Since 2016, the VUB, in collaboration with GO! Scholengroep Brussel, has been organizing Arabic language lessons as an extracurricular activity for children aged six to fifteen through the ALEF program. The program is open to children who are native Arabic speakers and those who wish to learn the language.
This school year, the VUB began a new collaboration with municipal schools in Molenbeek and Anderlecht, as well as Gemeenschapscentrum Ten Noey. Since the start of the school year, children have attended weekly classes on Wednesday afternoons, Saturdays, or Sundays at various locations.
On Saturday, May 4, they gathered at the VUB (Aula Q) to sing songs, showcase what they had learned during the school year, and receive a symbolic certificate. The ceremony was attended by Sven Gatz, Brussels Minister of Finance, Dutch-Language Education, Civil Service, and Multilingualism; VUB Vice-Rector for Internationalization Prof. Dr. Karin Vanderkerken; and Barbara Danis, a representative of GO! Scholengroep.
Later this month, the students will take their final exams to receive a registered certificate.