Supporters of the Babbelonië non-profit association, which offers language training to encourage the integration of non-Dutch speakers in Ninove, East Flanders, have managed to raise the €11,000 needed to keep the project alive.
Last year, the far-right Forza Ninove party, which now has an absolute majority in the municipality, cut off the subsidy received by the non-profit organisation.
The Babbelonië association, which attracts some 25 participants each week, offers an environment conducive to linguistic and cultural exchanges, with professional supervision.
The organiser, Avansa, described the withdrawal of the public subsidy as a "blow" and launched a crowdfunding campaign.
Since 17 December, 235 people have made a donation. This will enable Babbelonië - which also helps people of immigrant background elsewhere in Flanders to master the Dutch language - to continue its activities.
