For the fourth consecutive year, Leuven is offering training for talent coaches. This year, over 50 professionals, including teachers, childcare providers, and welfare workers, are participating. The city now boasts 120 trained coaches active in more than 50 schools and organizations.
The new training program kicked off at the King Power at Den Dreef Stadion. Participants from various sectors gathered to learn how to assist children in recognizing and articulating their specific talents. Education alderwoman Lalynn Wadera highlighted the importance of this for children's self-confidence and resilience.
During the program, participants first explore their own talents and then learn to apply this 'talent lens' when working with children and youth. They receive practical tools for conducting talent conversations and helping children identify what motivates and energizes them. The training is led by talent expert Luk Dewulf and the Blij met Mij! Academie.
“"Talent is about activities that come naturally and provide satisfaction. You become so absorbed that time flies and you gain energy from it. Talent coaches help children recognize and name these talents. This helps them understand themselves better and build resilience, robustness, and a positive self-image."
Participant Kim from the Ziekenhuisschool aims to plant a seed in every student: naming something a student hasn't yet recognized in themselves. The training has expanded to include childcare, youth care, and welfare organizations, fostering a broad network where children receive support for talent development in various settings.
Tatjana, childcare manager at Sint-Jan, shared her experience: 'In childcare too, this talent lens helps you look beyond behavior. You consciously see who involves others in a game, comforts someone, or devises a solution. And you name it.' This helps children feel seen and valued.
Through this initiative, Leuven aims to become a 'talent city' where every child has the opportunity to discover and develop their strengths. By training teachers, childcare providers, and welfare workers together, they speak the same 'talent language' and reinforce each other, contributing to the well-being of every child.
