Intensive integration

Renas came to the Netherlands from Iraq in early 2017 with her parents, two brothers, and two sisters. Twenty-four-year-old Renas says: 'In the beginning, I really had to get used to the Netherlands. The difference with Iraq is that there are different rules. For example, at the municipality. The Netherlands has many more rules than Iraq.'

Renas is following a fast-track integration program; a partnership between the Municipality of Twello, Mens en Welzijn, and TopTaal. This program gives her the opportunity to work at the Martinushof nursing home in Twello alongside her language lessons. Renas walks with the residents there, plays games, and drinks coffee with them. This helps her learn the language even better and faster. 'In Iraq, I already worked as a nurse in a hospital. When it was no longer safe, we left. Here, I would like to follow a nursing education.' The intensive integration program prepares her to be able to do the nursing training later. By working already, she learns much faster. 'I enjoy the contact with people. I want to learn the language quickly. Actually, I want it to go faster. That's why I always do my homework.'

Language lessons and working at the same time: the fastest way to learn

First language lessons
As part of the integration program, Renas and her family members received weekly language lessons from TopTaal. Both the father and mother are following the Literacy course, where the basics of the Dutch language are taught. And while Renas's sister is following the A1 course, her oldest brother is already at level A2, with a view to B1. Renas: 'I am now at B1 and want to go to B2. And I'm going to MBO 3. If I do it quickly, I'll be finished in three years. In January, I will start the Nursing program. But first, the language! I learn a lot at TopTaal. I really enjoy that!'

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