Inkendaal Hospital School in Vlezenbeek Celebrates 50 Years: “Children Can Be Children Here While They Rehabilitate”

Children undergoing long-term rehabilitation at Inkendaal rehabilitation hospital in Vlezenbeek can spend their days in classrooms, attend lessons and take part in rehabilitation at the same time. The hospital school is celebrating 50 years since it received official recognition.

Most pupils arrive in the morning and return home in the evening. They study in classes of eight, while following their rehabilitation program. School director Koen Bellemans said the day program sets the school apart from most other hospital schools.

The pupils include children with developmental disorders, muscle diseases or acquired brain injuries who could no longer keep up in their regular schools. “They can learn to be themselves again, despite their illness,” Bellemans said. “The hospital school also feels like an ordinary school, with classrooms and break time. They can be children here while they rehabilitate, and they are grateful for that.”

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They can learn to be themselves again, despite their illness. The hospital school also feels like an ordinary school, with classrooms and break time. They can be children here while they rehabilitate, and they are grateful for that.

The school’s history reaches back to 1909, when Emma Crousse-Washer and her daughter Juliette sought to support poor families and sick children. Education was already being provided at the current site in 1957.

In 1976, the hospital school received official recognition for special education. The anniversary year began on Sept. 1, when the mayor of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw cut the ceremonial ribbon. Activities will continue throughout the school year.

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The start of the anniversary year was given today, on Sept. 1. The mayor of Sint-Pieters-Leeuw officially cut the ceremonial ribbon.