Intensive integration

Renas came to the Netherlands at the start of 2017 with her parents, two brothers and two sisters from Iraq. Twenty-four-year-old Renas says: 'In the beginning I had to get used to the Netherlands. The difference with Iraq is that there are different rules. For example at the municipality. The Netherlands has much more rules than Iraq.

Renas follows a fast integration trajectory; a partnership between the Municipality of Twello, Human and Welfare and TopTaalThis trajectory gives her the opportunity to work alongside her taallessons to work at the Martinushof nursing home in Twello. Renas walks with the residents, plays games, and drinks coffee with them. This way, she learns the taal Even better and faster. 'I already worked as a nurse in a hospital in Iraq. When it was no longer safe, we left. I would like to attend nursing school here.' The intensive integration program prepares her for nursing school later. By already working, she learns much faster. 'I enjoy the contact with people. I want to quickly taal learning. I actually want it to go faster. That's why I always do my homework.

Taallessons and work at the same time: this is how you learn fastest

First taallessons
As part of the integration process, Renas and her family members received weekly taallessons from TopTaalBoth the father and the mother follow the Literacy course, which covers the basics of Dutch taal is being learned. And while Renas' sister is taking the A1 course, her eldest brother is already at A2 level, with a view to B1. Renas: 'I'm currently in B1 and would like to go to B2. And I'm going to MBO 3. If I do it quickly, I'll be finished in three years. In January I'll start the Nursing course. But first, taal! I learn a lot TopTaal. I like that very much!