This title celebrates years of collaboration with social economy partners such as Veerkracht 4, Forena, and Deltagroep, who are instrumental in fostering an inclusive labor market in Menen. The designated municipalities commit to strengthening and promoting their partnerships with sheltered workshops.
Sheltered workshops play a vital role by providing tailored employment for individuals facing barriers to the job market, while simultaneously delivering quality services to governments, organizations, and businesses. They thus contribute to a sustainable local economy and create opportunities for those who find it challenging to integrate into the regular workforce.
Veerkracht 4, a key partner, employs around one hundred individuals across departments including green spaces, paving, laundry, cleaning, and work care. Their recent relocation to a modern facility in Bruggestraat underscores the organization's ongoing professionalization and growth.
The city also maintains a close working relationship with Forena and Deltagroep. These organizations are crucial to the local activation policy, playing a key role in temporary work experience (TWE) programs. This collaboration enables individuals to gain work experience, enhance their skills, and progress towards sustainable employment.
Alderwoman for Social Affairs Angelique Declercq expressed satisfaction with the recognition: "Social sheltered work ensures that people are given opportunities to develop their talents and participate fully in society. Veerkracht 4 demonstrates daily that social employment and professional service provision go hand in hand. As a local authority, we are particularly proud of our long-standing partnership. Thanks to partners like Veerkracht 4, we not only achieve quality services but also invest in a warmer and more inclusive society. We extend this vision to our collaboration with Forena and Deltagroep. Together, we focus strongly on activation and temporary work experience, enabling people to gradually move towards sustainable employment."
The ambassadorship is therefore more than a symbolic acknowledgment for the City of Menen. It affirms the conviction that local governments, in partnership with their social economy counterparts, are significant drivers of inclusion, employment, and societal participation. By consciously collaborating with organizations like Veerkracht 4, Forena, and Deltagroep, Menen opts for a policy that links economic value with social impact.
