Today is the first day back at school for hundreds of thousands of young Flemings. It’s also a new chapter for Bruno, who arrived in Belgium from Angola in 2024. After a year and a half in the reception programme for non-Dutch-speaking newcomers (OKAN), he is starting Year 3 at the Sint-Lucas School in Antwerp. “I’m going to study a new subject that I’m really keen to pursue: architecture and visual arts,” he told VRT.
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15-year-old newcomer Bruno makes the move to mainstream secondary school
Bruno arrived in Belgium from Angola in December 2024. Since February last year, he has been attending reception classes, where young people who are new to the country take intensive Dutch courses and are prepared for the transition to mainstream education.
This first day at school has made Bruno a bit nervous: “I’m a bit worried about my Dutch. It really needs to improve. I’m afraid the teachers might not always understand me.”
His new school isn’t entirely unfamiliar. Last year, Bruno did a two-week work experience placement there to get to know the school and the course. Bruno is particularly looking forward to all the new things that lie ahead. “I’m looking forward to learning about new subjects and meeting new people.” There’s one subject in particular he’s really looking forward to: maths.
Still, saying goodbye to the OKAN classes triggers many emotions. “I am a bit sad, because I had lots of friends there and the teachers were really good at teaching. It really was like a second home to me. Going to a new school now is quite nerve-wracking,” says Bruno.
But Bruno remains determined. “Whenever I do something new, it’s a big step for me.” He’s highly motivated to learn. “I didn’t always feel like going to school, but I always feel like learning new things.” And despite his enthusiasm for this new adventure, he won’t forget his old school. “Of course I’m going to miss OKAN.”