Flexible regulations for Okan reception classes for refugees

Normally, schools have to apply for subsidies to arrange one of the Okan classes before the start of the new school year, but the children arriving at school now are in need of such classes, said education minister Hilde Crevits. “It’s important that more schools start Okan classes,” Crevits told the Flemish parliament. Schools that already host Okan classes can also request extra subsidies during the year, if the influx of students continues.

In an Okan class, youngsters receive assistance adjusted to their needs, including psychological help to deal with traumatising experiences, lessons in Dutch and homework support. When they are ready, they move from the Okan class to the school’s regular education system.

Social workers who assist traumatised youngsters will also receive extra psychological support – an initiative of the government’s welfare department. Schools and pupil support agencies will also receive more help. 

The Catholic school network announced that there are currently nearly 900 students in Okan classes in secondary schools. Currently, 112 of them come from Afghanistan, 94 from Syria and 64 from Iraq. But schools are expecting many more youngsters from Syria soon. “Our Okan schools are willing to raise their capacity to care for a maximum of refugee children,” stated the network.

Photo: students at the Sint-Guido-Instituut Okan in the Brussels district of Anderlecht
© Sint-Guido Instituut