Flemish government stops supporting 900 solidarity volunteer initiatives

The Flemish government decided last week to discontinue its development cooperation activities. This means that support for the 4th Pillar Support Center will also be discontinued. 11.11.11 is being discontinued. This jeopardizes support for at least 30.000 volunteers and 900 organizations working from Flanders on global solidarity projects. 

"The elimination of the allowance has a major impact on the support that the 4th Pillar Support Center will still be able to offer. But we are especially shocked by the blunt way in which the Flemish government is dismissing the commitment to a better world of so many citizens," says Jacques Mevis, supporter of 4th Pillar initiatives at 11.11.11.  

With its support center unites 11.11.11 in Flanders the so-called '4th Pillar initiatives': initiatives of citizens who undertake a solidarity project themselves in a partner country outside Europe. They support schools in Nepal, provide water or sustainable energy in Kenya, plant forests in the Sahel, support children with disabilities in Peru, or support women's groups in Congo.   

One of them is the Leuven Eline Nys from the non-profit organization Let us Change, who, together with volunteers, shelters street children in Ethiopia. "What started for us with one child has now become a safe home for 86 children," says Nys. "Our first students prove that change really is possible." A similar motivation is evident in Christel Eeman of Maison Maurice vzwChristel is committed to helping vulnerable children in Congo. Her organization recently provided them with food and clothing: "I see every day that even a small gesture makes a big difference for people in Congo." 

“Anyone who is committed to an international project can contact us for coaching, advice and training“Such a project usually starts from a warm commitment, and those volunteers are also looking for know-how to develop their project sustainably and with high quality,” says the 4th Pillar team.  

This has built up considerable expertise in recent years: "It involves practical questions about legislation, insurance, or fundraising, but also training on equal partnerships and collaboration. By connecting volunteers, a network grows where they inspire and learn from each other."  

“These projects are indispensable for international solidarity,” says researcher Sara Kinsbergen (Radboud University) in an interview with NieuwWij. Kinsbergen has been studying citizen initiatives in the field of international solidarity since 2006 and considers Flanders a guiding country: "These socially engaged individuals have a major impact. They lay the seeds for global citizenship and are an ally for the government and major development organizations."  

“It is now unclear whether we can continue that support in the future”, says Jacques Mevis of 11.11.11 There are no simple solutions, but we are not abandoning the 4th Pillar initiatives. They have become an integral part of our movement for international solidarity.

Still decided 11.11.11 in advance to ensure that the annual Day of the 4th Pillar in the Flemish Parliament takes place on 28 February 2026.