On December 2nd, Road of Hope hosted the workshop Language Development and Early Education, gathering 20 women, 18 from Somalia and two from the Philippines, along with a lively two-year-old who quickly became fond of the picture book he received. The workshop was held in collaboration with SomAstel, who graciously provided the venue, food, and participant outreach.
Led in Dutch by our project coodnator Andreea Alexandru, with live Somali-language support from Raho, the afternoon explored how children acquire language, what parents can expect at each stage, and how daily interactions can accelerate learning. The session combined a clear presentation on developmental stages with practical tips, open discussion, and a warm shared lunch featuring hearty soup, salad, and a traditional Somali spicy sauce.
Breaking Myths and Expanding Understanding
One of the most meaningful outcomes of the workshop was expanding participants’ understanding of how long language development continues. Many arrived thinking that growth stops around the age of four, an assumption common in many communities. By the end of the session, they learned that children continue developing their language skills well into later childhood.
The workshop also addressed another frequent misconception: that “children learn automatically if they are healthy.” Through examples and guided discussion, we emphasized how much the environment matters. Love, attention, stimulation, and intentional support from caregivers create a richer foundation for children to flourish during key developmental windows.
As one participant shared, “I learned so much today, that language keeps on developing still in older kids, not just little ones!”
Another mother added, “I wish I knew this before, for my other children, but I am happy I can do better for my baby.”
Active Participation and Meaningful Questions
The room stayed highly engaged throughout. Mothers asked detailed questions about their own children, navigating concerns about vocabulary, milestones, and how to handle the emotional ups and downs of toddlerhood.
One woman remarked, “I learned to understand my toddler better, that it is best to offer them choices at that age.”
Many participants, each raising between three and nine children, shared that understanding developmental stages in detail was especially valuable for supporting both their children and grandchildren.
Strengthening Skills at Home
To support continued learning, Road of Hope gifted every participant a picture book of essential Dutch words to practice with their little ones. The books were very well received and immediately sparked small conversations about how to incorporate them into everyday routines.
The positive feedback was overwhelming. Participants expressed enthusiasm for future workshops, especially on the topics of children’s and adults’ mental health, puberty, vocabulary-building, and how to navigate language or educational delays in their children. According to Andreea, “the women expressed strong interest and asked for the course to start as soon as possible, a clear sign of how committed they are to supporting their families and building new skills”.
Looking Ahead: “Motherhood Across Cultures”
We are excited to announce that our program “Motherhood Across Cultures” will be back on January 6th, 2026. Stay tunned!