The organisation aims to strengthen the Dutch language skills and social participation of Utrecht residents who wish to improve their language proficiency.
This is achieved through voluntary language support, informal practice sessions, and personalised guidance, with a strong emphasis on social interaction and meaningful connection.
Taal Doet Meer collaborates with a wide range of local partners in Utrecht, including community organisations, libraries, and municipal institutions, to ensure accessible and community-based support.
Who benefits:
• Language learners (children and adults) receive support in practising the Dutch language, enabling them to participate more effectively in education, work and daily life.
• Volunteers build social relationships, develop their own skills and contribute to social cohesion in the city.
• The local community (Utrecht) benefits from residents with better language skills, stronger networks and a more inclusive society.
How it works:
Residents of Utrecht who wish to improve their Dutch language skills can register for language activities via the organisation’s website. After registration, their language level and learning goals are assessed, after which they are matched with a suitable activity or form of support.
Participants benefit from a range of volunteer-led language initiatives designed to promote practical language use and social interaction. These include small-group language practice sessions, informal conversation settings, and reading activities that support both adults and children in developing their Dutch skills and confidence.
Volunteer-supported formats include:
- Language practice groups and Language Cafés (adults): opportunities to practise speaking and listening in small groups or informal conversation settings, often held in libraries or community centres
- Reading and language activities (children): sessions where volunteers read aloud and play language games to support early language development and foster a positive reading culture
- Coordinated support roles: volunteers who help organise and support the wider delivery of activities
All volunteers receive an introductory session, training, and ongoing support to ensure high-quality engagement. In addition, flexible formats such as Language Walks and drop-in Language Cafés allow participants to engage at their own pace and according to their availability.
- Start date
- 23 Mar 1993
- Project locations
- Netherlands
- Project website
- Taal Doet Meer
- Topic
- Employment and skills
Results
Taal Doet Meer engages a large and active network of volunteers, with approximately 3 081 volunteers involved in language activities across different target groups and age groups.
The organisation has so far reached a total of 10 931 participants through its activities, including informal language practice sessions, reading programmes, and community-based language initiatives.
Participants benefit from opportunities to practise Dutch in informal and social settings, such as Language Cafés and Language Walks, which strengthen both practical language skills and social connections.
Reported outcomes include:
- improved Dutch language skills;
- increased children’s enjoyment of language and reading;
- stronger social networks and self-confidence;
- improved opportunities for participation in society;
- greater independence in everyday life (e.g. appointments, shopping, healthcare interactions).
Evaluation:
Taal Doet Meer places strong emphasis on the training, guidance, and support of its volunteers, who report receiving structured preparation and ongoing assistance in their roles. Participants also consistently describe the activities as valuable for improving language skills and confidence in everyday communication.
Qualitative feedback highlights positive effects on self-confidence, independence, and social participation. Participants describe becoming more comfortable using Dutch in daily situations and more able to navigate public services independently.
One participant, Isabel (Venezuela), explains that participation in Language Walks significantly increased her confidence: she now feels comfortable speaking Dutch in everyday situations such as shopping or visiting the doctor independently, despite still making mistakes and continuing to learn.
Similarly, another participant, Yarie, reports increased autonomy, noting that she is now able to ask for directions, attend medical appointments alone, and manage daily tasks independently, while continuing to improve her language skills through regular participation.
Funding and resources:
The organisation receives funding from various public and private sources, such as the local council and various trusts, and also works with a large network of volunteers who make its activities possible.