During the annual Koesterweek, organized by the Berrefonds (a foundation supporting grieving families) under the motto ‘Show your heart’, global attention is drawn to the grief of parents who lose a child. Wommelgem is spreading this message and wants to show that their star children also deserve a place within the community.
On Monday, December 14, from 7 PM to 10 PM at the JOC (Youth Center), the municipality, together with the Huis van het Kind Wommelgem (Wommelgem House of the Child), is organizing a free creative workshop ‘Theelichthouder’ (Tealight Holder). Participants will create a personal light to cherish a dear memory. Registration is available via the municipality's website.
The Koesterweek is also being highlighted at the after-school childcare services (BKO). Through atmospheric window drawings and participation in the Koesterchallenges from the Berrefonds, children and staff are contributing to the week.
Beyond the Koesterweek, Wommelgem also offers a star registry. Parents can symbolically register their stillborn or lifeless child here. This registry is for children who were stillborn or lifeless in Wommelgem, or whose parents resided in Wommelgem at the time of birth. The duration of the pregnancy or the timing of the loss does not matter; losses from years ago can also be registered. The registration has no legal value but serves as a warm gesture of recognition. Parents receive a personal registration certificate and a cherishing candle, which they can collect at the town hall or have delivered home. Visitors can also sit with a staff member in peace.
The municipality encourages participation in the Koesterweek by hanging a heart in the window, joining the Koesterchallenges, or lighting a candle on Sunday, December 13, at 7 PM for World Day of Remembrance for Lost Children, ensuring that no star child is forgotten.
