Heritage language teaching: utilising the potential of bilingualism
Bocholt's Committee for Equal Opportunities and Integration and administration appeal to parents to register their children // Registration phase in schools underway // Registration deadline 23 February 2026
Primary and secondary schools are currently in the process of registering for the so-called heritage language lessons (HSU) for the coming school year 2026/2027. Pupils will receive a letter from the respective school and the corresponding form.
The Committee for Equal Opportunities and Integration of the City of Bocholt (ACI) and the Integration Office of the City of Bocholt are appealing to parents of children with an international family history to take advantage of this offer.
"It has been proven that children with an international family history who are educated in their mother tongue as well as German learn the German language much faster", emphasises Juan Lopez Casanava, Chairman of the Committee for Equal Opportunities and Integration of the City of Bocholt.
"Pupils who change cultures and languages in their everyday lives and thus cross borders and identities between family, friends and social communities are very important for every urban society", adds Björn Volmering, First City Councillor and Head of the Schools Department of the City of Bocholt.
HSU "significant building block" for the future society
A "significant building block" in this regard is heritage language teaching (HSU) in primary and secondary schools. The Borken district education authority offers these special lessons for all types of schools to support families with an international family history who are raising their children with several languages and cultures at the same time. To this end, schoolchildren have received a registration form and a letter to parents at school in the last few days, which must be returned to the school by 23 February 2026.
Detailed information on the HSU can be found on the website of the Borken district education authority.
ACI and the administration are committed to supporting schoolchildren and their parents in preserving and maintaining their native languages. The municipal integration officer Bruno Wansing says: "Parents with an international family history should recognise and take advantage of the opportunities by enrolling their children in HSU. Multilingualism is strength." If you have any questions, the Integration Council can be contacted on 02871 / 953-2264.