Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Leonhuis supports around 40 children in Sledderlo and Kolderbos, offering meals, homework help, and a safe space. Ellen Renson emphasizes collaboration with local schools to reduce dropout rates.
Leonhuis, located in the Sledderlo and Kolderbos neighborhoods, helps around 40 children by providing a safe place after school. At Leonhuis, children can enjoy a sandwich and soup, play games, or have quiet time to read. They also get help with their homework, an important part of the program.
How is Leonhuis supporting education and reducing dropout rates in Genk?
Leonhuis aims to help children in the Sledderlo and Kolderbos neighborhoods improve their education. Ellen Renson, who works on the project, is worried about the rising dropout rates in the area. She says many young people start school with promise but often struggle due to a lack of support and resources. Leonhuis wants to create a supportive environment where children can eat well and get help with their studies, hoping to prevent dropouts and help them succeed in school.
In Genk, nearly 17 percent of youth leave secondary education without a diploma. The city is working on various initiatives to address this issue, including the Leonhuis. Education counselor Anniek Nagels (CD&V) says, “We want to give all young people the best opportunities and help them earn a diploma.” About 96 percent of children regularly attend the Leonhuis in Hasselt move on to the next school year. Ellen Renson from the Leonhuis hopes to achieve similar results in Sledderlo and Kolderbos, especially if children come to the organization four times a week.
According to resources connecting with local schools is very important for helping children. This allows them to get personal support from their care teachers. Renson says, “By working together, we can discover what each child is good at, making learning easier.” The Leonhuis is also looking for volunteers to help children with their homework after the autumn break.
