Birth

In the first quarter of 2018 ‘Parlangi’ was born. It’s a new word in which you might recognize ‘language’. That’s because we see language and social contact as a facilitator for better learning and living. By communicating with each other you become smarter and healthier.

Let's make things happen

Since May 2018 we have been working passionately to make magic happen.

Support by CERA

The Parlangi cooperative is under construction, with the help of CERA . Sustainable and Lovable.

Support by Start-it@KBC

Parlangi is selected by an expert jury. What can we count on? Intensive coaching, a great network of start-ups and mentors, accommodation in the center of Antwerp.

The cooperative is born

Parlangi cvba-so is born. And a new sparkling logo as well! We are a cooperative with a social goal. What does that mean? Parlangi is supported, owned and managed by you! Become a cooperative partner and be part of a sustainable and social network. 

First test of MVP

Supported by Interreg-Seas2Grow we will test and validate our platform, application and idea by connecting English and French seniors to Flemish juniors. We’re on a roll!

First school project

Together with our innovative partner LAB in Sint-Amands we are connecting their students with English- and French-speaking seniors. 

Pilot with VDAB

VDAB and Parlangi will join forces to connect foreign language speaking jobseekers to experienced Flemish seniors.

Partnership with Diverscity

Parlangi is active in Ghent, Hasselt, Mechelen and Koksijde. We train language coaches and build a learning network together with local authorities. 

Update: extended to 2021-2022: Additional workshops across Flanders in healthcare and childcare settings will be delivered by Parlangi.

Update 2: extended to 2023-2024: Additional workshops on inclusive communication for HR managers.

First municipality project

Let's connect French-speaking youngsters from SJTN in Brussels with Flemish seniors! We are building bridges between generations, cultures and backgrounds. Connect and learn. That's our mission. Update: extended till 2024!

Nomination Smart Ageing Prize

Parlangi is nominated for the Smart Ageing Prize 2020. 15 semi-finalists who create impact for older persons will compete for this meaningful prize. 

Bronze medal

Parlangi is the bronze winner of the Smart Ageing Prize 2020. Together with AAL we are creating impact on the lives of elderly across Europe. 

Launch new app

The improved Parlangi Connect is launched. Ready to collect user feedback and further improve!

Support by Flemish government

The flemish Government will support us with a grant to further improve the Parlangi app: a dashboard and an Android and iOS app will be developed in the upcoming year! The goal: support local governments and municipalities in helping foreign language speaking newcomers to learn Dutch. 

Parlangi... in Bruges

We start a cooperation with the city of Bruges. Foreign-speaking newcomers living in Bruges will practice Dutch through Parlangi (extended until 2023!)

Expanding our team

Our team is growing: we welcome two new board members, Claire Fobe and Marc Frederix. And Sabrina Azoulay will handle customer service and support us in informing and supporting our mentors and juniors.

Parlangi on Stage - school project

We connect Flemish and French speaking students from both sides of the language boarder in the pilot project 'Parlangi on Stage'. That's a collaboration between UCL Louvain-la-Neuve, the schools KTA Campus Spoor in Mol and Lycée Martin V in Louvain-la-Neuve and Parlangi. The project is supported by TaalUnie. Update: This projects is extended to 2023!

Recognition as social cooperative enterprise

Parlangi's general meeting with all cooperative partners unanimously approves Parlangi's new statutes. As a result Parlangi will remain a recognized Belgian social cooperative entreprise. 

Software updates

Our new developments are on their way. Android and iOS versions are up and running and the dashboard is being tested. 

Big Flemish project with VDAB

We will work together with VDAB for the next four years. Every year, at least 100 non-native speakers will practice Dutch with our trained mentors.

Winner of European Language Label

Champagne! Parlangi wins the European Language Label 2022. Out of an impressive group of impactful language projects, Parlangi was chosen as the prize winner by the EPOS jury, "because we enrich lives and broaden horizons". The prize money is nice. However, the recognition of our project is much more important to us. We are very happy with the support from EPOS and the European government.

New projects in Roeselare and Lier

Foreign-speaking newcomers in the cities of Lier and Roeselare will be able to practise Dutch with our trained mentors in one-to-one video chats via Parlangi. Project coordinators can manage their projects and have insight into the impact of their project through the Parlangi dashboard.

First business project

Foreign-speaking employees of the VDAB IT Academy will use Parlangi to practice Dutch. VDAB will be able to follow the impact and progress via the dashboard.