Learning above the city, growing despite obstacles

From chessboards to gyms, from hours of wonder to a rooftop playground with views over Brussels: the GO! Atheneum Caroline Pauwels is a place where young people can thrive. What they need is the opportunity to truly do so.

On February 7, 2026, OSB-VUB attended the open house at the GO! Atheneum Caroline Pauwels in Molenbeek. Not a traditional tour, but a real behind-the-scenes look at a school we support through our fundraising efforts. What's immediately striking is that young people learn and grow here in a calm, modern, and well-thought-out setting , with a focus on infrastructure, guidance, and talent development.

The school exudes space, both literally and figuratively. With four fully equipped gyms, students have every opportunity to exercise: soccer, basketball, volleyball, dance—it's all possible. The playground features ping-pong tables , with free-to-use rackets and balls. And thanks to the proximity of Tour & Taxis , students also venture outside during gym class to play sports in the city.

But mental and intellectual well-being also receives significant attention here. During lunch, students can play chess twice a week —a seemingly simple activity that actually strengthens strategic and analytical thinking, concentration, and memory. These kinds of choices demonstrate the school's strong commitment to development in the broadest sense of the word .

The range of programs is extensive and clearly geared towards further study . Students are prepared step by step for higher education, with special attention to STEM fields . Science subjects are taught in no fewer than four state-of-the-art laboratories , where theory and practice go hand in hand.

To ensure no one falls through the cracks, the school developed the "Leave No One Behind" project. It's not a slogan, but a daily practice. Students who need extra support receive up to four " reinforcement hours" per week. Students seeking a greater challenge can attend the " wondering hours" —completely in the spirit of Caroline Pauwels. Everything is tailored to their needs , and every Wednesday .

During these hours of wonder, students explore a wide range of topics: from " making your own tsunami" to " dance classes," from " how to use ChatGPT" to " becoming a real journalist." Eight new topics are introduced each month , continually stimulating curiosity and providing opportunities for talents to grow.

"According to Einstein, there are two ways to live your life: Act as if nothing is a miracle, or act as if everything is a miracle. I choose the latter." (Caroline Pauwels, quote taken from one of the walls in the school.)

Creativity and language also have their place. In the CREA space , students can develop their artistic talents. In addition to the traditional library, there's the Reading Lab : an open reading space where books are deliberately not filed . Students are invited to browse, discover, and find their own way through stories and knowledge.

Is there anything missing? There's also the student council , where young people can propose their own initiatives and help shape school life. And for students in their third, fourth, and fifth grades, there's even a rooftop playground , where they can play during breaks with a beautiful view of Brussels—a moment of breathing space above the city.

Everything is in place to help young people thrive here: infrastructure, guidance, vision, and commitment. The only real barrier is financial . For many families in this typical Brussels environment, cultural activities, additional support, or enriching projects aren't always readily available. That's precisely why OSB-VUB is supporting this high school through a fundraising initiative.

Because talent is abundant here. What remains necessary is solidarity to ensure that every child , regardless of their background, can fully develop those talents and, who knows, perhaps even walk across the campus of our Alma Mater in a few years.

Would you like to contribute? You can do so in installments of €5. For every €200, we help one child .

Come to our closing benefit event on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Followed by a concert in Aula Q.