Upgazet: Two generations, one bowl of soup

During a busy exam period between two waves of coronavirus, Upkot made a warm appeal to all grandparents to come and make soup as a surprise for their grandchildren. 

The “Grandma's Soup” campaign brought two generations together: students who were cramming for exams and their grandparents, who gave them unexpected encouragement in the form of steaming, homemade soup. A simple meal as a gesture of connection. In Bro Upkot (Ghent), Kok and Tineke, the grandparents of student Quinty, suddenly appeared in the kitchen.

What inspired you to make soup for your grandchild during exam season? 

Our grandchild only has to ask and we are there for them. That is natural and important to us.

Does making soup have a special meaning for you?

Definitely. When our grandchildren were little, they always had tomato soup at grandma's house. That remains a fond memory. For us, it's also a way to be involved in their lives. We missed that support in our own childhood.

What advice can you give other families about supporting students during stressful periods? 

A listening ear is worth its weight in gold, at any time of the day. Just being there is sometimes the best thing you can do. We remember that Quinty barely had time to eat, but we lured her inside from behind a pillar. Then the tears came. Such beautiful moments linger for a long time.