New trajectories for vulnerable young people at Oranjehuis in Heule

Children and young people who are struggling with themselves can go to the Oranjehuis in Heule. And those young people are getting younger and younger.

“We see this in education, for example,” says Sabine Bourgeois of the Oranjehuis. “The children who are referred, for whom school no longer has answers, who have their hands in their hair, are getting younger and younger. I think we live in a society that puts a lot of pressure on families, on children and young people. But also in a society that faces very different challenges than before.” (read more below the photo)

The children are not only younger, there are also more. That is why the Oranjehuis is now mapping out new routes. One of these is Atoom 80, aimed at those who distance themselves from school. “That is aimed at making learning possible again,” says process supervisor Koert Rotiers. “Making possible is actually the common thread running through everything. We are going to visit young people at home for this, invite them to come here with us for a few moments to get incentives. Discover things in which they have talents, that they are good at it. We will guide them further. Back in the environment, in society, to dare to develop those talents further.”

Parent and child on a hike

Another route is Forta Kuné, or strong together. During a hike in nature, the parent and the child learn to understand each other better. Eddy, who participated with his daughter, can speak about it. “I came home after six days and my wife said: where is our daughter? Then the only question was how long it would take. But I can tell you that it still is. Our relationship has become much better. We hardly have This does not solve the problems, but we help her with it. We offer her a warm nest and she believes in it. Because of the journey we made together. We walked together, had a hard time. It was uphill, downhill in every way.”

The Oranjehuis offers support to about 450 young people and their families every year. Juvenile delinquents can also learn from their mistakes here.