17 Mar '16

Legal complaint against space problems in Brussels schools

Summary

Ieder Kind een Stoel is taking the government of Flanders to court over the lack of capacity for pupils in Brussels’ Dutch-speaking schools

Crowdfunding campaign

The citizens’ organisation Ieder Kind een Stoel (A Chair for Every Child) has announced its intention to file a legal complaint against the government of Flanders because of too little capacity for pupils in Brussels’ Dutch-speaking schools. The organisation has launched a crowdfunding action to finance the lawsuit.
 

The government recently allocated an extra €30 million for the construction of schools in Brussels. “But this is not enough to provide a place to every child, and the government has admitted that,” said Els Lenaerts of Ieder Kind een Stoel.

The organisation said that it had a constructive discussion yesterday with education minister Hilde Crevits. “We have examined possible solutions together and have the feeling that the minister is taking us seriously,” said Lenaerts. “She wants to improve the situation, but the budget is insufficient for the moment.”

The organisation also hopes to discuss the issue with Guy Vanhengel, responsible for education in the Flemish Community Commission (VGC), which represented Flemish interests in Brussels. “We have requested a meeting but haven’t received a reaction yet,” said Lenaerts.

Photo courtesy studioglobo.be

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Educational system

The Flemish educational system is divided into two levels: primary (age six to 12) and secondary school (12 to 18). Education is compulsory for children between the ages of six and 18.
Types - There are three educational networks in Flanders: the Flemish Community’s GO! network, and publicly funded education – either publicly or privately run.
Not enough space - In recent years, Flemish schools have been struggling with persistent teacher shortages and a growing lack of school spaces.
No tuition fees - Nursery, primary and secondary school are free in Flanders.
1

million school-going children in 2013

30

million euros Flemish education budget for new school infrastructures in 2013

11

percent of boys leaving secondary school without a diploma

  • Education in Flanders
  • Secondary education reform
  • European Encyclopaedia on National Education Systems

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