On Monday, June 30, 2025, vzw Chinta proudly joined Saint Mary’s University (SMU) in officially welcoming the 20 dedicated candidates of Project Maalaga. This festive milestone took place at the Balai na Alumni, marking the beginning of an intensive 6-month Dutch language training led by Mr. Diederik Van Gorp, a visiting language instructor from Belgium and partner of vzw Chinta.
During the Welcome Program and Orientation, SMU’s Vice President for Finance and Treasurer, Mrs. Venica S. Acosta, highlighted the importance of the opportunity ahead, urging the future nurses:
“We, therefore, advise you, our dear nurses, to focus on your training for this is a rare, good opportunity. Right from the start, the end goal of this undertaking should inspire you to give it your best shot.”
Project Maalaga is SMU’s first enrollment-to-employment initiative, created in collaboration with international partners including vzw Chinta. The program opens doors to professional training and employment for Marian nurses in Belgium, and is the result of exploratory talks beginning in 2023 and a formal partnership signed on February 14, 2025.
The orientation included introductions by Dr. Joman Baliton, Dean of the School of Health and Natural Sciences (SHANS), and a motivating address from Mr. Van Gorp:
“It will be a very intensive six months, but hopefully it will be a very rewarding one, and it’s only the first step.”
Dr. Clara Gonzales, Head of the Promotions, External Relations, and Internationalization Office (PERIO), presented the timeline of Project Maalaga and officially introduced the 20 selected candidates. The Dutch language course commenced on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, and the candidates are expected to continue their journey in Belgium starting January 2026.
Dr. Sherylou Benig, Department Head of Nursing, concluded the first part of the program with heartfelt thanks to all those who brought this unique project to life. She called the initiative “a stepping stone” for the students toward fulfilling their dreams abroad.
At vzw Chinta, we are honored to walk alongside these talented nurses on their journey—one that bridges continents and creates meaningful futures through ethical international recruitment and shared commitment to compassionate care.
