In April this year, DERPI received a request from the head of the Education Department, Mr. Harrigan, for assistance to purchase the new and improved Dutch reading method "Veilig Leren Lezen" for all Cycle 1 classes in the Public Schools.
A group consisting of Public School Dutch subject teachers, Dutch speaking classroom teachers, school managers and the management of Public Education had investigated Dutch programs and selected the "Veilig Leren Lezen" method. This reading method will be introduced in all Cycle I year 3 & 4 classes during this school year 2009 – 2010.
The idea to look for a more structured reading method for the Cycle I students followed the evaluation of all Dutch methods used in Cycle I that was commissioned by DERPI during school year 2008 – 2009.
The outcome of this study indicated that the methods used in the Cycle I classes were outdated.
The new and improved Dutch reading method of "Veilig Leren Lezen" which was requested by the Public Education is directly linked to the Dutch interactive method of "IK & KO" that was ordered earlier in the year by DERPI for all Cycle I year 1 and 2 classes.
The order was placed by DERPI in June 2009.
During the month of October 2009 all schools Public schools received copies of the method consisting of the reading books, the exercise workbooks and the teacher guides.
It is hoped that by using this Dutch method, the Cycle I students will have a strong Dutch foundation that will help them master the language as they continue learning the language in Cycle II.
During this school year 2009-2010, in their quests to provide assistance to the schools, DERPI will also commission a study of the Dutch methods used in Cycle II.
This project was financed by the Dutch Development Funds through USONA.