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TADA starts when children are in the fifth grade of primary school, at 10 or 11 years old.
At this age, children are immensely curious about the world around them and are right on the verge of a major first step in their educational career: the transition to secondary education.
This is a deliberately chosen, crucial age for a preventive approach. Indeed, research shows that from the age of 12, children often already impose a 'ceiling' on their own future dreams, influenced by a socially and economically vulnerable background—which is a key mechanism in reinforcing social inequality. With TADA's model, we tap into their intrinsic motivation, resilience, and self-confidence just in time, helping them make an informed choice for the rest of their educational journey with a broad perspective and full of confidence.
For our Weekendschool, we collaborate with primary schools in the neighborhood of our branches. Each location is deliberately chosen in an area facing specific socio-economic challenges. The partner schools we work with have a high number of pupils growing up in a socio-economically vulnerable context. The schools and teachers are therefore crucial partners for TADA: together, we ensure that every child can fully develop their potential.
Not every child at our partner schools has the same need for our programs at the same time. That is why we conduct an individual interview with each interested child. We select children who are motivated to follow the three-year journey, clearly understand what TADA entails, have the support of their parents to participate, and have less access to enriching extracurricular activities to discover their talents. Our pedagogical coordinators evaluate each interview carefully and objectively in order to build a balanced class of motivated children who fit TADA's criteria.
Unlike the Weekend school, we do not select individual children for our programme at school. Instead, we work with entire classes and their teachers during regular school hours, meaning the selection process takes place entirely at the city and school level.
We focus specifically on cities, neighborhoods, and schools in a socio-economically vulnerable context, where we can make the biggest impact. To build a sustainable operation, we look for strong local roots and only launch the program where sufficient networks and partnerships are present to support the schools. Because an intensive collaboration stands or falls on a shared vision, we select schools whose leadership and teaching staff are enthusiastic about integrating the program into their daily operations. Finally, we take practical feasibility into account—such as the number of pupils per school—to ensure that the logistical and pedagogical organization runs smoothly.
The youngsters in Brussels attend TADA every Saturday (outside of school holidays) for three years.
After that, they become TADA alumni, with whom we stay in touch to regularly hear how they are doing (at school). Many of them get involved as volunteers in the weekend school and act as wonderful role models for the youngsters of the weekend school. We are proud that our adult alumni also continue to return to TADA as guest teachers, and we can rely on many of them as ambassadors and advisors.
TADA remains a lifelong anchor for our youngsters. The journey therefore does not end after the weekend school, but evolves alongside the alumni's needs. Within the TADA Alumni program, we focus on 3 pillars: support (a lasting base where alumni can go for personal and professional growth, among other things), network (the bridge to broader society, with active access to new opportunities and professional connections), and engagement (the space and coaching to take ownership, give back to society, and inspire younger generations).
By offering educational programs to youngsters, we broaden their future prospects and boost their motivation at school. And it works! A 2022 study by Bain & Company demonstrated the impact of TADA on its young people's educational journey:
All jobs inspire big dreams! Every TADA day is centered around one specific sector, which we highlight as broadly and variedly as possible. To ensure our youngsters discover the widest possible range of professions, we carefully maintain a balanced mix across all fields.
Does your job or area of interest align with one of these subjects? Then you are more than welcome as a guest teacher! Interested? Register here!
Don't see an immediate connection with one of these subjects? We are also looking for volunteers to help guide our groups during field trips. You don't necessarily have to work in that sector yourself, and it can be a lot of fun for adults to get a behind-the-scenes look at a hospital, garage, court of law, and more!
Our TADA days in schools are built on the exact same philosophy: all jobs inspire big dreams! Every TADA day is centered around one specific sector, which we highlight as broadly and variedly as possible. To ensure our youngsters discover the widest possible range of professions, we carefully maintain a balanced mix across all fields using our 'TADA Pie'.
The key difference in our programme at school is that, when choosing the sectors, we make a direct link with the school's curriculum. The selection of subjects is therefore always done in close consultation with the school itself.
Does your job or area of interest align with one of these subjects? Then you are more than welcome as a guest teacher! Interested? Register here!
Don't see an immediate connection with one of these subjects? We are also looking for volunteers to help guide our groups during field trips. You don't necessarily have to work in that sector yourself, and it can be a lot of fun for adults to get a behind-the-scenes look at a hospital, garage, court of law, and more!
At TADA, children aged 10–14 discover what 'later' can mean for them. They participate in interactive workshops on various topics and get introduced to a wide range of professions.
Pedagogical coordinators are at the heart of this adventure. They guide their own class in the weekend school or act as the conductor of the day during our programme at school. They search for passionate guest teachers, prepare them to share their profession, and coach them throughout the day. They bring the TADA magic to life by taking responsibility for both the content and the logistics. In doing so, they create a positive atmosphere where passion and the joy of discovery go hand in hand with respect and structure.
