MT/Sprout: how Shadi Alhakimi helps newcomers learn Dutch with Taaly

In a feature article, Dutch business magazine MT/Sprout describes how Taaly grew out of founder Shadi Alhakimi's own struggle with the language, and how the platform tackles the shortage of language buddies in the Netherlands.

From personal experience to a platform

Journalist Tim Jansen records how Shadi, after arriving in the Netherlands, discovered how hard it is to really learn to speak a language when there is nobody to practise with. Together with co-founders Batoul Perro and Waleed Khaleed he built Taaly, with free and paid ways to practise with Dutch speakers.

A serious shortage of language buddies

The article makes clear why an app was needed. Volunteer organisations do wonderful work, but supply cannot keep up with demand. Taaly makes it easy to have a conversation from home, at a time that suits both sides.

“In the past five years only 15,000 people registered as a language buddy. So there is a serious shortage.”
Shadi Alhakimi in MT/Sprout (translated from Dutch)

Taaly today

Taaly has since grown into the digital integration assistant for newcomers: language, participation and work in one app, with more than 30,000 learners, 4,200 taalcoaches and partnerships with 18 municipalities.

Read the full article

How Shadi Alhakimi helps newcomers learn Dutch. MT/Sprout, by Tim Jansen (9 May 2023).

Half an hour a week already makes a difference. Want to become a taalcoach? Become a taalcoach