Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper): The Vlaamse Gemeenschapscommissie (VGC) is increasing funding for Dutch-speaking schools in Brussels by €92,000 to support children from vulnerable families. This aids 172 schools, addressing child poverty affecting one in four kids.
The Vlaamse Gemeenschapscommissie (VGC) is increasing funding for Dutch-speaking schools in Brussels. This extra money, totaling 92,000 euros more than last year, will help schools support children from vulnerable families. The funding aims to lower school costs for books, activities, and materials which can be tough for families with limited money to pay. The VGC wants to ensure that kids from poor backgrounds can attend school without financial worries, creating equal opportunities for all students in Brussels. This support helps make education more inclusive and assists schools in meeting the needs of these families.
How is VGC funding helping Dutch-speaking schools in Brussels?
Brussels’ Dutch-speaking primary schools mainly use the subsidy for childcare, school trips, swimming lessons, and meals. Secondary schools mostly spend it on school books and materials, trips. For the 2024-2025 school year, 172 schools (138 primary and 34 secondary) have applied for this funding, 12 more than last year.
Eighty-six percent of schools in Brussels have applied for funding. The VGC helps schools create plans to tackle poverty, and they can get support from the Brussels Education Center. A board member said that child poverty is a big problem in Brussels, with one in four children living in poverty. This makes it hard for them to grow and learn, as money issues can limit their opportunities.
