EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Rotterdam: De Taalwinkel (‘The Language store’)

Rotterdam: De Taalwinkel (‘The Language store’)

Introduction

The Borough’s residents obtain information and advice from the Taalwinkel. The Taalwinkel’s client-tracking system will be used to follow each student’s entire learning path. The system is based on a demand-oriented approach which focuses on the participants and enhances their personal sense of responsibility.

Problem

The objective of the project is to improve the quality of integration in the region. Within this context the various providers are collaborating in the development and dissemination of a successful methodology. In addition, the concept is being developed further and rendered more suitable for dissemination; collaborative agreements are also being concluded for the introduction of the Taalwinkel approach in other Rotterdam boroughs, and in other cities confronted with comparable problems.

Description

The Taalwinkel is a centre which offers adult residents information about the opportunities available to them to learn Dutch. The Taalwinkel is unique by virtue of the centre’s combined provision of knowledge from various organisations. Residents can call at the centre to learn Dutch; in addition, they can also acquire other specific knowledge and skills. The Taalwinkel centre maintains records of the number of newcomers and oldcomers who are reached, and of their questions. To this end the Taalwinkel will set up a client-tracking system.

Approach

The spearheads within the Rotterdam programme document are:

Integrated approach of youth problems (family, education, leisure time, work).
Investments in culture and economy; the Cultural world district.
Complete improvement of the quality of the outdoors area in the territory.
Economisal-recreative (re-)development of the Rotte and its surroundings.
Participation of inhabitants and entrepreneurs with the driving Thea terras.

Results

The introduction of the Taalwinkel will reach 450 adults in a period of 3 years, i.e. at the end of 2006 the client-tracking system shall contain records of 450 adults who are resident in the three neighbourhoods, are members of the target group, and are at least of the intention to follow a course.

EU involvement

URBAN II is an initiative of the European Commission. The aim is to support innovative projects in the field of urban regeneration in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The URBAN II projects will set an example for national urban policy. In the Netherlands, areas in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Heerlen have been allocated for the period 2000-2006. In Rotterdam URBAN II attention is directed at three neighbourhoods in 'Noord aan de Rotte', with a total of almost 30,000 inhabitants.

Financing

European subsidy: € 281.945
Total cost: € 777.403

Contact info

The local programme management, tel. +31 10 4667667

Project start date

01/05/2004

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Keywords

Skills improvement