Mayor Jeroen Dijsselbloem of Eindhoven is calling on companies and organizations in the Brainport region to get more involved in social projects. "Think about poverty, debt problems, language deficits and school dropout." He made the call Tuesday afternoon during a New Year's meeting of Brainport Eindhoven at the Evoluon.

"Brainport Region Eindhoven has developed into one of the main engines of the Dutch economy. It won't be long before we are at number one, analysts expect. The success of the region is great, but there is a part of our population that cannot grasp the opportunities.

Dijsselbloem wants to avoid a division in the region. "My mission is to remain one region and one city and not have a division," he said.

Companies, municipalities and social organizations in the region should therefore help, the mayor believes. They can sign up for the "Brainport for each other" project. Already 38 companies and organizations are participating." In the region, social problems are getting really big. Perhaps too big for a municipality alone to tackle them."

"There are many people who have little or no ability to read and write and are therefore left behind."
"Think of debt problems, such as high energy bills. It's not just about the bottom of society. A lot of working people also get into financial trouble for a variety of reasons. Even people who are employed by our business community. So we need the help of the business community. They can take their own employees by the hand and help them out of financial trouble."

Language delays and illiteracy must also be addressed. "There are many people who have little or no ability to read and write and are therefore left behind. As a result, they can't get that job or they can't finish that education. They are in danger of dropping out."

"Within companies, you can help your own employees with language to take those further steps to make sure they don't drop out. They need help because otherwise they will soon be drowning in forms and rules that they just can't understand." "

"The success of this region is only complete when all the residents of our region can get on board," he said.
Signify spokesman Thomas Leenders is enthusiastic about the "Brainport for each other" project. "We are former Philips Lighting. We have always been a socially involved company. One example is energy poverty. We have donated LED bulbs to charities. To help that target group that now has a hard time paying the energy bill."

"It is not only about making money in the region, but it is also about the social commitment of businesses to the region. We have to do it together. I think it's a starting point to take this up together."

'Brainport for each other' is an initiative of Brainport Partnerfonds, Impact040, Brainport Development, Together for Eindhoven, the Municipality of Helmond and the Municipality of Eindhoven.

Dijsselbloem is hopeful. "The success of this region is only complete if all the residents of our region can join in and benefit. If everyone can participate."