1. ‘It starts with language’ language coaching in the Netherlands
“Regional and local measures to develop the potential of refugees”
Eline Dragt
12th of October, 2016

2. Network ‘It starts with language’
Over migrants do not participate in Dutch society because of languageproblems.
Language coaching enhances migrants’ Dutch, their confidence and participation in society
Our goal: to make voluntary language coaching effective, visible, and available everywhere in the Netherlands.

3. What is language coaching?
Different forms: tutoring at home, SpeakingTogether, tutoring in groups, language café
Complements formal language education, extra use of Dutch means learning quicker
Average time span of 1 year
Meant for all migrants who want to improve their Dutch
In video: e-learning

4. Migrants in the Netherlands
Some numbers:
17 miljon inhabitants
1,9 miljon first generation migrants
In 2015: requests for asylum
Migrants from outside the EU and Turkey have to accomplish a Civic Integration Exam (A2):
within 3 years
Payment is own responsability. Migrants can borrow money. Asylum migrants do not repay loan.

5. Who are we & what do we do?
Nationwide network for language coaching for migrants (NT2): language as a means to increase participation
171 departments
Reach in 2015: migrants, volunteers, 296 coordinators
Strengthen language coach organisations with knowledge, innovation, training, material, and a professional network.

6. Why is language coaching important and effective?
Language learning goes faster with a good tutor and intensive use
Improves the language level and confidence of participants
Enlarges the independence of participants and helps towards (voluntary)work, integration exam or education
- Accessible and demand driven
Contributes to social cohesion and mutual understanding

7. Experiences of migrants:
“My Dutch has improved a lot in the last three months. I felt like a prisoner because I could not say what I wanted. Life is hard when you can’t express yourself. Now I can talk, communicate, make sentences.” Woman 38 years
“My Dutch has become better. I get compliments from others about my Dutch and I understand people much better.” Man, 50 years

8. Experiences of volunteers:
“I understand now how difficult it is to learn a language at a later age.” Language coach
“It struck me how hard it is for this group and how much effort they put in becoming part of our society. I didn’t expect that.” Language coach

9. Developments
More attention for language coaching, especially refugees (low language level and little to no social contacts).
The group of volunteers changes (stays a shorter time, expects more) and grows.
Organisations are dealing with a capacity deficit: coordinators, space and money (ex. for trainings).
Intensive cooperation in the field.
The gap after the integration exam remains (too) big!

10. How do we respond? New projects:
Enlarge capacity of language coach organisations
Language coaching for migrant youth
Develop digital training programme
Advice & support for fundraising at municipalities, private funds, and companies together with Steuntpunt Basisvaardigheden
Language coaching and help towards voluntary work
Enhance visibility through a.o. more collaboration and meeting with networks

11. Meer info?
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Feel free to contact:
Eline Dragt
Thank you for your attention!