Mary stimulates language

Mary stimulates language During my retirement I not only wanted to go on nice trips and work in the garden, but also to make a meaningful contribution to society. Because I have been an education counselor, coordinating and supervising language volunteers at the Taalpunt of the Buurtwerk group suits me perfectly. Is it fun and do they know what to do? We normally have fifteen groups at the Taalpunt and many volunteers who teach one-on-one. Together with two other volunteers I handle the registrations. In a short introductory meeting we determine what language level someone has and we fill in a form with their details. That sounds easy, but is sometimes quite difficult if you don't speak each other's language. In addition, it is important to find out how someone works and what kind of training they have already completed, for example. Then I try to make a good match with a volunteer or a group. If there's no click, it won't work. During the lessons I supervise the volunteers: is it fun together and do they know what to do? Finally, I provide a well-stocked cupboard with teaching materials, everything neatly organized by subject and level. Then you can immediately choose what suits the situation! I get to know other cultures and such positive people! Language is so very important. If you can't read well, you really can't participate well. There are many people who really want to master Dutch, but that is not easy if you read Arabic script, for example. What I really like is that I meet and meet so many people in the neighbourhood. I get to know other cultures and such positive people! Normally we have 15 group lessons and a lot of Language Buddies, but now we can only offer help to a few groups with five students. As soon as possible, we will register people as participants at the Taalpunt again and our 100 loyal volunteers are ready to teach people the language. Photography by Eveline Gerritsen Text written by Evita Lammes Share these stories and inspire others to help too! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Whatsapp Forward

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