Young people in closed juvenile institutions can now earn diplomas

Young people studying in Belgium’s closed juvenile institutions can now earn a secondary-school diploma without losing credit for the lessons they take inside.

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It has become an autonomous school with more powers.

Students at facilities including De Zande in Beernem and De Grubbe in Everberg could already attend classes. Previously, however, that work did not count officially when they returned to their former school or moved to a new one. Teaching staff can now issue certificates and hold examinations.

The change follows the transfer of education staff from the Justice and Enforcement Agency to the Education Department. The six institutions covered include De Zande, De Kempen, which has two campuses in Mol, and De Grubbe. They house young people placed there by a juvenile court after committing or allegedly committing a juvenile offence.

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We still keep contact with their school of origin. That makes reintegration from the institution back into school easier.

Ellen Duyck, director of education for the community institutions, said the school system had become an autonomous school with broader powers. Vicky De Proft, who works at De Zande, said students could still graduate through their original school, with teachers maintaining contact and sharing assignments and tests.

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If they later go to a new school, the material they have covered counts and they do not have to repeat it.

The new system is intended to prevent students from having to repeat material after transferring. The lessons must meet curriculum plans and learning objectives. Officials also hope the possibility of a recognized qualification will encourage more young people, particularly those suspended or disengaged from school, to attend classes.

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We hope the young people will be more motivated to attend lessons now that they know they can also earn a diploma through them.