After 43 years of caring for more than 160 children, 65-year-old childminder Viviane D’hooge was celebrated by generations of former charges at buurtcentrum Den Hannekesnest in Langerbrugge. The retirement event drew attendees from across Evergem and beyond, including her very first charge, who returned decades later to mark the milestone.
Retirement Celebration in Langerbrugge
D’hooge began her career as a childminder at age 22. Working while her husband maintained a full-time schedule made finding local childcare difficult for her own son, Dieter, and daughter, Griet. When neighbors subsequently asked her to watch their children, she took on her first official charge, a boy named Bert.
Bert, now 43, recalled D’hooge as a warm and structured caregiver during his time in her home through his preschool years. He noted that he continued visiting her home during summer vacations to play football or spend time in the fields with Dieter. Over the next four decades, D’hooge expanded her home daycare operation, eventually welcoming almost 180 children through her doors.
Reuniting With Decades of Former Charges
D’hooge organized the retirement gathering herself to reconnect with the children she watched grow up. Attendees traveled from locations as distant as Sint-Niklaas to greet their former caregiver with hugs, flowers, and gifts. While D’hooge admitted she struggled to recognize some of the adults who stood before her as thirty-somethings, familiar childhood traits quickly brought back memories.
Among the attendees was Bram Persant, 41, who spent his mid-1980s childhood under D’hooge’s care. Persant, who still encounters D’hooge at local events like the Magneetfeesten in Doornzele and Rock voor Specials, noted that her calm demeanor made her suited for childcare. He reflected that raising children makes one realize the gravity of leaving them in another’s care, adding that spending five minutes with D’hooge inspires complete trust.
Frequently Asked Questions About Viviane D’hooge’s Retirement
How many children did Viviane D’hooge care for during her career?
D’hooge provided home childcare for more than 160 children over a span of 43 years in the Evergem region.
At what age did D’hooge start working as a childminder?
She began caring for children at age 22, initially staying home to look after her own son, Dieter, and daughter, Griet, before taking on neighborhood children.
Where was the retirement event held?
The celebration took place at buurtcentrum Den Hannekesnest in Langerbrugge, drawing former charges from Evergem, Sint-Niklaas, and surrounding areas.
Who was D’hooge’s very first charge?
Her first charge was Bert, who was cared for by D’hooge alongside her own children until he reached school age and later returned to visit during summer vacations.
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