The Social Service for Foreigners in Liège has a long history of commitment to migrants and foreign individuals.

It all began on November 17, 1973, when a few people decided to respond to the growing needs of migrant workers and foreign students. Initially, the SSE operated as an informal association, with the mission of welcoming and providing moral and material support to foreigners, students, refugees, and workers residing in the Liège region, without any distinction of religion, race, or country of origin.​

Photo: Kamaruld Salleh / Unsplash

The Evolution of Our Actions

Since its inception, the actions of the SSE have continuously evolved to adapt to migratory realities:

1973-1975: first projects

Two teams focus their efforts on two main objectives:

• • provide concrete assistance to Turkish immigrant families living in Vottem.
  • supporting students from developing countries (emergency assistance, granting scholarships, and educational guidance).

1975-1979: opening to humanitarian aid

Our field of intervention quickly expanded, driven by the integration of Turkish families into Liège life and the arrival of refugees welcomed by Belgium. During this period, the SSE took care of many refugee families, including Laotian, Vietnamese, and Cambodian.

1980 :Refocusing efforts ,

Faced with a period of crisis in human and material resources, and due to stricter enrollment rules for foreign students, the SSE must refocus its efforts. The association then dedicates itself almost exclusively to the section devoted to helping Third World students. 

1984-1985 : professionalization and creation of the non-profit organization  

The year 1984 marks a major turning point with a new work orientation, driven by a dual ambition:

• to strengthen collaboration with existing social services (public and private) to better meet growing needs.
• to recruit professionals for social issues, as an essential complement to volunteer workers.

In 1985, the association took a decisive step by obtaining official legal status. The non-profit organization "Social Service for Foreigners of Liège" was created on January 3, 1985 (with the publication of the statutes in the Belgian Official Gazette on March 12, 1986).

Today: a mission still relevant

Since its creation as a non-profit organization, the SSE has constantly adapted to the evolution of social and economic demand.

The SSE remains actively engaged on the ground, continuously adjusting its actions to the various migratory realities. The fundamental mission of the association remains fully relevant and of urgent importance.