Antwerp – In Borgerhout, Antwerp, the organization Mothers for Mothers has distributed 600 school bags filled with supplies to children from financially struggling families. This initiative aids parents like single mother Kelly and mother of six Ilse in preparing their children for the upcoming school year, reports 24brussels.
As reported by VRT NEWS, the volunteer group initiated the distribution in Borgerhout, providing fully stocked school bags that eliminate the need for children to carry their books in plastic bags. Volunteer Mia emphasized that every child should have their own appropriate materials to foster a sense of belonging.
How are Mothers for Mothers helping 600 Antwerp children start school?
The organization collects school supplies throughout the year, ensuring each item meets quality standards before being packed into the bags. Each bag contains essential items like book covers, colored pencils, markers, a lunch box, and a water bottle. Volunteers meticulously verify that every bag is complete and ready for use, thus alleviating the burdens on families and empowering children with the supplies they need.
The event commenced on August 19, 2025, allowing families in need to obtain a school bag for just one euro. Children also received free name tags from My Nametags to label their belongings. Many families expressed gratitude for the initiative, as volunteers assisted them in selecting bags tailored to their specific needs.
“I’m a single mother living in temporary housing with my 8-year-old daughter. At first, I was a little embarrassed and didn’t dare ask for help. But they make you feel at ease here, which eliminates that hesitation,”
says Kelly.
“I think it’s fantastic that such initiatives exist, because then children don’t have to notice that they have less than other children.”
Ilse, a mother of six, referred to the school bags as “a welcome bonus,” sharing how raising a large family often necessitates tough prioritization decisions.
“Without this help, it feels like solving a puzzle. Now I can give my children what they need,”
she noted, as her daughter, Lovely, eagerly selected a grey school bag with white stripes.
“My mom does so much for us. I’m really happy with my bag,”
Lovely said.
“I am a mother of a large family with 6 children, so those school bags are a welcome extra.”
Mother Ilse expressed.
A similar initiative took place in Antwerp in early September 2022, allowing families in need to either choose their school bags for a nominal fee or receive them for free. This program helped alleviate financial stress for parents, ensuring that children began the school year prepared. Such initiatives have also been organized in Ghent and Brussels in recent years.
