VZW de Rand
VZW ‘de Rand‘ is a non-profit organisation that contributes to strengthening the Dutch-speaking character of the Vlaamse Rand region of Belgium. With this in mind, ‘de Rand’ promotes the quality of life for the entire population of the Flemish Periphery from a Dutch-language profile by organising socio-cultural activities, providing services and information, and encouraging social participation. Although many languages are spoken in the Vlaamse Rand, the organisation helps create a context in which non-native speakers are positively invited to learn and use Dutch in order to build community and social cohesion through the use of a common language. De Rand focuses on Dutch language promotion at their seven community centres, through opportunities to practice Dutch during leisure time, and through publications, policy documents, and targeted events. The organisation’s values include respect, commitment, creativity, quality, and connection.