In West Brabant, elderly care providers and vocational schools came together around one urgent question: how do we prepare students for the care and wellbeing needs of tomorrow? The demand for care is changing. Older people want to stay independent, vital and connected for as long as possible. At the same time, professionals, informal carers and communities are under increasing pressure. ZOHRA set out to rethink care education from this new reality, with wellbeing, autonomy and collaboration at its heart.

We formed a coalition with Avans, Curio and care organisations in West Brabant. Together, we created a new story and strategic starting point for care: adding life to the days and working on thriving care communities. Care, wellbeing, innovation, connection and meaning became the pillars through which students, professionals, residents and communities can develop. Through deep-dives, co-creation and validation with students, professionals and regional partners, we explored what future care professionals need to learn and practise. This became the backbone of IZW: Innovatie, Zorg, Welzijn, a new MBO 4 programme where students learn in and with the community.

ZOHRA is moving from vision to practice. The new IZW programme will start in September and gives students a different route into care: one that combines healthcare knowledge with innovation, co-creation, vitality, meaning and community building. Students will work in small teams on real-life questions from residents and professionals across West Brabant, connecting neighbourhoods, care organisations and local networks. In doing so, ZOHRA becomes a living campus and community, helping shape a new generation of care professionals who can support people to live well, together.