Supporting Friends
what is the goal?
Supporting Friends is an association that supports local projects on São Tomé e Principe, a small island off the west coast of Africa. The organisation prides itself on using 100% of the financial resources it raises to support the local population.
A group of Flemish medics organises medical missions here several times a year with volunteer doctors, anaesthetists, dentists and general surgeons to carry out operations in the national hospital.
Supporting Friends also provides accommodation and education and creates a safe environment in the residential centre where older people and children can enjoy a hot meal and a nice chat every day.
How do we contribute?
Upgrade Estate gives the project financial support.
Would you like more information about Supporting Friends? Click here to visit their website.
TAJO
What is the goal?
Talentenatelier Jongeren (TAJO, the Young People's Talent Workshop) started from the idea that only those who are offered opportunities will be able to seize them. With this in mind, it organises practical workshops on Saturdays for socially vulnerable young people with the aim of teaching them the importance of ‘doing your best for later’. It hopes to stoke their passions and interests, so they will be motivated to study in a direction that takes them forward.
How do we contribute?
In partnership with TAJO, we organise a practical workshop on talents and group dynamics in Prullenbos. Furthermore, we make our event location, the Upgrade Academy, available for brainstorms and trainings of the team and the youth.
Would you like more information about TAJO? Click here to visit their website.
Rotaract Eeklo Meetjesland
What is the goal?
Rotaract is the youth wing of Rotary International, founded in 1968. Young people aged 18 & 30 engage in social, sports & cultural activities.
How do we contribute?
We gifted the organisation our 'Pirates Viva Vanneke'. A caravan full of pirate-themed toys. The organisation uses the caravan as a play & feel area to teach the children something about pirates. Every month the Viva Vanneke is at a different school in the Meetjesland region.
ASBL CAPITAL
What is the goal?
ASBL CAPITAL is a safe haven in the metropolis where young people can be themselves and discover their passions and talents. They connect young people with Brussels-based organisations and offer programmes that address the challenges faced by young people in the metropolis. CAPITAL strives for a sustainable and inclusive society, where everyone, regardless of socio-economic background, religion, orientation or gender, has the opportunity to develop themselves.
How do we contribute
Thanks to our support, Capital vzw can make a real difference for young people in Brussels. Upgrade Estate’s contribution had a tangible impact in 2024-2025. Here are some figures we’d like to share:
- In 2024, the number of young people they welcomed grew from 3,475 to 5,231. In total, there were 26,397 visits, averaging 80 young people per day.
In 2025, they launched CAPITAL CONNECT, a new check-in app. From January to June alone, more than 20,000 visits were recorded, averaging 111 young people per day.
StreetwiZe / MobileSchool.org
What is the goal?
StreetwiZe/MobileSchool.org is a hybrid organisation that uses its experience with complex and competitive street communities to enhance the sustainable development of young people and businesses. With game-changing educational tools for youth workers and high-impact learning products for businesses, we strive for a 360° impact on society and vulnerable young people worldwide.
How do we contribute
We are extremely proud to make a difference for vulnerable children through our financial support. Thanks to our monthly contribution, they are, among other things, launching a brand-new FlagBag partnership in La Paz, Bolivia in March.
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