The Flemish Government has announced a new initiative to boost the teaching of Dutch as second language for adults. The ‘Nederlands werkt!’ (Dutch Works) initiative contains a total of 8 concreate measure aimed at improving the accessibility and quality of NT2 (Dutch as a second language) education particularly for newcomers and for the parents of school age children.
Flemish Government launches new initiative to improve Dutch language skills among adults with a different mother tongue
Published:
The Flemish Education Minister Zuhal Demir (nationalist) told journalists that people that are able to speak Dutch create opportunities not only for themselves, but for Flemish society as a whole. “Because those that speak our language are able to participate better in society.”
The Flemish minister responsible for integration Hilde Crevits (Christian democrat) said that “Anyone that wants to live, work and feel at home in Flanders must speak Dutch. We can set the bar high for newcomers, but we must also ensure that the resources made available are able to keep up.”
The initiative is a response to growing concerns that were highlighted by the 2024 Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) study that showed that adults whose mother tongue is not Dutch score significantly lower in literacy, numeracy and problem-solving than native speakers. From 2027, newcomers will be required to reach level B1 (oral) proficiency instead of A2, meaning they must be able to express opinions and participate independently in work and social life.
Accessibility, quality, referrals and parental involvement
Accessibility, quality, referrals and parental involvement are the watchwords in the new plan. Course fees will remain low at 1.50 euro for a 1-hour lesson with exemptions being based on income rather than other factors. Vocational training and Dutch lessons can now be combined, with dual teaching support for both language and subject skills.
In order to improve quality, new listening and speaking tests will be launched and extra training will be provided for teachers. The government is also exploring how AI can assist with assessments.
There will also be a focus on everyday language practice and better coordination between schools, social services and local organisations to help learners find appropriate courses.
Parents will play a key role in the new strategy. Those learning Dutch will receive priority for enrolment in adult education, while schools and municipalities will work together to offer language lessons for parents near their children’s schools.