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Project name
Language Power! (Taalkr8!)

Short description
Many young people have difficulties with language. The Education Inspectorate reports that one in every five pupils following the basic vocational track (basisberoepsgerichte leerweg) and the advanced vocational track (kaderberoepsgerichte leerweg) at preparatory secondary vocational education (VMBO) schools are unable to read their schoolbooks by themselves. This means that illiteracy is also present in secondary education. The Reading & Writing Foundation wants to increase awareness of the importance of literacy among pupils and teachers. A number of standard language workshops called Language Power! (Taalkr8!) have been developed specially for VMBO schools. These workshops show children how they can derive pleasure from language, in an appealing and challenging way. The first two days of Language Power! are held in Purmerend and Delft. Zwolle, Middelburg and Amsterdam will be next, followed by the rest of The Netherlands: in September 2006, Language Power! will be rolled out across the entire country.

Language Power! includes activities such as a rap workshop, poetry writing, preparing a press release, comic strips and debating. VMBO schools can choose which classes go to which workshops. As of September 2006 schools will be able to download a manual about organising a Language Power! event via the website www.taalkr8.nl. 

Objectives

  • Make young people aware that a good command of language is essential for a brighter future;
  • Make young people see that language is also something really great and challenging;
  • Encourage schools to put their language policy high at the agenda, and improve this where possible and where necessary, with or without the help of educational advisory services.

Partners
Kennisnet, various educational advisory bodies, Purmerendse Scholengemeenschap, location W.J. Bladergroen, Christelijk Lyceum Delft, location Hof van Delft, Van der Capellen Scholengemeenschap in Zwolle.

Milestones
May 2006 – pilot project in Delft.
September 2006 – national launch.

More information?
You can request more information about this project from Mirjam Locadia