“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”
– Christopher Reeve
Capelderij vzw is located in the heart of Flanders. Dedicated and enthusiastic staff members support young people with behavioral and emotional challenges. These adolescents, aged between 10 and 21, are often referred by the juvenile court.
Set in a beautiful green environment, featuring a castle and two lakes, Capelderij consists of five residential units, each acommodating eight young people. The organisation also provides ambulatory guidance, while its collaboration with the on-site school offers additional support opportunities.
The centre aims to encourage and support young people in their personal development. Together with all those involved, staff work to address the challenges they face and help restore family relationships.
Preconditions for Improving Quality of Life
To continue offering these opportunities to young people in a sustainable way, ongoing investment is essential, particularly in the quality of education and in maintaining the surrounding environment.
The castle estate offers young people excellent opportunities to spend their leisure time in a meaningful way while fostering a sense of connection to and respect for nature. To achieve this, several urgent and less urgent interventions are required. Therefore, the board has developed a phased master plan for the coming years.
One of the most urgent interventions is the restoration of the two lakes situated between the castle and the residential units. These lakes are not only valuable from an aesthetic and ecological perspective, but also provide a unique space where young people can relax and unwind. During the summer months, they serve as a recreational area for activities such as fishing and boating.
“Our lake restoration project aims to restore the two lakes, creating a peaceful environment and offering recreational opportunities for the young people in our care.”
The VGP Foundation supports a project by Capelderij vzw in Flanders, Belgium, aimed at restoring a historic twin lake on the organisation’s grounds. This is the first subproject within a broader master plan designed to enhance the facilities of this social organisation, which supports young people in vulnerable situations. The lakes will be restored to create a peaceful space where the residents of Capelderij can relax and enjoy recreational activities.
The project includes a comprehensive restoration of the lakes, with completion scheduled before the start of the 2022 summer holidays.
