School building IBIS - Ostend

It was out of great social concern that HRH Prince Albert took the fate of the children from the fishing families to heart. The fishermen were the poorest and most neglected social class at the time. The Prince wanted to improve their education and training by, among other things, taking care of orphans from the sea fisheries at an early age and giving them an advanced form of vocational education.

That is why, under his impulse, on July 6, 1906, the Royal Work IBIS (Oeuvre Royale des pupils de la pêche - Training School of Fisheries) was founded at the town hall in Ostend.

A three-master was purchased in Southampton and moored under the name “IBIS” in the Ostend-Bruges canal. This fixed vessel was used until 1924 for the accommodation and training of the students. Until its demolition in 1937, it was a unique didactic instrument.

When the First World War broke out in 1914, IBIS had already recruited, trained and placed 274 children of sailors.

On October 13, 1914, the staff of the institution and 20 children were embarked on board the steam trawlers IBIS V - O.75 and IBIS VI - O.76, which set sail for Milfordhaven in Great Britain. Throughout the war , Milfordhaven was the refuge of IBIS . After the director had assured himself that the return journey could take place safely, the IBIS community left for Ostend on July 16, 1919.

A total of 9 vessels have been in service (IBIS I to IX).

In 1924, the students were able to move into the newly constructed buildings on the Prinses Elisabethlaan in Bredene, the current school building.

Willem Vandenameele