14 children live in retirement home in Liège for the entire school year, residents are overjoyed: “Magic between generations” | Inland

French-language media speak of a “unique pilot project”. At the beginning of this week, the children from special education moved into the Domaine des Lys rest home. The students stay in a wing specially designed for them and receive professional support. After school it is the intention that they often spend time with the residents of the rest home.

There is great enthusiasm among the elderly. An hour and a half before the arrival of the children on Monday morning, Antonia was already waiting impatiently, she confesses to RTL Info. The students were treated to a guard of honour, applause and pancakes to break the ice. “In the beginning it will probably take some getting used to”, testifies another resident. “The kids don’t know us and we don’t know the kids.”

Some residents will help the young housemates with their homework, explains the head of the care center, Jessica Juprelle. There are also joint meals, parties and excursions on the program.

School director Marie Rompen also sees many advantages. “These children are in boarding school, far away from their parents. The rest home residents can give them love, even if it’s just a hug in the evening.” Conversely, the children will boost the dynamism among the elderly, she expects. Heidi Leroux, the daughter of one of the rest home residents, also sounds positive. “It is an exchange that benefits everyone. It’s magic between generations.

But what do the children actually think? RTL Info let a boy speak and he reacted even more reluctantly. “It’s a bit bizarre to sleep next to old people. It also feels strange not to be in the boarding school,” said the young student.

Watch the report of the French-language channel RTL Info here: