“Twelve years later, I still say volunteering bij ESC was the best experience of my life. Wingerdbloei gave me a great opportunity to grow as a person.”
Maria from Spain

“I had the opportunity to work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, improve my language skills, and make a meaningful contribution to the local community. The cultural exchange was enriching, and I gained a broader understanding of the challenges faced by young people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.”
Natacha from Macedonia

 “My stay in Belgium with Wingerdbloei was crucial for my later development and for gaining a clearer idea of what I would like to do professionally. My time there didn’t directly lead me to where I am now, but it definitely helped me find my path.”
Nelly from Germany


Wingerdbloei: a brief introduction

Wingerdbloei is a Non-Governmental Youth Care Organization located in Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium.
We provide care for minors aged 3 to 21 who are under the supervision of a Belgian juvenile judge (mandatory assistance) or the Committee for Special Youth Care (voluntary assistance). These young individuals face various challenges, including broken family ties, institutional living, emotional difficulties (such as a history of abuse), behavioural issues (aggression, family violence), underprivileged backgrounds, trauma experiences, and some have a minor refugee status.

Wingerdbloei comprises of five main departments: groups with young children (3-12), teenagers, youngsters that learn to live independently, unaccompanied minor refugees and outpatient support for families.

Our primary goal is to facilitate reintegration into the home environment or support independent living, empowering young people to become resilient and capable of managing their past challenges. We work directly with the youth and their families to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Wingerdbloei strives to create positive influences and new opportunities for the boys and girls in our care. One of our key focuses is the method of non-formal, experience-based learning.


Residential units

Six residential units accommodate minors, ranging from 3 to 18 years of age. When home situations temporarily present challenges that cannot be resolved spontaneously or solely through family counselling, staying in a residential group can be a necessary solution. In addition to supporting and caring for the parents, the group provides educational care for the children. This ensures that the guidance helps children develop optimally in all areas while primarily residing in the group.

Unaccompanied minor refugees units

Two living units accommodate minor refugees who have fled war zones to Belgium without their families. Providing warm shelter and being a safe haven is central to our mission. We support these young individuals in their migration process, working closely with their appointed guardians, significant family members and schools. We seek future prospects and focus on maintaining and strengthening meaningful contacts and the social network of each young person. The atmosphere in both groups is very hospitable; if you visit as an outsider, a meal is always provided, and someone will sit down with you for a nice chat over a cup of tea or coffee.

 

Studio training

Studio training in which girls and boys age 17 to 21 are being trained to independent living.
They are guided in various matters that come with living alone: housekeeping, budgeting, school and/or work, therapy, …

At the end of their traject we are proud when we see them living independently as empowered and resilient adolescents.

Family guidance

Counselling and pedagogical support to parents and children living at home. Our main goal is to strengthen the position and educational power of parents and to maintain and/or restore the bond between child(ren) and their family.

The ESC-Project

The volunteer will act as a “big sister or brother” to the children and teenagers in care at Wingerdbloei. We are convinced that the presence of a “foreign” volunteer can bring an extra value to the approach of the youngsters. They will learn a lot about the different culture, way of living , etc. Next to this , the volunteer is not a “professional” but somebody who is motivated, acts from the heart and wishes to learn new things. This can bring a positive role model to the youngsters, and so become a “big sister/big brother”.  The presence of a foreign volunteers as a role model offers the young people a relatable and inspiring example. We’ve noticed that European volunteers make a meaningful contribution to the emotional well-being of our youth. Their way of working  – driven by heart rather than by diploma – often creates a pure and authentic connection, something our young people deeply long for.

 

Volunteer Tasks and Role

  • You can participate in free time activities, excisting and new to develop. As a volunteer you can bring your own ideas. Every day the youngsters living in the residential care units have free time after school, between homework, dinner an bedtime. This is often difficult for them to fill .  You could organise activities such as group games, handy crafts, active evenings, sport activities etc.