We expect honesty, respect, openness, and commitment from every participant in a TADA activity (our team, our volunteers, and our youngsters). We support each other in actively building a safe and ethical culture. That provides the best environment to learn, grow, and have fun.
This means using respectful language, not discriminating against anyone, and respecting each other's physical and emotional boundaries. You must always ask a youngster for consent before any physical contact occurs—for instance, when offering assistance during a workshop. We also ask that you encourage the children to do the same among themselves if physical contact is part of an activity (e.g., sports or physiotherapy). In short, we expect you to lead by example, which is the best way to keep our youth work safe for every youngster.
Would you like more information about how we integrate integrity into TADA's operations?
You can find the link to our integrity policy here.
Have you experienced a situation regarding integrity yourself? You can reach out to our colleague Ellen Hertegonne. She is our Designated Integrity Officer (API). She can be contacted at ellen@toekomstatelierdelavenir.com and during office hours at 02/781.00.32.
You are embarking on a fantastic, enriching experience! As a volunteer guest teacher, you don't need a background in teaching or hours of preparation. What do you need? Above all, the enthusiasm to share your profession and passion with our youngsters.
During a TADA Saturday, you will lead interactive workshops for small, dynamic groups of 6 to 8 youngsters.
Our TADA days are built on the committed shoulders of our guest teachers. As a guest teacher, you will lead an interactive workshop centered on your profession or passion for different groups of young people. We count on you to be there once you commit. If unforeseen circumstances prevent you from attending, please inform your contact person as soon as possible.
Since you are the expert in your field, we love to involve you in shaping the content of the TADA workshop you will be leading. That is why, a few weeks before the activity day, you will be invited to a short online preparation meeting (60 mins). During this meeting, you will meet the other guest teachers of the day, and a pedagogical coordinator will explain TADA's approach. We will then discuss the content of the workshop in your domain.
Together, we will agree on a proposal so the program and your workshop can take shape from there. You will repeat this workshop several times, each time for a different small group of youngsters.
We expect you at the school from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. These times may vary if we go on a field trip.
If the workshops take place at the school, we begin with a briefing before the youngsters arrive. This gives us enough time to review the content, share pedagogical tips, and give you a brief tour of the school.
You will give the same workshop approximately 3 to 4 times, lasting 30 to 45 minutes each, depending on the topic and the number of workshops offered that Saturday.
Around midday, it's time for a 30-minute lunch break, which you can enjoy alongside your fellow guest teachers.
Our TADA days are built on the committed shoulders of our guest teachers. As a guest teacher, you will lead an interactive workshop centered on your profession or passion for different groups of youngsters. We count on you to be there once you commit. If unforeseen circumstances prevent you from attending, please inform your contact person as soon as possible.
Since you are the expert in your field, we love to involve you in shaping the content of the TADA workshop you will be leading. That is why, a few weeks before the TADA day, you will be invited to a short online preparation meeting (60 mins). During this meeting, a pedagogical coordinator will explain TADA's approach. We will then discuss the content of the workshop in your domain.
Together, we will agree on a proposal so the program and your workshop can take shape from there. You will repeat this workshop several times, each time for a different small group of youngsters.
Unlike the weekend school, the workshops in the programme at schools take place on a weekday (usually on Thursdays). We expect you at the school from approximately 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM or 4:00 PM, depending on the specific school hours.
We begin with a briefing before the youngsters arrive. This gives us enough time to review the content, share pedagogical tips, and give you a brief tour of the school. Depending on the daily schedule, you will give the same workshop a few times (lasting 30 to 45 minutes each), or the day may look a bit different: sometimes we run workshops at school for half the day and go on a field trip for the other half.
Around midday, it's time for a lunch break, which you can enjoy alongside your fellow guest teachers.
We pride ourselves on the fact that you can be a fantastic guest teacher even without teaching experience. The TADA team is there to guide and coach you. Prior to the activity, we will discuss the content of your workshop with you. Together, we will look at what materials are needed and whether you or TADA will bring them. We will send you the detailed schedule (daily agenda and content) in advance by email.
Tip 3: Give clear roles and responsibilities: for example, timekeeper, handing out materials...
You are stepping into a fantastic, enriching experience! You will be surrounded by youngsters, keeping you connected with their world and the generations of tomorrow.
You will have the opportunity to participate in fun TADA events or interesting field trips with the youth.
On the TADA day itself, we provide coffee, tea, water, and a group of inspiring adults to spend your lunch break with. As a volunteer, you are fully covered by civil liability and personal accident insurance.
