Flanders raises oral language requirement for integration programme
The Flemish government has officially raised the oral language requirement for the Flemish civic integration programme. From now on, newcomers will have to reach B1 level in Dutch. To help them reach this level, it plans to introduce more opportunities to learn the language.
Previously, the integration programme set the target of reaching level A2, which is considered a basic level. Raising that bar is part of the government's coalition agreement. Hilde Crevits, the Flemish minister for Integration, has now raised the required oral level to B1, enough to hold simple conversations.
To support newcomers, the government will introduce more opportunities to practice. Most courses are currently classroom-based, which is difficult for people working full-time. Crevits wants language teaching to be more adapted to everyday life.
This could be done by offering lessons at the workplace, or by allowing parents who are not working to teach at their children's school, Crevits says. She wants to encourage employers, local councils, schools and sports clubs to get involved.
In the future, integration agencies will also organise additional follow-up sessions. More guidance during the programme should lead to more motivation and fewer drop-outs, Crevits says. This will enable them to respond to changing needs during the course of the programme.
She added that raising the language level would increase job opportunities for newcomers in Flanders. Of people who reach A2, an average of 50 per cent are employed after three years, while the figure is 56 per cent for those who reach B1 or higher.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO JAMES ARTHUR GEKIERE
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