New Initiative to Promote Dutch in Brussels
Flemish Minister for Brussels Cieltje Van Achter has officially launched the Totaalplan Nederlands, a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing the Dutch language’s prominence in the capital. The program focuses particularly on improving language skills among children and young people.
Van Achter’s initiative seeks to unify existing and new efforts under a single framework, encouraging collaboration within the Flemish network in Brussels to fortify the Dutch language’s position. “The plan aims to encourage every Brussels resident to learn, practise and use Dutch,” said Minister Van Achter. Emphasizing the importance of early exposure, she noted that children who engage with Dutch from a young age are more likely to continue using the language.
To further support this objective, parents opting for Dutch-speaking childcare will be encouraged to participate actively in the community, including learning the language themselves. Plans are also underway to develop a framework to promote the use of Dutch in playgrounds and among parents at schools.
Moreover, Van Achter contended that proficiency in Dutch is essential for adult residents, as good language skills can facilitate job opportunities, education, and social integration. The Totaalplan includes additional resources dedicated to increasing access for Brussels residents interested in learning Dutch. Strengthening collaboration between employment services VDAB and Actiris will be a focal point, ensuring that more residents can secure employment in Flanders.
To raise visibility for the Dutch language, campaigns will target sectors such as hospitality and retail. Additionally, discussions will take place with Brussels authorities, hospitals, and emergency services to ensure compliance with bilingual service requirements and improve language support for patients. A pilot project will aim to enhance staff bilingualism at one hospital, while further initiatives will be considered for security services to bolster their Dutch language capabilities.
“From birth to old age, you must be able to make use of high-quality services in Dutch,” concluded Van Achter. “It must become self-evident that you can practise and use Dutch in Brussels,” reports 24brussels.
