“I quite like the fact that I’m allowed to try out the new methods I picked up at Roeland in a safe environment”, says Yana, Head of Animation for NT2 Dutch language camps (for children with a migration history).
Yana Van De Calseyde (24) is Head of Animation with Roeland but also studies the Master in Educative Spanish and NT2 Course at Ghent University.
How long have you been a volunteer with Roeland?
Yana: “I haven’t been a volunteer for the organisation for very long. I did my first camp last summer, and since then I have joined up for a couple more camps, like HorizonTaal Bloemenwijk en HorizonTaal Brugse Poort. These camps lasted one week.”
How did you end up with our organisation?
“A fellow student told me about Roeland. She asked if I was interested in joining a language camp, and I felt I was into that. She convinced me by talking about how well these camps connected with our education trajectory.”
“After the first camp, Roeland asked me if I was interested in putting some more weight in the balance. Taking more responsibility at these camps felt like the right thing to do for me.”
What is your finest memory of such a Roeland camp?
“The best part is when you feel how some of the kids are taking a liking for you. The children tend to pick you as their favourite teacher once a connection like that is being formed.”
How would you describe the side effect Roeland had on your professional career?
“I really enjoy deploying and trying out new workflows and methods. Roeland has room for inspiration aplenty, and there is also a lot of attention for didactics. You can try out fresh ideas, and if it doesn’t work out you can apply corrections. You’re never on your own when you teach, but you team up with another staff member, making sure you can rely on one another.”
What kind of inspiration did our organisation kindle in you?
“As a part of my apprenticeship in education I created my own version of Dobble because it is very language-oriented when it comes to vocabulary. I invented a version concentrating on wardrobe and pieces of clothing, in Spanish. The students really liked it.”
Something you want to add to your testimony?
“The remarkable thing about Roeland is that you can learn much in a safe and fun environment. Innovative ideas practically present themselves. And it is really fun to be a staff member.”