Volunteers who help out multiple times a year at a specific location become part of that location's 'village'. We occasionally invite them to events without youngsters.
You are also more than welcome to join us at the end-of-year graduation ceremony!
As a volunteer at TADA, you are an indispensable link in our chain. We count on your presence and enthusiasm to make it a great day for both the youngsters and the adults.
This means using respectful language, not discriminating against anyone, and respecting each other's physical and emotional boundaries. You must always ask a youngster for consent before any physical contact occurs—for instance, when offering assistance during a workshop.
We also ask that you encourage the children to do the same among themselves if physical contact is part of an activity (e.g., sports or physiotherapy).
In short, we expect you to lead by example, which is the best way to keep our youth work safe for every youngster.
The emphasis here is on enjoying a great time together, creating a good atmosphere, and connecting with the youngsters.
Welcome: You greet the youngsters at the school gate and chat with them.
Attendance: You record who is present and absent for proper follow-up.
Lunch break: You assist during lunch with practical tasks (pouring water, clearing the lunchroom, leaving tables and benches neat and clean).
Even on the go, you ensure a positive atmosphere and a safe day.
On the way: You accompany the youngsters to and from the excursion location.
Logistics: You manage practical matters, such as liaising with the bus driver or planning the route.
Meals: You help ensure lunch on location runs smoothly.
During these special days, the schedule varies greatly. You can help out in dozens of different ways, from setup and logistical support to celebrating the young people's achievements.
You help youngsters who have completed the TADA Weekend School program find their place in society and further develop their talents. This can be done by providing personal or professional advice as a 1-on-1 mentor, hosting a group of alumni at your workplace for a company visit, or sharing your knowledge and network during an inspirational workshop.
Every Saturday, your child gets to try out different professions. Enthusiastic volunteers visit to show what they do for a living, for instance, nurses, lawyers, car mechanics, artists, or journalists.
By sharing their passion, these volunteers spark the youngsters' curiosity. We tell them: "You can do this too. There is so much out there for you to discover in society. Be bold, think critically, and push your boundaries." This helps your child discover what they enjoy and what they are good at.
Plus, we don't always stay in the classroom. The children frequently head out to explore the real world, visiting places like hospitals, construction sites, hotels, garages, and farms.
Your child learns a lot about the world—and about themselves—every Saturday.
By showing what the future has to offer, TADA aims to inspire and motivate children to do their best in regular school as well. They learn that achieving their goals takes effort and commitment.
After three years in the weekend school, your child becomes part of the TADA alumni community. The support and opportunities for these youngsters evolve as they grow older:
Weekend school
Wednesdays
TADA in the classroom
Important: only children from the Brussels partner schools that work with TADA are eligible.
Parents are very important to us. We would love to visit you to get to know each other.
We will also invite you to certain activities—for example, the premiere of our student-made film, the restaurant the children set up, etc.
To ensure your child gets the absolute most out of TADA, it is crucial that they attend every Saturday for three years. Your role as a parent in keeping your child motivated is essential.
Would you like to showcase your own profession to the children, lend a hand, or accompany a field trip? Feel free to speak to your child's Pedagogical Coordinator about this!
As a non-profit organization supporting over 2,800 youngsters from vulnerable backgrounds, many forms of partnerships are possible. To support our work, we look for financial backing, support through volunteers, as well as in-kind donations.
Are you interested in supporting TADA financially? We would love to discuss a tailored partnership with you. For this, you can contact fundraising@toekomstatelierdelavenir.com.
Every year, TADA's operations rely on more than 3,000 volunteers. This includes guest teachers, volunteers who help support our field trips, and mentors for our alumni. Would you like to learn more about the corporate volunteering opportunities for your company? Please fill out this registration document, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Various organizations also provide material and pro bono support to TADA. For instance, AXA provides office space, while A&O Shearman and Bain & Company offer pro bono advice. If you are interested in providing in-kind support to TADA, please reach out to us at fundraising@toekomstatelierdelavenir.com, and we will be happy to explore the possibilities together.
As a non-profit organization supporting over 2,800 youngsters from vulnerable backgrounds, many forms of partnerships are possible.
Are you interested in supporting TADA financially? We would love to discuss this further with you. For this, you can contact fundraising@toekomstatelierdelavenir.com.
Curious to learn more about our impact and operations in the meantime? We are happy to share our annual report and the summary of the latest version of the TADA Impact ScoreCard with you.
Developed in collaboration with Vlerick Business School, the ScoreCard measures various impact and operational indicators every six months.
By including TADA in your will, you support youngsters from vulnerable backgrounds in becoming active and responsible citizens in society. There are several ways to do this; you can find more information on the following page: Tada in your will.
