The Flemish Minister in charge of Brussels, Cieltje Van Achter, launches this Sunday her global Dutch plan for the capital, aimed at strengthening the position of the language of Vondel. To do this, it is in particular on the linguistic skills of children and young people, she announced.
The plan aims to bring together existing and new initiatives in terms of strengthening Dutch. “”The objective is to stimulate learning, practice and use for each Brussels resident. With this plan, I want to fully exploit the power of Dutch, in Brussels and for our capital“Said Minister Van Achter.
The emphasis is first put on a good knowledge of Dutch among the youngest. Children who early in touch with Dutch are more likely to use the language for a long time, it is said.
For Brussels residents, the Dutchman is also “The key to a better future“, Who opens the way to employment, training and integration to adults, according to the minister.
A third pillar concerns the use of Dutch by the Brussels authorities, assistance services and emergency services. Linguistic rights are often dead letters, it is said. To which the Minister wants to remedy, in particular by targeted cooperation. “”With this plan, we rely on a real linguistic chain. From birth and up to an advanced age, it is necessary to be able to benefit from a qualitative offer in Dutch. He must become obvious that we can simply practice and use Dutch in Brussels.“