SURPLAS

Support for young adults in Brussels

2012 till 2018

Bruxelles, Belgium

Context

Young adults in cities are different from those in the countryside as they do not share the same roots. Some behaviours differ including the hold of authority over them. There is an alarming trend that urban children and adolescents are perceived as a nuisance and are often held responsible for many problems.
Habbekrats wants to empower these young adults through dialogue, action and research, while offering them a space adapted to their needs. The organisation hopes to make the city more youth-friendly and to make young people actors in public life.

The project is located at the Grand Place in Brussels. At the heart of Brussels (and of Europe), it is a meeting point of cultures and a reflection of a large population, including young adults.

Beneficiaries

Young adults aged between 8 and 21 years old, in situations of social risk.
Most are marginalised, disadvantaged and homeless who, due to certain circumstances, find themselves in hopeless situations.

Objective

SURPLAS est un lieu où, en se plaçant au niveau des jeunes, il leur est accordé du temps, de l’écoute et de la compréhension. S’y développe un cadre chaleureux, où l’enfant est accueilli, se sent « comme à la maison » et où sont organisés différentes activités, un accompagnement aux devoirs, des sensibilisations sur la santé, l’alimentation, l’hygiène, le soin de soi, etc.

Habbekrats croit au coté positif de chaque enfant, en dépit de son origine ou de son passé. Toutes les activités sont basées sur ce principe. Toute la philosophie de Habbekrats est par ailleurs axée sur une combinaison de valeurs (respect, égalité, solidarité et justice), de cordialité (les accompagnateurs se présentent toujours comme des amis prévenant et accompagnant au mieux des parcours de vie souvent difficiles) et de vérité comme garante de l’authenticité.

Results

The “Cerf Volant” building hosting the project on the Grand Place in Brussels, was rehabilitated into a welcoming home for the SURPLAS project. Since March 2014, approximately 40 children and young adults have been welcomed every day, where they receive support, extracurricular help, recreational and cultural activities, etc. During the school holidays, they are welcomed at a “holiday camp” at La Roche in the Ardennes, where they are offered a wide range of activities.
The Foundation funded some activities and the salary of a project leader.
The Foundation also supported the “L’ILO”, a new Habbekrats hostel in the Galerie de la Reine in Brussels.

Our actions

Whether on a national or international level, we want to offer young people the best possible opportunities for the future. We support projects through concrete action on the ground thanks to our partner organisations

Discover this action

2010 till 2019

Belgium