How can a strong sense of belonging make individuals and communities more inclusive, resilient and courageous? What creates a sense of belonging, what threatens it and how can young people actively contribute to strengthening it? How do people feel when they are connected to a group or community, and what happens when they feel excluded or disconnected?

In Geel, we explore these questions through our unique tradition of community-based inclusion and our UNESCO-recognized Foster Family Care system.

On the first day of our project work, we will visit MPI Oosterlo, a care organization located in Oosterlo, a village in the city of Geel. The organization provides support and guidance to children, young people and adults with intellectual disabilities. Its mission is to help each individual develop their talents, achieve the highest possible level of independence and enjoy a fulfilling quality of life. At the same time, MPI Oosterlo strives to create an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to participate actively in the society.

Our students will participate in the activities organised for the residents of MPI. This can be a highly valuable experience for everyone involved. It creates opportunities for meaningful social interaction and fosters inclusion by bringing together young people with different backgrounds, experience and abilities. Through these shared activities, students develop greater understanding, empathy, and respect for diversity. Furthermore, such collaboration contributes to building a more inclusive society.

On the second day of our projectwork, we visit OPZ Geel. The Openbaar Psychiatrisch Zorgcentrum Geel (OPZ Geel) is a specialized psychiatric care centre. It provides professional mental health care for children, adolescents, adults and older people who need more specialized support than primary care services can offer. One of the most remarkable aspects of OPZ Geel is its connection with the unique tradition of Geelse Gezinsverpleging (Geel Foster Family Care). For centuries, people with mental health problems have been welcomed into local foster families, where they can live as members of the community while receiving professional support. This model of care has made Geel internationally famous and is often seen as an example of social inclusion in mental health care.