Help low-literate people on their way to a language offering

As a guide in the library, you are present once a week for two hours to provide low-literate people with information about the range of Dutch language lessons in Utrecht.

Together with someone who experiences a barrier to the Dutch language, you will see which language lessons this person needs. The desire to learn the Dutch language often has a different need. For example, someone wants to get a better grip on their finances or better understand letters from Dutch authorities.

Where possible, you immediately hit the nails and arrange a registration with a language school or call for more information. In the library you sit at an 'advisory table' where interested parties can register for more information. If you are currently on a call, someone can wait in our 'waiting room'.

What do you do as a voluntary Wegwijzer?

• You inform low-literate people about the language available in Utrecht and refer them
• This is done in the form of a walk-in consultation hour of 2 hours in the morning or in the afternoon in a library in Utrecht. At the same time, an employee of the neighborhood team and Digiwijs is also present.
• You conduct advisory meetings (by telephone or in the library) for people with low literacy who cannot come to the library
• You coordinate with library staff and keep a log with questions that come in and the method of handling.

To do the above, you will be trained in the use of the social map of the neighborhood and you can do more to keep your knowledge of the language on offer in Utrecht up to date.

What do you have at home?

• You have an affinity with the target group, low-literate residents
• You can work independently
• Communication skills, with which you can have conversations with people who have limited command of the Dutch language
• You can quickly gain insight into a situation and by asking the right questions you can find out the learning wishes of people with low literacy (language level, personal development goals, financial possibilities) and think along about solutions and referrals
• You are interested in being trained in, among other things, the Utrecht (digi) language offer and the social map to actively refer low-literate people
• You are digitally skilled so that you can register incoming questions
• You are available for 2 to 3 hours a week and can be deployed flexibly for at least six months. Once every 6 weeks there is a meeting with fellow signposts from other neighborhoods

What do you get in return?

Your commitment will ensure that people with low literacy feel at home and can participate in Utrecht society. After all, you need language to make friends, talk to your children's teacher, go to the doctor, find a job, or do your homework. Meaningful work with a major social impact! At the same time, you get to know other cultures, you get a lot of enthusiastic Taal Doet Meer colleagues and you can develop through various appropriate training courses.

You will be managed by a project leader from Taal Doet Meer. Together with the Utrecht Library, the project manager provides the information you need and appropriate training. Intervision is offered periodically and we organize meetings with which you can develop yourself. Every 6 weeks there is a signpost meeting, where all signposts from Utrecht exchange information. Expenses will be reimbursed in consultation and you will receive a smartphone on loan.

Interested / questions?

Are you interested in the position of Wegwijzer? Please contact Yvonne Blok, project leader at Taal Doet Meer.