Bruges school hosts 150-guest party for Down syndrome youth

Lailuma Sadid
Credit: Matisse Kerckaert

Bruges (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Hemelvaartinstitut in Bruges hosted a party for 150 young people with Down syndrome, organized by Humanities students. Jaimie Van Kerschaever was the DJ.

The Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-Hemelvaartinstituut in Bruges recently held a special party for young people with Down syndrome. The school wanted to create a fun event where these young people could enjoy themselves. Around 150 attendees came to celebrate.

Students from the Humanities program organized everything. They handled decorations, music, and activities to make everyone feel welcome. They mentioned that their goal was to provide a safe space for dancing, chatting, and having fun. 

How did Jaimie Van Kerschaever’s DJ set enhance inclusivity at the Bruges party?

Jaimie Van Kerschaever, known from TV shows like Down The Road and Nonkels, was a special guest at the party. He was the DJ and played music. Guest mentioned that his songs created a fun atmosphere that got people dancing. 

According to the supervisor, people with disabilities must have joyful moments like this. The school wants to make sure everyone feels valued. He mentioned that the excitement from the guests and organizers made the night a big success and created lasting memories for all.

According to Matisse Kerckaert, a student who helped organize the event, the party aimed to feel like a regular celebration while being open to everyone. He explained that there was more space for wheelchairs. The students also provided extra help for guests who needed it, like when going to the restroom. Matisse and his team wanted young people with Down syndrome to enjoy the party just like their friends. 

“There’s also extra supervision, we sometimes have to help them go to the toilet. I think it’s important that they can also go party like their peers,”

Says  Matisse Kerckaert.

According to the officials, the event made a big impact on the people who attended. Katrien, one of the guests, said,

“I think it’s a great initiative. We are very happy that they are open to it as a school. That way we are inclusive together.”

Officials mentioned that Valerie, another guest, enjoyed the music and the fun vibe. He said,

“I think it’s nice music. I’ve danced a lot. I love dancing. Especially with the beautiful girls.”

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Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
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Lailuma Sadid is a former diplomat in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Embassy to the kingdom of Belgium, in charge of NATO. She attended the NATO Training courses and speakers for the events at NATO H-Q in Brussels, and also in Nederland, Germany, Estonia, and Azerbaijan. Sadid has is a former Political Reporter for Pajhwok News Agency, covering the London, Conference in 2006 and Lisbon summit in 2010.
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