Homeschooling buddies

Education

Project

Duration

2020 - now

Funds

Children's Stamps, 1999 Fund, Orange Fund, Porticus, Janivo,

Product

Homeschooling buddies for newcomers

Project description

It is not always easy to guide your child with schoolwork. Especially if you haven't been in the Netherlands for long. With Thuisonderwijsmaatjes (TOMaatjes) we help children from families who are new to the Netherlands with their schoolwork when it is not going well.

Supporting newcomer families

Using a careful matching system, our Matchers pair experienced Dutch people with newcomer families to support children and also the parents with school work. A TOMaatje not only provides tutoring, but also organizes the necessary support for the child at home and at school, as well as for the parents.

Develop a better education system

Our action researchers meet monthly with children, parents, volunteers and the project team to learn what they are up against. With this knowledge about the bumps in the education system, we advise schools and governments to improve their policies around young newcomers. In this way, the TOMaatjes project helps develop a better education system for students at risk of disadvantage.

"My TOMaatje helped me tremendously in improving my grades in subjects in which I was weak, such as history. "

Results & insights

More than 500 volunteers across the country are committed to assisting over 1,500 children and youth with their schoolwork. Usually online, but when possible physically in the neighborhood or in the children's homes.

Together for more inclusive education

In 2024, we will also address underadvising. Many children receive a lower high school recommendation than their actual grade level. With a group of children from grade 7 and volunteers, we will work together toward the grade 8 progression test in early 2025. In this way, we will learn together what approach is needed to make education more inclusive.

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