OUR HISTORY
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.
March 2018Let's make things happen
Since May 2018 we have been working passionately to make magic happen.
May 2018Support by CERA
The Parlangi cooperative is under construction, with the help of CERA . Sustainable and Lovable.
July 2018Support 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.
October 2018The 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.
January 2019First 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!
February 2019First school project
Together with our innovative partner LAB in Sint-Amands we are connecting their students with English- and French-speaking seniors.
May 2019Pilot with VDAB
VDAB and Parlangi will join forces to connect foreign language speaking jobseekers to experienced Flemish seniors.
October 2019Partnership 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.
November 2019First 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!
December 2019Nomination 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.
April 2020Bronze 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.
November 2020Launch new app
The improved Parlangi Connect is launched. Ready to collect user feedback and further improve!
November 2020Support 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.
November 2021Parlangi... 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!)
December 2021Expanding 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.
March 2022Parlangi 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!
Software updates
Our new developments are on their way. Android and iOS versions are up and running and the dashboard is being tested.
October 2022Big 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.
January 2023First 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.
April 2023