Language activities at De Kwekerij
Language classes
De Kwekerij organizes informal Dutch language lessons every Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. These take place at the COA location (Kabelweg) and are open to newcomers from Kabelweg and the Galaxy emergency shelter (Westerhoofd). The lessons are specifically aimed at newcomers such as asylum seekers and status holders who want to practice in an accessible way. The focus is mainly on everyday conversations and daily language use, both with and without prior knowledge. These language lessons are provided by our volunteers and made possible by the City of Amsterdam.
Why does De Kwekerij offer this?
The longer story is that in the past, we offered a development program called the Idealenschool (School of Ideals). There, we challenged people to do something with their ideals. On the final day, when participants presented their end projects, someone from the COA (Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers) was there.
She said: “It’s wonderful what you’re doing here at De Kwekerij, but it would be even better if you could also do something for the 1,500 people at my location who are waiting to participate in society.” That’s where the seed was planted. Guy Wijnen visited and discovered a clear need for language lessons. At first, we did this at our office, but now we can hold them in a beautiful classroom at the asylum seekers’ center (AZC).
Will you become a language buddy too?
Language Buddy
Do you want to make a real impact? In addition to our lessons, we connect newcomers with Amsterdammers through our Language Buddy program.
What is the language buddy program?
To promote language and integration into society, we pair newcomers with locals (Amsterdammers) as language buddies.
With the goal of
Getting to know each other, exchanging knowledge and experience, and extra language practice outside of lessons.
Commitment
You meet once every two weeks for 4-6 months to practice together and exchange experiences.
Language Buddy
Language through connection
Want to make an impact? Become a buddy and discover Amsterdam together. Sign up now via the new application form.