  • Accompany during visits: When a youngster has a good contact with a volunteer it can be stimulating to have a trusted person next to them when  visiting a doctor, the home contextor other places outside. As a volunteer, you never replace the professional caretakers, but you are an extra support for the young people in our care.
  • Logistic tasks: you can help with preparing free time activities together with care workers, preparation of food, sorting out handy craft material, doing shopping, setting the table, help with washing, dishes etc.

  • Accompany during camp and outdoor activities ( hiking , biking, etc). An extra person joining during camp is often very welcome.  Next to logistic tasks  preparing food , helping with daily hygiene and more…) As a volunteer upi will always be supported by professional workers and will not be responsible for the youngsters in our care.  A camp is a yearly activity which gives the youngsters the opportunity to spent some time in a more rural environment and also opens the possibility for a different approach towards the youngsters. During a camp there are cultural visits, games in the forest, camp fire, creative activities ,etc.

  •  If a European youth exchange is organised in Belgium, and Wingerdbloei is host country, the volunteer can participate in the preparation and realisation by providing logistical support. The volunteer will be asked to engage according to personal interest and capacities.

  • We are open for all kind of new initiatives to bring extra possibilities during the free time of the youngsters. We will support new proposals brought in by you. There are a lot of opportunities because we work with a lot of people from foreign origin , who are open for more “integrating possibilities”. ( f.e. creative workshops for young people from foreign origin, sport activities instead of “hanging around”…)

As a volunteer you  don’t have ultimate responsibility and will always be supported by professional care workers.

Expected learning outcomes

The volunteer will grow as a young European citizen by living and working in Belgium, gaining insight into life in a Flemish city and the non-profit sector. Through daily interactions with youth, professionals, and other volunteers, they will develop social, cultural, and communication skills.

You will:

  • Learn about Belgian and Western European culture.
  • Improve language skills (Dutch, English, possibly French).
  • Gain experience working with disadvantaged youth.
  • Strengthen personal independence and adaptability.

By acting as a “big sister” and engaging in daily life in Belgium, you will broaden your perspective and serve as an inspiring example for the young people in our care, encouraging them to explore their own opportunities abroad.

Practical arrangements and support

  • Food & Pocket Money:
    Volunteers eat with the youth during activities and receive €280 as a monthly food allowance and €6 a day as pocket money via a prepaid card. Special dietary needs are considered. All housing and utility costs are covered by the host organization.
  • Accommodation & Transport:
    Volunteers are accommodated in a fully furnished apartment shared with another volunteer,with Wi-Fi provided. They should bring their own laptop if needed.
  • Holidays:
    Volunteers work a maximum 38 hours a week, split over 4 to 5 days a week. Training and supportive coaching moments are included within the 38 working hours.
    Each month you get 2 free days that you can save up to take f.e. a week of holidays. Time off must be requested in advance.
  • Language Training:
    Volunteers take an Dutch course and language assessment. Time for language learning is included in the work schedule.
  • Training & Support:
    Pre-departure support is given by the sending organization. On-arrival and evaluation training is provided by the national agency. A mentor and professional staff offer ongoing support. We provide training on managing challenging behaviour and our staff are also available for on-the-job training and guidance.

Our European Story:
Erasmus + and European Solidarity Corps

Since 2003, the organization has actively participated in the European Solidarity Corps and Erasmus+ programs:

  • Hosting ESC volunteers for enriching volunteer experience
  • Sending ESC-volunteers to several projects
  • Hosting 6 youth exchanges in Belgium and participating in several abroad.
  • Organizing trainings on inclusion and voluntary work.
  • Running a job shadowing project with Slovenian youth workers.
  • Supporting a youth initiative in Antwerp for peer-led free time activities.

These projects aim to broaden horizons and offer meaningful, life-changing experiences.

Would You Like to Join Us?


Interested in an enriching volunteer experience?
We’ve currently no spots for ESC-volunteers available, but please keep an eye on our website for future opportunities. We’d love to hear from you when the time is right!

You want some more information or have some questions: europe@wingerdbloei.be