Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In Borgerhout, Antwerp, Mothers for Mothers distributed 600 school bags with supplies. Volunteers assisted families, including single mother Kelly and mother of 6 Ilse, supporting children’s preparation for the school year.
As VRT NEWS reported, in Borgerhout, Antwerp, the volunteer group Mothers for Mothers has begun distributing 600 school bags to children from families with financial difficulties. The bags are fully filled with school supplies. Volunteer Mia said it is important that children do not have to use a plastic bag for their books. Instead, each child should have their own materials.
How are Mothers for Mothers helping 600 Antwerp children start school?
The organization collects school items throughout the year and carefully checks each piece before including it in the bags. Each bag contains book covers, colored pencils, markers, a lunch box, and a water bottle. Volunteers ensure every bag is complete and ready to use. By giving children proper supplies, Mothers for Mothers helps reduce stress on families and allows children to feel valued and prepared.
Borgerhout started a 4-day event today, Aug 19, 2025, where families in need could choose a school bag for only 1 euro. Children also received free name tags from My Nametags to mark their belongings. Many families were grateful for the support. Volunteers helped parents and children pick school bags that fit their needs.
“I’m a single mother living in temporary housing with my 8-year-old daughter. At first, I was a little embarrassed and didn’t dare ask for help. But they make you feel at ease here, which eliminates that hesitation,”
says Kelly.
“I think it’s fantastic that such initiatives exist, because then children don’t have to notice that they have less than other children.”
Ilse, a mother of 6, said the school bags were “a welcome bonus.” She explained that raising a large family means making hard choices about what is most important.
“Without this help, it feels like solving a puzzle. Now I can give my children what they need,”
she said. Her daughter, Lovely, joined her and chose a grey school bag with white stripes.
“My mom does so much for us. I’m really happy with my bag,”
Lovely said.
“I am a mother of a large family with 6 children, so those school bags are a welcome extra.”
Mother Ilse
A similar project took place in Antwerp in early September 2022. Families in need were able to choose school bags and supplies for a symbolic price or receive them for free. The initiative helped parents reduce financial stress and ensured that children started the school year prepared. Programs like this have also been organised in Ghent and Brussels in recent years.
