The Fonds Entrepreneurial pour Enfants Défavorisés (FEED) is a Belgian non-profit association founded on December 20, 2016. Its main objective is to offer material aid and financial support to homes for minors in difficulty, approved by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.
In Belgium, the Youth Aid sector faces considerable challenges, being underfunded and sorely lacking in human and financial resources. It often has to rely on voluntary work, as well as the goodwill and generosity of the general public and businesses. Psychological damage, a lack of foster families and sponsors, training, access to work, culture and leisure activities are the main problems facing foster homes. Of particular concern is the situation of eighteen-year-olds who have to leave the structures that housed them during their youth. These young people often find themselves on their own, with no family, no qualifications, no job and no financial resources. They’re not ready to face the harsh realities of life, and it’s imperative to provide them with support. They are part of the future!
FEED’s ambition is to involve the business world in a progressive approach. A “one company – one young person” concept is currently being studied and could be developed over the coming months. Under this concept, young people will be placed under the protective wing of companies that so wish. Through the intermediary of a person appointed from within the company, and in perfect harmony with the managers of the host institutions, the latter will help the young people to gradually discover the world of work and entrepreneurship, support them, motivate them academically, enable them to take part in cultural, sporting or leisure events, give them the opportunity to earn a little money during the school vacations or, quite simply, entertain them or “take them out” of their everyday lives from time to time. This concept could also prove very useful when the young person leaves his or her foster home at the age of eighteen, or when he or she becomes independent, which is possible from the age of sixteen. They will then need support, reassurance and coaching from the adults they have known and trusted throughout their youth.
The success rate at school for children placed in institutions is extremely low, and drop-outs are frequent. In fact, young people who leave their institutions when they come of age have generally not yet completed their schooling, and very rarely continue to do so, due to a lack of support and coaching. The problem of schooling for children in care is extremely worrying, and has a serious impact on their mental health. Young people who leave home at the age of seventeen or even eighteen quickly find themselves at a loss, with no training, no passion, no work and no life goals. This situation, too often ignored, is shocking and deeply saddening.
In some cases, work-study training could provide a credible solution to this sad situation. A number of corporate partners have already come forward to offer their support. A pilot project lasting three or even five years is currently being initiated. The population concerned, within the two homes selected and supported since 2016, will be children aged between twelve and eighteen (minimum).
FEED’s overall action is to be intensified to serve the cause of additional foster homes. Four homes are currently supported. The aim is to increase this number by one every two or three years.
The question of foster families and sponsorships, which are sorely lacking in most institutions, is also a problem. This issue needs to be addressed by raising awareness among personal contacts and other business relations.
In 2024, the FEED association was particularly active. In particular, it financed the acquisition of a seven-seater vehicle, a playground, the complete renovation of a bathroom and fitted kitchen deemed non-compliant by the Office National de l’Enfance, and the fitting out of a “cocoon” reception room, equipped with a kitchenette, TV, and a small furnished living room, intended for children and their parents, who are generally lacking.
More info : Accueil – Feed asbl
