In order to provide the limited number of non-natives, including newcomers, with Dutch as a Second Language-level 2 (NT-2) schooling within the city, the city has agreed with the ROC that a full-time annex will be established and maintained in the City of Hardinxveld Giessendam.

Immigrants going through the integration process are offered an individual educational programme, including social and occupational orientation. The size of the groups varies between 12 and18 persons. A course member is free to determine the 4-hour periods in which he will follow the course. The number of periods per week is fixed.
An exception applies to newcomers who are required to follow an intensive programme.

An extensive syllabus is offered twice a week in the evenings for immigrants who work. Tailor-made work with an eye on the target perspective is the starting point. The students can begin immediately. The programme has several group components, such as an introduction to society and professional orientation. Further orientation and learning Dutch proceeds at the individual’s own speed.

The performances of both the group and the individual teaching methods were within expectations. A subtle difference is that immigrants who followed the individual method were often more fluent and had a good spoken command of the language in comparison, whilst immigrants who had followed the group method had a better command of grammar.

City of Hardinxveld Giessendam
D. Nicolai

31/08/2002

case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Skills improvement