Genk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Summer schools in Limburg welcomed record numbers, with 345 children in Genk, 100 in Heusden-Zolder, programs in Tongeren-Borgloon, and 65 in Leopoldsburg, supported by local officials and volunteers.
As VRT News reported, this summer, several Limburg municipalities organised summer school programs that attracted large numbers of children and positive reactions from families. In Genk, the city held its 14th edition of the summer school series, which ran throughout July and August.
A total of 23 summer schools took place in different parts of the city. This year set a new record, with 345 children taking part. For the 4th year in a row, Genk also ran special summer schools for Ukrainian children. Around 50 children joined these classes
“Each summer school lasts two weeks, and we’re noticing that more and more children are attending every day,”
explains Alderman Aniek Nagels (CD8V).
“The great thing about summer schools is that children learn in a fun way, without it feeling like school”
How did Limburg summer schools attract record numbers of children?
Heusden-Zolder also reported strong results for its summer school program this year. Alderman Steven Goris (N-VA) said that until Friday, Aug 29, 2025, 100 children from grades 1 to 5 will have the chance to take part in the activities. The program combines learning with games, workshops, and creative projects. Both Genk and Heusden-Zolder said the programs are important for children’s development.
“The special needs teachers at our schools selected students who would particularly benefit from support,
says Alderman Steven Goris (N-VA) said.
“In the morning, there were lessons on language and math. In the afternoon, there were creative and sports workshops.”
In Tongeren-Borgloon, the summer school took place at the Atheneeke primary school in Tongeren. For now, the program is only organized in Tongeren, but talks are already taking place about an expansion. 2 schools in Borgloon have shown interest in joining next year. Officials mentioned that the initiative is set up to create a positive learning environment that feels different from the regular school year.
“For many families, summer school is more than just education,”
says Alderman Steve Hoste (Tongeren-Borgloon.nu).
“It’s also a safe, stimulating place where children can discover, play, and grow. We see that this initiative not only helps the children, but also relieves the burden on parents and strengthens social cohesion in our community.”
Leopoldsburg hosted its first municipal summer school this summer. 65 children, from kindergarten to the 3rd grade, joined the program. They were given extra support in an educational setting that also focused on fun and play. More than 20 teachers and volunteers helped guide the children through lessons, workshops, and activities.
The municipality has already described the first edition as a success and sees it as an important step for the future. Local officials stressed that the program not only helps children improve in learning but also builds confidence and gives them valuable social experiences.
Summer schools in Flanders were first introduced in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the Flemish government launched the initiative to help children recover from the learning delays caused by long school closures.
The program was rolled out across different municipalities with financial support from the Flemish Education Department, and schools, local authorities, and organisations were encouraged to take part. Since then, the number of summer schools has grown every year, with more towns and cities joining the initiative and expanding their offerings.
