Mechelen is one of the four most multicultural cities in Flanders, together with Antwerp, Ghent and Genk. Over 130 nationalities live together here, together we speak more than 80 different languages. More than half of the children born here have a migrant background.
We are committed to creating a city where every single citizens feels at home: “Mechelen puts coexistence in diversity first. Connection, inclusion, participation and equal opportunities are key terms. Mechelen resolutely chooses to be an integrally accessible and warm city where everyone has a place and a voice, can participate and can construct the city of the future. Our organization and services are tailored to its superdiverse citizens”.
The city supports many advisory councils and facilitates and supports many forms of informal political participation. Unfortunately, citizens with migration roots do not find their way easily to these participation initiatives. Therefore, we have decided to experiment with innovative participation methodologies and have joined the MUST-a-Lab project.
By applying the policy lab methodology to our policy challenge (increase the sense of belonging at school for pupils with migration roots) we hope to have a substantial impact on local integration practices, but also to fundamentally change the manner in which policy recommendations in the field of diversity and inclusion are developed. The greatest strength of the methodology is the involvement of a multitude of stakeholders (professionals from different fields, public servants, elected officials, citizens) in the process of problem analysis, experimentation and formulation of policy recommendations. This is a truly inclusive process that prepares the ground for a long-lasting collaboration between the different stakeholders.
Latest News
Third Policy Lab in Mechelen!
On November 16th, the third Policy Lab took place in Mechelen. The Policy Lab group, consisting of teachers, parents and policy makers, came together for
Children as participants in Policy Labs: the experience in Mechelen
The topic of Mechelen’s Policy Lab is how to improve the sense of belonging of children and youngsters with migration background at school. It goes
Kick-off of the micro-experiments in Mechelen
After a long and well-deserved summer break, the MUST-a-Lab team in Mechelen came together for the kick-off of the micro experiments. The five teams shared
Second Policy Lab in Mechelen!
On March 30 th the second Policy Lab in Mechelen took place. More than 20 teachers, school principals, students, parents and local administrators worked further
First Policy Lab for the City of Mechelen!
On the 17th and 19th of January took place the first Policy Lab in Mechelen. 25 enthusiastic participants looked into new and creative ways to make schools