EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Increasing the participation of immigrant parents

Increasing the participation of immigrant parents

Introduction

The participation of immigrant parents is increased through a two-year course of Dutch language lessons, ICT and child rearing support at the child’s school. The involvement of the parents at the schools is increased, parents are supported in raising their children and they actively participate in society.

Problem

How can you increase the participation of immigrant parents at school and in society?

Description

Incorporation in existing structures is realised by linking the policy initiatives relating to the children and parents to each other. Lessons relating to child rearing support are offered along with lessons in the Dutch language, computer skills, social skills, communicative skills and mathematics.

The learning material of the parents complements their children’s pre and early school educational programmes. The parents’ course schedules are geared as much as possible to the children’s school schedules. If this is not possible, participants can make use of volunteer run childcare facilities that are offered at the school.

Approach

Practical assignments are an important component of the course. In the second year, a social work placement is offered. Participants perform their work placement at the preschool, Spel-o-theek (play room) and parents room. In addition, there are visits to institutions such as the library and guest lessons are given by, for example, a counselling centre. During the course, an interview is held at least once a year regarding the personal training plan. The learning objective of the student has to fit the profile of the course.

Results

At the end of the programme, 80% of the parents remain active in volunteer work at the school or in the area, find paid work or take a follow-up course.
The final level of Dutch as a second language is between A1 and A2.
The skills and key competences of the parent/guardian are recorded in a portfolio, which holds a description of the educational objectives and acquired skills.
Documents that indicate the parents’ participation are statements from the primary schools, playgroup and/or work placement companies.

Contact info

City of Rotterdam, City Education Department
S. van Luijk, tel. +31 10 8914710

Project start date

01/09/2004

Links

Education in Rotterdam (in Dutch)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Keywords

Skills improvement