The future of digital education in Belgium is at a crossroads as the Flemish government debates the next phase of the Digisprong initiative. This digital leap, crucial for equipping students with necessary IT tools, faces budget cuts after the initial 400 million euros from European recovery funds were fully spent. On 2025-04-30 19:13:00, Flemish Education Minister Zuhal Demir expressed optimism about reaching an agreement soon.
- Vlaams minister Demir verwacht akkoord vrijdag
- 400 miljoen euro voor gratis laptops ingezet
- Digisprong-budget daalt naar circa 330 miljoen euro
- Vooruit wil laptops schoolbezit maken
- Scholen vragen variabele jaarlijkse ouderbijdrage
- N-VA ondersteunt beperkte oudervergoeding systeem
During the COVID-19 pandemic, schools urgently needed laptops for remote learning. The original plan provided free laptops to children from the fifth grade, but the funding has now ended. The government must decide how to continue the Digisprong with a reduced budget estimated at around 330 million euros over five years.
With schools currently charging parents for laptop use, the question arises: should laptops remain school property or be given to students? This debate is central to the upcoming decisions, as stakeholders push for clear rules and fair costs. What will this mean for families and schools moving forward?
How can the government ensure equitable access to digital tools without overburdening families? The proposed compromise suggests a shift towards school-owned devices, which may help control costs and maintenance. Key points include:
- Reduction of total funding from 400 million to about 330 million euros over five years
- Schools likely to retain ownership of laptops instead of giving them to students
- Annual fees parents pay could be capped to prevent excessive charges
- More than 70% of schools currently charge fees ranging from 0 to 150 euros
As the Flemish government finalizes the Digisprong plan, it must balance budget constraints with the need to provide all students with reliable digital tools. Will this new approach foster equal opportunities in education? Belgian parents and educators await clear guidelines and support to navigate this digital transition.
