From October 10 to 18, during the Dutch Language Week, the mascot Babbel will visit various locations in the municipality. The initiative, born from collaboration between vzw ‘de Rand’ and the local authorities in the Flemish periphery, aims to increase the visibility of Dutch-language activities. Babbel travels from place to place and was co-designed by people learning Dutch, who could choose from designs and suggest names through an online election.
The organization emphasizes that true integration occurs in daily interactions. Throughout the Dutch Language Week, daily photos and videos of Babbel's adventures will be shared on the municipality's Facebook and Instagram pages. This aims to showcase what Merchtem facilitates for the Dutch language.
More information about the 'Dutch Language Week' campaign can be found on the website of vzw 'de Rand'. Those interested in the initiatives of the Integration department can subscribe to the newsletter.
