploma that they cannot immediately use. And last, unemployment prevention is important for employees who now work in a shrinking sector. They have to make a transition to a growing profession, inside or outside the company.

With the WorldClass Programme we want to respond to these current issues. Promoting diversity and inclusiveness is a common thread in this, as is extra attention for special target groups such as refugees and people who are (partially) disabled.

What and how?

In order to reach 35,000 people every year for the next ten years, we will have to make a big impact. But quality is more important than quantity. That is why the projects of the WorldClass Programme must meet important conditions. They must be measurable, impactful and innovative projects to which Deloitte employees can contribute from all areas of expertise. The projects must have a direct impact on at least 1,000 people at the same time. They must be in line with the professional practice of the Deloitte professional. Because we have good digital skills, this means that the projects will have a large digital component, such as digital learning material, online learning, knowledge platforms or microlearnings. In addition, the projects must be sustainable and scalable, and copyable nationally and internationally. And finally, we opt for co-creation and collaboration with the market to organize as many large projects as possible.

With whom?

Deloitte has a big network and is good at building and managing ecosystems. Within the WorldClass Programme we want to encourage public-private partnerships. We work together as much as possible with partners who already have an infrastructure and implementation organization. When valuable, we will also bring partners into contact with each other. Our partners can be divided into two groups. Firstly, the partners that Deloitte will professionalise so that they can make more impact on the target group. And secondly, the partners with whom we work together in the implementation.

Projects

Several projects have already started or are scheduled to start soon. Some examples:

Education Alliance

The Education Alliance is a public-private partnership that supports primary schools in disadvantaged neighbourhoods with their initiatives to combat inequality of opportunities for pupils and to help solve the shortage of teachers.

JINC

Every child has talent. Also the hundreds of thousands Dutch children who grow up in an environment with a lot of unemployment and few role models. That is why JINC fights for a society in which your background does not determine your future. To achieve this, JINC helps children from 8 to 16 years of age to a good start at the labour market. Through the JINC programme, they are introduced to all kinds of professions, discover which work suits their talents and learn to apply.

Campus 010

The Campus010 Foundation offers educational and inspiring programmes in and outside school holidays, which link up with the existing curriculum of schools in order to continue the growth of the students together. Children receive extra lessons and guidance in core subjects and on numerous other themes.

Scaling Social Enterprises

Deloitte is currently supporting seven Social Enterprises that employ people at a distance from the labour market with scaling up their companies to help more people within this target group find work.

Read more impact stories of our WorldClass projects here.

De Deloitte Impact Foundation

Through the Deloitte Impact Foundation, Deloitte is committed to bring a positive impact to society. We share our core competences, knowledge and network in societal initiatives to make an impact in the fields of education & employment, sustainability and endurable society. Read more about the Deloitte Impact Foundation and view our projects.