A new Dutch-speaking nursery school was inaugurated in the Brussels municipality of Ixelles on Tuesday. The school will accommodate up to 34 children, BX1 reported.
The project is the result of a collaboration between the municipality, the Flemish Community Commission and Lutgardis non-profit organisation. The Councillor for Early Childhood, Anaïs Camus, had supported proposals for a Dutch-speaking nursery school in 2020 after two independent Dutch-speaking crèches had closed their doors.
The new 'Ernestine' nursery school was set up with the help of Els Gossé, the councillor in charge of Dutch-speaking affairs. The municipality launched a call for projects, and the project submitted by operator Lutgardis won.
Related News
- Wallonia offers grants to strengthen language skills in region
- Multilingualism strong among Europeans, less so among native English speakers
The premises have been completely renovated and adapted to modern childcare practices. It is essential for Dutch-speaking families living in Ixelles, says Ixelles Mayor Cristos Doulkeridis. "After setting up the project for a Dutch-speaking community school, I am delighted that the commune is now seeing this happen with a new Dutch-speaking crèche."
Doulkeridis stressed the shortage of such nurseries in central Brussels.
