Language classes in Brussels hit by fee hikes

Enrolment numbers for English and French courses at adult education centres in Brussels have plummeted following the Flemish government's decision to triple fees for "hobby courses".

From this term, students at the centres (CVOs) will have to pay 4 euros per hour instead of 1.50 euros under Education minister Zuhal Demir’s reform, which is intended to save 33 million euros.

The fee increases have hit languages, photography and cooking courses, while those in shortage occupations such as childcare or nursing have been made cheaper. Directors are calling the impact “dramatic”. CVO Semper has already lost 909 French learners - a 30 per cent decrease - and has seen its English class intake halve to 346.

Frustration is running high at CVO Brussel. "A standard module of 120 hours now costs 480 euros," said Birgit Steurs, deputy director of languages. "Candidate after candidate has told us that they simply cannot afford it."

^{#FlandersNewsService | © BELPRESS}

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