Pilot project guiding newcomers to youth associations

The local youth associations form one of the largest group of leisure providers for children and young people in Ostend. In the past, various youth movements indicated that they wanted to pay more attention to diversity among their members. They enlisted the help of the city for this.

The city of Ostend is therefore launching a pilot project in which non-native newcomers are guided to the local youth associations. The youth movements are coached to make their organization more accessible so that non-native newcomers can also participate.

“For newcomers it is very important to be able to quickly build a network so that they can fully participate in social life. Easy access to the youth movement is one of them. It contributes to a pleasant and healthy time spent where, moreover, informal practice opportunities are again offered to speak Dutch,” said alderman of Human & Environment Silke Beirens.​