Indian nurses quickly learn Dutch while working in Kortrijk care home

Three nurses from India are now working in Kortrijk, Belgium, at the Woon- en Zorghotel Heilig Hart. They arrived six months ago through the vzw Chinta organization, which helps fill critical vacancies in the healthcare sector with skilled personnel from regions facing unemployment.

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We opted for this project because, like many residential care centers, we are struggling with a shortage of care staff and an even greater deficit of nurses.

The nurses are currently employed as care assistants because their nursing diplomas are not yet recognized in Belgium. However, they are simultaneously pursuing training to become certified nurses in the country. The Woon & Zorg Hotel partnered with vzw Chinta, known as Project Aurora, to recruit these nurses. This project takes two years to complete. "We opted for this project because, like many residential care centers, we are struggling with a shortage of care staff and an even greater deficit of nurses," explained Stefanie Vervalle, the care home manager.

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In the beginning, it was difficult, but now I can talk with the residents.

The Indian nurses are receiving intensive Dutch language lessons and are enrolled in a nursing program. They are supported by volunteers, Indian colleagues who have been in Belgium for several years, and the hotel's coordinators and staff. Each Indian nurse also has a personal mentor to guide them. "In the beginning, it was difficult, but now I can talk with the residents," said Aneena, one of the nurses. "The residents sometimes speak in West Flemish, but I reply in Standard Dutch."

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The residents sometimes speak in West Flemish, but I reply in Standard Dutch.