De Schommel vzw; Belgium

Anne De Groof, 56, has been the director of De Schommel VZW, a leading youth care organization in Belgium, since 2011. With a background in finance and extensive experience in the care sector, Anne brings a unique blend of strategic insight and compassionate leadership to her role. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to supporting the most vulnerable children in society.

Under her guidance, De Schommel has embraced innovation and solution-focused approaches. One of the most notable outcomes is OPLA, a groundbreaking digital platform designed to provide blended support to families navigating parenting challenges. OPLA transforms traditional care models by offering immediate, accessible tools—turning waiting lists into starting points.

Anne’s visionary leadership has garnered interest from stakeholders across Belgium and internationally, including South Africa, India, Uganda, and the Netherlands. Her work exemplifies how technology and care can intersect to empower families and professionals in youth services.