Intensive integration pays off
A few years ago, the municipality of Voorst set up its own integration programme. Taaleducation is an important part of that.
Inspiration
When the municipality of Voorst saw an increase in the influx of refugees with refugee status in 2016, it quickly became clear that integration would have to proceed differently than usual. The Gelderland municipality wanted to help this target group integrate and participate more quickly in Dutch society. The idea that newcomers would first have to undergo three years of integration and classes before actually starting work didn't appeal to the municipality. "As a municipality, we wanted to give people a place in society much faster. By working directly with them to find a suitable candidate," they said.taalthe or thetaal'By providing them with intensive training in the workplace and at the same time, we, as a municipality, expected to achieve results more quickly.'
The goal is that they integrate faster and are therefore prepared for the labor market faster
Collaboration
That is why an intensive integration project was set up; a collaboration between the municipality of Voorst, TopTaal, People & Welfare and Refugee Work. Participants receive three half-day integration lessons from TopTaal and one half-day of 'integration plus' from the Dutch Council for Refugees. In addition, these newcomers will participate in the local community for a maximum of four half-days per week. This could be, for example, a taalinternships or volunteer work. The goal is for them to integrate more quickly and thus be prepared for the job market more quickly.
Students are enthusiastic
The role of TopTaal the process involves taking care of the taalEducation. The program started in August with 29 participants and three different groups. Jan explains: "We really have to fight to motivate people. We want them to integrate with us, but we can't force them. It's their free choice. If they do, they are obligated to participate in the 7,5 hours of integration in addition to the XNUMX hours." taalto do a maximum of four half-days of volunteer work per week, depending on their resilience.taalOf course, they can also perform the work themselves! This means they'll be busy for a maximum of eight half-days.
What do most participants in the municipality of Voorst start with? With literacy. Jan is resolute: "The group that chooses us, does not consist of higher educated people. This target group needs a lot of time to integrate. I see that students are very enthusiastic about the courses. " The first year went to the satisfaction of the municipality; the second year has now started. 'We are very happy that we have our own integration program close to home. This means that, for example, mothers who take care of children do not have to travel too much. Apeldoorn and Deventer are far away if you have small children. "
Because Jan experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to get a place in the labor process, he was an important driver of this process within the municipality of Voorst. 'I myself have a visual impairment and 36 had to fight hard years ago to get a job. It is therefore very important to me to make it easier for entrants. When I needed a bit of coordination on this route, I took it upon myself with pleasure. I now see that it works! "