Bringing community together through Danish language and technology education
Recent studies have shown that language and IT skills are essential for both social and professional community immersion. In collaboration with Microsoft, HF & VUC Roskilde-Køge and Boligselskabet Sjælland (a nonprofit housing organization) are offering Danish language and technology education targeting diverse populations in Køge to help minorities with limited Danish fluency integrate into local job markets and communities.
Since the beginning of the program in 2022, more than 80 people have attended. Diversity and inclusion are a strong focus for the program, with predominantly female students and at least 14 different nationalities represented, from Syria, Bulgaria, Turkey, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, Eritrea, Lebanon, Somalia, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Georgia, and Ukraine. The largest age group includes students from 35 to 50. HF & VUC recruits residents through collaboration with Boligselskabet Sjælland, using flyers, videos, and local Facebook groups, as well as word of mouth in targeted residential areas.
Students participating in these classes are often outside of the labor market, hold low-income short-term jobs, or lack the necessary skills to build a sustainable career. During an IT skills evaluation in August 2024, HF & VUC established that while all the students had email access, only about half had enough writing skill to send an email. A minority of the students understood how to open a Microsoft Word document and use search engines for research, and most only knew how to use some essential online tools that Danish authorities provide for citizens.
One of the learners, Melek from Turkey, says, “I used to be very afraid of speaking Danish. The course has helped me to dare to use the language that I already had in my head, and now I can call the doctor myself and make an appointment. I am very happy and no longer afraid of speaking Danish.”
Class teachers have experience with various education levels and can educate differently skilled students in the same cohort. Many students who attend the Danish classes will leave once they have gained employment or become full-time students elsewhere, and HF & VUC considers this to be a positive outcome.
Another student, Aila from Bulgaria, says, “The lessons have helped me improve my language and grammar. I have exams coming up soon, and I have received great help in preparing, especially with grammar. And I love [the teacher] Michelle.”
Along with the ongoing Danish and elementary IT courses, the program plans to extend more classes in 2025 focused on varying digital and IT skill levels. Two more Danish classes will commence in Køge and Roskilde in September 2025.