EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Volunteer work for immigrants

Volunteer work for immigrants - Arnhem

Introduction

The course 'Introduction to Volunteer Work for Immigrants' came into being as part of a social activation project falling under Active in Arnhem. Active in Arnhem is an independent project at the volunteers' centre in Arnhem. Commissioned by the City of Arnhem, they guide clients towards social activation.

Problem

How can isolation be prevented on the one hand and participation in society promoted on the other?

Description

This course enables people to become acquainted with volunteer work and other activities, such as courses, before successfully helping them on to a concrete activity. The social activation project is intended to prevent isolation by encouraging participation in society. It can also be a first step towards finding work.

Approach

The course involves an introduction and guide to volunteer work, a period of practical training with a return programme, in which much focus is given to the Dutch language specifically oriented to the work floor where the practical training was completed, and social skills.

Results

Between 1998 and 2001 about 72 people followed the course.
After the practical training period, 70% of the participants were able to conclude a contract for one year at the organisation where they completed their practical training.
For students who found volunteer work to be a step too far, an alternative was found in introductory visits at various activity centres and registration for a course there.
About forty percent of the students were male and about sixty female, from different age groups, educational backgrounds and countries of origin.
Nearly all participants have completed a course in Dutch as a second language, NL2, reaching level 1 or 2.
Some clients were those who were experiencing difficulty with the Dutch language despite receiving the usual language training.

Contact info

ROC Rijn IJssel
C. Verzijl (Teacher NT2, Supervisor Introduction to Volunteer Work), tel. +31 26 3520400

Project start date

01/01/1998

Links

ROC Rijn IJssel International

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Keywords

Citizens' participation