Nearly 400 people turned up at the cultural centre of Flemish border municipality Baarle-Hertog (Antwerp Province) last night for the “Under One Roof” event. It is an opportunity for newcomers from abroad and local residents to get to know each other and learn about each other's cultures. ‘It was a hit,’ says Baarle-Hertog library’s Irina Peeters.
For 10 years now, newcomers from abroad have been able to attend the ‘talking point’ in the Baarle-Hertog local library every week to learn Dutch in a very accessible way.
‘Last year, the group launched the idea of organising a summer’s evening event allowing newcomers whose native language is not Dutch to get to know other residents better,’ explains Irina Peeters of Baarle-Hertog library.
"Because of the barrier language poses, it is not always easy for them to maintain social contacts in the village, and they regret that."
Last year, “Under One Roof” was organised for the first time. "It was an instant hit. People really enjoyed it and met new people," says Irina.
4 times more people than last year
This year was an even bigger success. 380 people turned up, which is almost 4 times more than during the first edition.
The newcomers prepared snacks from their countries of origin, and there was music and children's entertainment. Zarghona from Afghanistan was also there and thought the initiative was a big success.
"I have now lived in neighbouring Baarle-Nassau for 13 years and have been taking language lessons for 4 years. It used to be difficult, but now it's getting better," she says.
"Today I made a rice dish with carrots, green beans, saffron, tomato paste, spices and oil. I met many new people and will definitely come back next year."