House Gisèle et Georges

The Maison Gisèle et Georges is an innovative childcare structure focused on high-quality educational support and the well-being of children and adolescents, while nurturing a strong sense of community and local solidarity.
Fully aligned with the mission of SOS Kannerduerf Lëtzebuerg, the Maison welcomes children who, for various reasons, can no longer live with their parents. It offers them a stable and caring environment where they can feel safe and build trusting relationships with the adults around them.

The Maison Gisèle et Georges welcomes boys and girls up to the age of 18 in a warm, family-like environment where everyone feels respected and valued. An independent living unit on the top floor allows a young person aged around 16–17 to strengthen their autonomy and gradually prepare for a more independent life.

In 2024, the Maison Gisèle et Georges supported 11 children and adolescents. Their placement came after life paths marked by challenges that could affect their well-being and development.
In this context, the Maison Gisèle et Georges stands as a protective and caring space where each child can rebuild at their own pace, regain stability, and look toward a calmer, more hopeful future.

The Maison Gisèle et Georges is guided by broad educational principles, focusing on promoting each child’s strengths, supporting family reintegration whenever possible and beneficial, and encouraging academic success.
The team, trained in trauma-informed pedagogy, applies a systemic approach that actively involves families. In the best interests of the child, extracurricular activities and family meetings are regularly organised to strengthen bonds and support each young person’s development.

For Inge Leyens and her team, children above all need safety, trusting relationships, restored connections with adults, calm, and recognition.
The team strives to create an environment where children feel accepted as they are – including behaviours that may appear challenging, but often reflect survival strategies developed in response to difficult life experiences.

The integration of children into the Mertzig community is a key priority.
They are encouraged to take part in sports and cultural activities, build friendships at school, and engage actively in local life.

The year 2024 brought significant challenges, including the rebuilding of a new team following several departures.
Despite these demanding circumstances, the team grew stronger by fostering open communication and a strong spirit of mutual support.
The successes – from the children’s progress and the appreciation expressed by families to collective highlights such as team days, supervision sessions, and the summer camp – all served as powerful sources of motivation to keep moving forward together.

The Maison Gisèle et Georges maintains an excellent collaboration with the Mertzig municipality, particularly with the school and the school leadership.
This commitment took shape through the joint organisation of a training session on the impact of traumatic experiences on children’s development.

The Maison Gisèle et Georges aims to maintain a stable team, continue building trusting relationships with the children, strengthen partnerships within its network, and further develop collaboration with families — all with the goal of supporting successful family reintegration.

The Maison Gisèle et Georges supports the development of children’s social and personal skills through various approaches — discussion groups, individual mentors, psychological therapy, leisure activities, and more.
Everyday life is organised and carried out with the active participation of the children, encouraging them to take part in their communal life and growth.

At the Maison Gisèle et Georges, children’s participation in decisions that concern them is a core value.
They are involved in all decision-making processes, according to their age and abilities.
The Maison Gisèle et Georges is much more than just a place to live — it is a true home, where children can feel safe, develop their potential, and prepare for a brighter future. Thanks to the commitment of a dedicated team and a strong partnership with the Mertzig community, the Maison Gisèle et Georges provides essential support to children in need and helps build a fairer and more caring society.