Flemish schools will receive extra resources for Ukrainian children

On Wednesday, the Flemish Parliament approved a series of emergency measures that will allow education to respond to the influx of Ukrainian refugees. The decree provides, among other things, extra resources for buildings, modular units and staff.

In addition to reception and housing, education for Ukrainian refugees is a major challenge for the Flemish government. That is why Minister of Education Ben Weyts already agreed with the majority parties and the education sector before the Easter holidays that an emergency decree would be issued.

Among other things, it was agreed that schools would get more resources for the extra pupils they receive, and to expand their capacity. For example, the Flemish Government will cover all costs for temporary modular units. Schools will also be given pedagogical tools and the Centres for Pupil Guidance (CLBs) will receive more support for trauma counselling.

The Flemish Parliament has now given the green light for an emergency decree with a first series of educational measures. "In the first place, we need extra capacity in the schools. This decree provides, among other things, extra resources, both for renting existing buildings and modular units and for personnel", explains MP Koen Daniëls (N-VA).

According to Loes Vandromme (CD&V), the decree "allows for an even more flexible way of teaching foreign-language newcomers from Ukraine, both in regular and adult education". "As a democratic country, we must avoid that children who are confronted with unseen aggression in their homeland are also affected in their development opportunities," adds Jean-Jacques De Gucht (Open Vld).

(TOM)

© BELGA PHOTO DAVID STOCKMAN