Language buddy Frank helps Naasir

For 1.5 years, Frank Wester (55) has been a volunteer at Taal voor het Leven of the Gilde Amsterdam. He teaches the Somali Amsterdammer Naasir.

“I live in the Spaarndammerbuurt, a multicultural neighborhood. Many people speak limited Dutch. I want to make a difference and help people improve their situation. Now I am a language coach and help people who struggle with reading or writing.”

Language for Life

“In my search for an organization for volunteer work, I came across the project.”Language for Life by Guild Amsterdampassed. There, people with low literacy skills and non-Dutch speakers can learn to read and write better with the help of a language coach. I received an intake and a training of six sessions. This prepared me for my role as a language coach. I had no preference for who I wanted to coach. Then there is a pairing, a match, and you start. That was very exciting.”

Naasir

“35-year-old Naasir was very eager to learn to speak and write Dutch well. He has been living in the Netherlands since he was 19. Together, we set a goal. In his free time, he initially wanted to obtain an mbo certificate, but changed it to obtaining all diplomas for the taxi profession. And to write a business plan for his company. That needs to be in Dutch. With his goal in mind, I could help him improve his Dutch reading and writing skills. I support him in achieving what he wants.”

Read out loud

“We will meet at the Language Square of OBA Oosterdok. It is a neutral environment with plenty of reading and textbook resources. First, we will chat, talk about how our week was. Then we will go over the homework. We practice reading and now also writing. Improving writing skills only happens when someone can read better. I always have Naasir read his own written text out loud. This way he can hear if a sentence doesn’t sound right.”

“I enjoy language. During my Economics studies, I filled student magazines with content. Later, I found reading to my children to be a beautiful ritual. Language is important for my business. I sell trips and tickets to travel agencies and travel to many countries. Language is necessary for communication between people. Language connects people. Through language, people understand each other.”Photo: George Maas

Become a language coach in the project Language for Life?

Here you can find more information.Other volunteer opportunitiesYou are here.