Each year, the municipality of Sint-Katelijne-Waver grants subsidies to projects in the Global South submitted by residents or organizations based in the municipality. In 2026, five applications were received, and after review by the citizen council for international cooperation, four projects will receive financial support. The municipality aims to support and strengthen the commitment of its residents through these subsidies.
Hulpcomité Guatemala vzw receives 5,540 euros for the purchase of sports equipment and security cameras for four schools they have already built in the highlands of Guatemala, where over 1,300 children and young people from disadvantaged families receive education.
Water4Ghana vzw is granted 7,000 euros to establish a water network in Digu, a village in Ghana with approximately 720 inhabitants. This initiative, started in 2009 by students, aims to provide residents with access to drinking water.
Wietse Van Opstal, who participated in an immersion trip to Bolivia last year as a student from Ursulinen in Mechelen, receives 2,000 euros for the project El Molino. The subsidy will be used to purchase a spinning machine to process llama wool into knitting yarn, aiming to create additional income for families and strengthen the local economy.
Leef vzw receives 8,000 euros to support the transport of a container with relief goods to Guelackh in Senegal. A medical team, including general practitioner Anouk Smeets and midwife Anke Van Dessel, will travel to the country in November. The mission includes medical consultations, the distribution of 1,000 birth kits, and maintenance and renovation work on the health post and school building.
