Learning languages against social isolation in Luxembourg

Get a free opportunity to master a new skill during the lockdown

The lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic has left us with much more spare time on our hands. This has also allowed most of us to take up a new hobby, to read more books, to start a new online course or simply – to spend some well-deserved family time.

There is, however, a part of society that has been deprived of many of these opportunities - immigrant workers. Being confined at home in a foreign country, separated from one's relatives, and poorly-skilled in the local language, some migrant workers in Luxembourg city are having hard times adjusting to the new situation and are therefore facing increased risks of loneliness and social isolation.

With their wellbeing in mind, but also open to anyone interested in mastering a new skill, a Luxembourg-based non-governmental organisation is launching a project for online language learning. The initiative was fully embraced by the authorities of the capital city.

Turning a problem into an opportunity

The twofold objective of the project, launched by the association supporting migrant workers ASTI, is to create the conditions for language skills and oral expression improvement and to help participants out of the isolation and loneliness caused by the restrictive measures currently in force in the Grand-Duchy.

The project is offered for the most frequently spoken languages in Luxembourg – French, German, English and Luxembourgish. Based on a study by the Ministry of Education conducted in 2018, as many as 98% of the population speaks French, 80% speaks English, 78% and 77% speak German and Luxembourgish, respectively. Hence, the action is expected to have great added value for the integration of immigrant workers.

The initiative will establish a connection between those who need language improvement and those who want to provide individual coaching for free. They will be meeting online at least once or twice per week, for the duration of the project.

The Association is currently looking for coaches and language learners, so if you happen to be one of them, make sure to contact Marc Faber at marc.faber@asti.lu or 43 83 33–1 and specify the language you are interested in. And who knows, you might become a local hero by helping someone overcome a difficult life situation.