Refugees and volunteers share success stories from Dutch language lessons on ships
As temporary refugee housing on ships in Huizen nears its end, language buddies and students reflect on the impact of Dutch lessons. For many, these classes were a vital step toward integration, offering not just language skills but also cultural connection and hope for a better future in the Netherlands.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Huizen harbour, Noord-Holland, Netherlands |
| Program | Dutch language lessons for asylum seekers on refugee ships |
| Participants | Mixed groups of ~15 people per class |
| Teaching Approach | Focus on listening, speaking, and a relaxed atmosphere |
| Additional Support | Weekly language café at the local library |
| Student Background | Muhammad, from Pakistan, highlights the importance of learning Dutch |
| Volunteer Involvement | Magda, a retired language buddy, led the lessons |
| Duration | Lessons took place during the winter months while ships were in the harbour |
The Volunteer Centre in Huizen, in collaboration with local organizations like the COA (Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers), facilitates integration programs such as language lessons for refugees. These initiatives aim to support asylum seekers in adapting to Dutch society by improving their language skills and cultural understanding.
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Language buddy and student reflect on lessons on refugee ships
Now that the refugee reception on the ships in the Huizen harbour is nearly over, language buddy Magda and her student Muhammad look back on the Dutch language lessons with a positive feeling. Read the interview below.
How did you become involved in teaching Dutch?
Magda: “I’ve been retired for more than ten years and don’t actually have an educational background. Still, I’ve been a language buddy for non-native speakers in Huizen with great pleasure for several years now. When winter brought refugee ships to the harbour for asylum seekers, I signed up through the Volunteer Centre to do something for them.” Muhammad: “I’m from Pakistan and am highly motivated to learn Dutch. If you want to communicate well here and build a better future, the language is very important.”
How do the lessons work?
Magda: “On the boats, we work with mixed groups of about fifteen people. The teaching materials often come from the internet, sometimes from the COA, and sometimes I bring my own. The most important thing is that people learn to listen and speak in a pleasant atmosphere. Grammar isn’t the main focus. The priority is that everyone feels seen and heard.” Muhammad: “The lessons are very pleasant. We talk a lot with each other in class, with the teacher, and with other students. That way, you learn faster how to use words.”
What makes learning Dutch sometimes difficult?
Magda: “For many participants, Dutch is a new and sometimes complex language. That’s why we focus mainly on practising listening and speaking. By doing this in a relaxed way, people dare to participate more quickly.” Muhammad: “Dutch is quite difficult for me, especially because of the pronunciation of some words. Some sounds are very different from English. The Dutch ‘g’, for example, is pronounced very hard.”
What helps with learning Dutch?
Magda: “In addition to the lessons on the boats, students can also attend the language café at the library every week. The groups there are smaller, and the café atmosphere makes it very cosy. Many refugees take advantage of this.” Muhammad: “For me, it works well to talk a lot in class. Short videos online also help me understand the language better. By learning the language, you also learn a lot about Dutch culture. For example, that Dutch people are often direct in conversations, but also honest and open.”
Which moments have stuck with you the most?
Magda: “Sometimes a student who now works after their asylum procedure stops by with a box of chocolates, just to say thank you. That’s not necessary at all, but it’s incredibly nice.” Muhammad: “The lessons are also a lot of fun. Sometimes someone pronounced a Dutch word in a funny way, and we all laughed—even at ourselves. That made the atmosphere very relaxed.”
What will you take away from this period?
Magda: “These people deserve attention, especially since many have been through a lot. By learning the language, they also learn more about Dutch culture. And for me, it’s valuable too: you get to know new people and learn something about yourself.” Muhammad: “I really enjoyed the lessons and I’m very grateful for the help from our teacher Magda. If I move to another place, I hope we can stay in touch via WhatsApp.”