Huis van het Nederlands Brussel celebrated its 20th anniversary on Thursday, with Flemish Minister for Brussels Affairs Benjamin Dalle (CD&V) in attendance.
Known in English as Dutch Language House Brussels, the institution has helped over 200,000 individuals to master the Dutch language. Today, it serves as the primary advisory body for businesses and organisations employing non-Dutch speaking staff.
In 2005, for instance, it ran a campaign named ‘Brussels merchants go Dutch,’ which provided the opportunity to learn Dutch while on the job. The hospitality sector, hospitals and several local administrations signed on to that initiative.
“Year on year, service quality has improved,” said Frans De Keyser, chair of the organisation. “Nowadays, customers can expect personalised advice on learning opportunities and, often, enrolment in a Dutch language course for adults.”
To celebrate the institution’s 20th anniversary, visitors were invited to tour the Dutch Language House’s headquarters on Rue Philippe de Champagne in Brussels, and get a behind-the-scenes look at language instruction.
A prize-giving ceremony was scheduled to be conducted later at the Halles Saint Géry.
