EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - "Woordenschatjes"

"Woordenschatjes" - reading assistance programme

Introduction

Woordenschatjes (‘Word Darlings’) is a reading assistance programme in which older residents in the neighbourhood read in an interactive way to children at school in the neigbourhood with a reading disability.

Problem

How can language disadvantages be reduced at black schools?

Description

The objective is to reduce the extent of the disability and, where possible, get rid of it altogether. Neighbourhood residents, primary schools, the library and the neighbourhood board are working together to achieve this.

Approach

A social-cultural worker recruits the older Dutch residents in the neighbourhood. These supervise the volunteers, arrange any training and make the contact with the primary school. If necessary, the library makes space available. Use can also be made of the library's stock of books.

The primary school makes space available so that use can be made of the authority and knowledge of the school. The children participating in the project are selected by the school. The city district provides official support and the financial means. The size of the reader's group, the frequency and the duration of the reading assistance is determined for each group in mutual consultation.

Results

Young and old meet.
The language disadvantage among children at the schools involved is reduced.
Old people use their free time in a worthwhile pursuit.
Different cultures meet, intercultural encounters.
The social cohesion in the neighbourhood is strengthened.

Resources used

Neighbourhood board budget, Slotervaart city district

Contact info

Impuls Foundation
W. Krop, tel. +31 20 5158683

Project start date

01/10/2001

Links

Impuls Foundation (in Dutch)Slotervaart, Amsterdam city district (in Dutch)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Quality of life

Keywords

Skills improvement