VUB’s ALEF Program Awarded EU Language Label
On January 11, the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) received first prize of the European Language Label for its ALEF program. This program offers extracurricular Arabic language education, taught by VUB language experts, for children aged 6 to 15 in a neutral setting. The European Language Label is an initiative of the European Commission to promote foreign language education in its member states.
The ALEF curriculum, developed by VUB language experts, focuses on language processing and incorporates both Western and Arabic cultural elements. Examples include theater sketches featuring sentences in Dutch, French, and Arabic; trilingual songs; stories created in collaboration with various libraries in Brussels; and dances with instructions given in three languages. Through ALEF, the VUB contributes to multilingualism, integration, and the empowerment of children with an Arabic background.
“VUB stands for an inclusive, urban, and international university. The ALEF program is a beautiful example of how we put this vision into practice,” said Karin Vanderkerken, Vice Rector for Internationalization at VUB. “With this program, VUB, together with its partners, takes responsibility for addressing key societal challenges, including integration and diversity in our society. Receiving first prize for the European Language Label is a recognition of the program’s goals. My gratitude goes to the dedicated team and all partners who support the program.”
The European Language Label is awarded annually by Epos vzw in Flanders. The label recognizes innovative initiatives in the field of language learning and highlights them for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners across Europe. ALEF received this recognition following a thorough evaluation by a jury. The label provides additional visibility for the program, and ALEF’s developed teaching materials can now serve as inspiration for organizations both domestically and internationally looking to establish similar initiatives.
More info
www.alef.vub.be
www.facebook.com/ALEF.VUB
Contact
Sami Azar
ALEF Programme (Arabic Language Classes for All)
+32 (0) 2 614 80 99
sami.azar@vub.be
Sam Jaspers
