Taalkit DUTCH (Language kit Dutch)
The Taalkit Dutch is made for refugees who have just arrived in the Netherlands and have no residence permit yet. The material supports volunteers teaching these refugees. There is a training available for volunteers. The initiative for developing the Taalkit is taken by CINOP www.cinop.nl and Oefenen.nl
The Language Kit DUTCH has an offline and online section:
The offline part takes place at asylum seekers centres. The refugees receive worksheets to learn Dutch. The mobile phone serves to teach Dutch words with apps and pictures. With that, the refugee communicates about practical matters that s/he has to face from the very first day, such as letters and forms.
The online section starts in a library. The refugee receives a login code for the four learning routes at the website Oefenen.nl. They are based on the popular programs of Taalklas.nl and contain exercises, songs, videos and games.
Year(s): since 2015
Target group(s): refugees with no residence permit yet
Website: www.taalkitdutch.nl
Methodology
The offline material for volunteers and supervisors consists of three parts:
- Manual for Volunteers using the Language Kit DUTCH
- Material for the participants
- Guidelines for a 20-week approach.
In the Volunteer Manual Language Kit DUTCH, under the heading 'Starterskit SpreekTaal' (Chapter 1), instructions are included in the first theme of the SpreekTaalmethod. With this method, refugees can be supported by better learning of Dutch. The method is available for download from the site www.hetbegintmettaal.nl.
The method can also be ordered in the form of attractively published books (they have to be paid for). The instructions in the User Guide are very comprehensive and easy to apply to other language topics.
The 'Explanation of the material for the participants’ contains introductions to the different parts of the package for the participants: explanation in' My Glossary ',' Exercises at My Glossary' and in the' Language Cards'. For each skill, an example lesson is added to the "Language Cards" section. This gives the volunteer more insight into the way in which the various skills can be offered and acquired.
The materials listed in the guidelines are described in the "Useful Materials Overview". This helps to make the right choice for the volunteer and the participant.
The Participant Material contains tools that enable the participant to learn in a responsible manner about the language. For example, a personal vocabulary with exercises. There are Language cards for reading, writing, listening and conversations. The cards provide various examples and strategies.
After the 'Starters kit Speech Language' volunteers can continue with the 20-week Guidelines. The Starter Kit is basically intended for all levels; In the Guidelines a distinction has been made between literacy, secondary and high education.
Type of product
x Paper-based material
x Online resource
□ Video clips / Films
x Course / Training
x Mobile application
□ Other _______
Brief description of the product / outcome / method
The Language Kit DUTCH is developed for refugees who have just arrived in the Netherlands and have no status yet. The material supports volunteers teaching Dutch to these refugees. There is a training available for volunteers.
Impact on target groups / Transferability potential
Asylum seekers who are still in the asylum procedure are not offered Dutch lessons by the government, because it is not yet clear whether the person may remain in the Netherlands. As a result, asylum seekers can only learn the language when volunteers teach them.
The motto of the Language kit DUTCH is ‘Don’t lose time’. Use the time spent in the asylum seekers centres and start studying Dutch as early as possible to prevent lagging behind.
With this free language package, refugees can learn the first principles of the Dutch language, both online and offline. With this, the Taalkit Dutch is an established social initiative for refugees who have no residence permit yet.
The method is easily transferrable. Almost all libraries in the Netherlands and the Volunteer organization Het Begint met Taal are connected to the initiative.
Promoter of the initiative
Name of organization / individual: CINOP and Oefenen.nl
Country: Netherlands
Website: www.cinop.nl / www.oefenen.nl
Contacts: Ina den Hollander: IHollander@cinop.nl / Ben Vaske: b.vaske@oefenen.nl