In collaboration with Atlas, Amal, and the House of Dutch in Brussels, the new campaign 'Spreekkracht' has been launched to increase opportunities for practicing Dutch. 'Spreekkracht' signifies the courage to speak Dutch together, connecting language learners with those who share their knowledge and confidence.
The campaign encourages Dutch language learners to practice Dutch everywhere and aims to make Dutch speakers aware of their role as conversation partners. Learning a language happens through contact with others: speaking, listening, making mistakes, and practicing together.
Eight language learners, including Ahmed, Grecia, Feride, Mohammed, Nashwan, Shadyaneh, Qing, and Yahya, share their experiences in a series of videos. Language buddy Koen also offers tips for communicating with Dutch learners. The campaign features posters illustrating common situations like at a counter, in a shop, at school, and at the gym.
The message for Dutch learners is ‘Find your spreekkracht’, encouraging them to dare to speak and practice Dutch in daily life. For Dutch speakers, the message is ‘Help … find their spreekkracht’, highlighting their role as conversation partners. More information and organized practice opportunities are available at www.nederlandsoefenen.be, with specific links for Flanders (ikdoemee.be) and Brussels (nederlandsoefeneninbrussel.be).
The campaign will be visible and audible through radio spots, social media, online video platforms, and news sites. Posters will also appear in public spaces. Local authorities can order free promotional materials to support the campaign.
At a press moment on Tuesday, October 13, at Albert Heijn in Rumbeke, 'Spreekkracht' was presented. Flemish Minister Hilde Crevits emphasized the importance of Dutch as a key to integration. 'With ‘Spreekkracht’, we invite everyone to turn everyday encounters into valuable practice opportunities,' stated the minister.
On Friday, October 16, 'Spreekkracht' will be featured at the Taalfeest, with a discussion between Magda Serwadczak (Agency for Integration and Civic Integration), Tilia Casaer (Nederlands met Tilia), and language learner Said Niazai about their experiences and tips.
The Flemish Government allocated funding on July 14, 2025, to the Agency for a project focused on Dutch practice opportunities. This project includes a call for local authorities to invest in Dutch practice, research into the impact of these opportunities, and the 'Spreekkracht' campaign, aiming to enhance the availability of Dutch practice in Flanders.
