Joumana learns Dutch and works for the municipality of Delft

Joumana Ataia works two days a week at the municipality of Delft to improve her Dutch language skills. And Joumana isn't the only one learning. Roeland van der Meij, manager at the policy department of Society & Advice, says: "We're incredibly happy with Joumana. We're doing our part for others, but we're also learning a lot ourselves!"

The Society & Advice policy department focuses on work, integration, and living together with everyone. "We want to make Delft a little more beautiful and ensure that everyone can participate. To do that, we also have to set a good example ourselves. Practice what you preach," Roeland explains. So the department was happy to offer a language practice space through Werkse!A language practice location helps status holders practice Dutch and become acquainted with Dutch work culture.

To get used to
Joumana and Roeland met a few months ago. After a pleasant conversation, Joumana started working for the municipality two days a week. Every Monday and Tuesday, she works in the department at the City Hall. Joumana has experience as a financial accountant in Syria, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. At first, the sheer volume of information and the social issues took some getting used to. But from the very first moment, Joumana made it clear that she wanted more than just practicing the language. "I don't just want to learn the language. I also want to make myself useful." Roeland adds: "Joumana is used to working with numbers and budgets. More and more colleagues are discovering that. They're increasingly asking for help in her field."

Just do it
After three months, Joumana asked if her time could be extended. "The people here are friendly and very helpful. They encourage me to come along to meetings. The atmosphere is great." The language training program was extended. Roeland is enthusiastic about working with Joumana. "The language training program shows that participation starts with an opportunity. It's actually not that difficult. You just have to do it. My advice to other employers is: Just do it!"

Make time
But how do you do that? Roeland explains: "We first looked at whether we could make time for this. It takes time to mentor someone, have coffee together, and discuss assignments. But everyone was eager to participate. We created a schedule where colleagues could sign up to work with Joumana." Joumana: "Initially, I had five familiar faces, but now I've worked with at least half the department."

And what started as a place to practice language quickly became more. Roeland: “We learn too. For example, how complex our language actually is. It challenges us to speak more clearly. And our work becomes even more tangible: what are we doing it for?”

Good impression
Joumana's Dutch is improving steadily. From her first day in the Netherlands, she's spoken it as much as possible. "I love the Dutch language. I hear people every day, and I try to speak it right away. Of course, I make mistakes, but people help me." Her dedication and willingness to learn are impressive. "Good preparation here at the office helps me," she says. "I read a report thoroughly beforehand; that way I can follow the meeting better."

Roeland recognizes the challenges of learning the language in a policy department. "We talk a lot, and we speak quickly. We use a lot of difficult words, jargon, and abbreviations. We might not be the easiest place to learn Dutch, but we're showing that it can be done. Or rather, Joumana is showing that it can be done, which is incredibly impressive. And if you put in the time, it pays off big time."