Social House Wetteren – Buddy Project
Context and origins
The Buddy Project Wetteren, coordinated by the Social House Wetteren, was created out of the ambition to bring newcomers and local residents closer together.
The municipality noticed that many non-Dutch-speaking residents, even after completing their civic integration programme, still struggled to find their way in social and leisure activities.
That is why a local bridge-building initiative was launched, aiming to create lasting connections and mutual engagement between people from different backgrounds.
Moreover, the project aligns closely with the Flemish government’s integration and civic integration action plan, which encourages local authorities to actively promote social interaction, language acquisition, and participation.
In this way, the Buddy Project offers a concrete response to these policy objectives, while also serving as a warm social initiative that grows from within the community itself.
Process
The principle is simple, yet powerful.
A Dutch-speaking buddy is matched with a non-Dutch-speaking newcomer or family. They then meet at least twice a month to do something together: go for a walk, cycle, cook, visit a museum, or simply have a conversation in Dutch.
Through these regular meetings, language practice, mutual understanding, and friendship develop naturally.
In addition, the guidance provided by the Social House ensures structure and follow-up: there are intake interviews, matching based on interests, and interim check-ins.
After about six months, a closing event takes place where experiences are shared — and where new buddies often meet each other as well.
Objectives
The Buddy Project has three clear and mutually reinforcing objectives:
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Strengthening social connection – helping newcomers expand their network in Wetteren and feel at home in their new environment.
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Sharing language and culture – practising Dutch in an informal, relaxed context while getting to know each other’s world better.
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Promoting well-being and participation – contributing to a warm, inclusive community where everyone can take part in social life.
By combining these three objectives, the project fosters not only individual growth but also a stronger sense of community cohesion within the municipality.
Impact
The impact of the project is felt on both sides.
Newcomers report feeling more quickly integrated and supported, while local buddies say they broaden their perspective and form new friendships.
In this way, the project not only creates connections between people, but also fosters greater mutual understanding and solidarity within the community.
Moreover, the initiative shows that small, human-centred projects can make a big difference in everyday life.
They not only strengthen social cohesion but also make the values of diversity and respect visibly tangible in Wetteren.
Result
With the Buddy Project, Social House Wetteren demonstrates that integration and community life are not just policy domains, but something that grows through real human connections.
The strength of the project lies in its simplicity and its human impact: two people, one conversation, and a world of difference.
